Matt Hagan Goes To Finals At 2023 Menards NHRA Nationals

The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series witnessed yet another display of consistent performance from Matt Hagan and his Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Funny Car team. The Menards NHRA Nationals at Heartland Motorsports Park showcased skill and determination as Hagan steered his TSR American Rebel Dodge//SRT HELLCAT to a hard-fought runner-up finish in a rain-delayed final round.

Hagan’s remarkable sixth final-round appearance of the season saw him deliver an astonishing starting light of 0.024 seconds. In a testament to his prowess, Hagan recorded the quickest elapsed time of the entire event, a feat that would have earned him victory in most circumstances. However, rival Bob Tasca III narrowly secured the win with a time of 3.885, just edging out Hagan’s 3.965. The margin of victory was a mere 0.0496 seconds, highlighting the intense competition on display.

The event marked the final NHRA national race at Heartland Motorsports Park, as the 2024 NHRA schedule is set to welcome the Flying H Dragstrip in Odessa, Mo. The transition is a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of motorsports.

Under the expert guidance of crew chief Dickie Venables and the dedicated TSR crew, Hagan’s journey through the 16-car Funny Car field was a testament to his skill and determination. His path to the final included victories over formidable opponents like Alex Laughlin, Tim Wilkerson, and J.R. Todd, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown against Bob Tasca III.

The runner-up finish allowed Hagan to extend his NHRA Funny Car points lead, to an impressive 61 points, bolstering his bid for a coveted fourth NHRA World crown. Hagan’s achievements weren’t limited to the final race, as he clinched his second Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge event with a decisive win over Chad Green. The 3.960 finish secured Hagan eight valuable points, which will contribute to his overall total when the Countdown begins.

Reflecting on the race weekend, Hagan expressed appreciation for the support of American Rebel, a new sponsor, and acknowledged the formidable performance of his competitors. Despite falling short in the finals, Hagan remained focused on the positive aspects of the weekend, particularly the substantial points lead he gained over his closest rival, Ron Capps. With sights set on future successes, Hagan’s confidence was evident as he looked forward to the upcoming challenges.

Hagan’s TSR teammate, Leah Pruett, also displayed a commendable performance, advancing to the second round before narrowly losing to Justin Ashley, the eventual race winner and current NHRA Top Fuel points leader. Despite the setback, Pruett maintained her position in the top five of the NHRA Camping World Top Fuel points standings, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.

As the NHRA season progresses, fans can anticipate more exhilarating moments on the horizon. The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway is set to provide another thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of high-speed competition. With nitro qualifying sessions and eliminations scheduled, the event promises to captivate enthusiasts and showcase the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the NHRA series.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Fox Sports 1 will provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring that fans don’t miss a moment of the action. The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will be televised on Fox Sports 1 with qualifying round 1 on Friday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. EDT and qualifying round 2 on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. EDT. The final eliminations will be shown Sunday, Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. EDT on FOX Network.