TSR Nitro Teams Gear Up For Big Weekend At NHRA U.S. Nationals

As the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ regular season comes to a close, all eyes are on the highly anticipated Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals, set to take place at Indianapolis Raceway Park starting today and going onto the 4th. This iconic event marks the 15th race on the 21-race calendar before the Countdown to the Championship begins.

Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is poised to make a big impact at the event, with its two full-time entries ready to dominate the track: Leah Pruett in the Top Fuel category and Matt Hagan in the Funny Car category. \

Leah Pruett, a powerhouse in the Top Fuel category, is coming off a runner-up finish at Brainerd International Raceway and had the opportunity to test following the race. This momentum gives her a strong foundation as she heads into the U.S. Nationals. Pruett acknowledges the significance of the event’s unique scoring system, where round wins are worth 1.5 times more than usual. 

“Our momentum couldn’t come at a more preferred time in this regular season,” Pruett said. ”We put some of our most integral parts through the paces at the last race in Brainerd and they showed us where we can and cannot push more. I’m looking forward to the new weekend at Indy and utilizing the lessons learned from the last race. We’ll advance them into greater performances for TSR, our partners, and our Dodge fans.”

Funny Car driver Matt Hagan is set on leading the points going into the Countdown to the Championship. Hagan, who has consistently been among the top contenders this season, recognizes the importance of the U.S. Nationals as the last race of the regular season. 

“2013 was the last time I entered the Countdown leading in the points, so that is definitely my goal leaving Indianapolis,“ Hagan said. “We’ve led the points most of the year and (Ron) Capps took over the lead after Brainerd. With points and a half at Indy, anything is attainable. Between knowing what we’re capable of and what we learned in testing on Monday, I feel very confident rolling into Indy. I know it could be hot, but I feel we still have a good hot-weather tune-up and a great cool-weather tune-up. Dickie (Venables – crew chief) has all the bases covered, so I am excited. 

The Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals is not just a race but an event encompassing various activities and engagements. In addition to the intense on-track action, there’s a strong emphasis on community engagement and fan interactions. Pruett and Hagan are scheduled for autograph sessions, where fans can meet the TSR drivers.

Adding to the excitement, Pruett and Hagan will participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty autograph session, where fans can connect and share their enthusiasm for drag racing. The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge points from the season will also be factored into the overall points, adding another layer of intensity to the event.

The anticipation is palpable as the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals draws near. With Pruett and Hagan leading the charge for TSR and Dodge, fans can expect a weekend filled with high-speed action, close competition, and memorable interactions with their favorite drivers.

Here’s a list of the scheduled events for the 2023 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals:

Friday, Sept. 1 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV):

• Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 7 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Sept. 2 (Nitro Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, streamed live on NHRA.TV):

• Top Fuel qualifying session (Q2): 3:30 p.m. EDT
• Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Round 1: 4:10 p.m. EDT
• Funny Car qualifying session (Q2): 4:20 p.m. EDT
• Top Fuel qualifying session (Q3): 7 p.m. EDT
• Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Finals: 7:45 p.m. EDT
• Funny Car qualifying session (Q3): 7:50 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Sept. 3 (Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout and Top Fuel Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV):

• Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout – Round 1: 1:30 p.m. EDT
• Nitro qualifying session (All Funny Car entries not in the Callout): 1:45 p.m. EDT
• Nitro qualifying session (Top Fuel): 2:15 p.m. EDT
• Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout – Semi-Finals: 3:20 p.m. EDT
• Nitro qualifying session (All Funny Car entries not in the Callout): 5 p.m. EDT
• Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout – Finals: 5:15 p.m. EDT
• Nitro qualifying session (Top Fuel): 5:30 p.m. EDT

Monday, Sept. 4 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV):

• Round 1: 10 a.m. EDT
• Round 2: 12:15 p.m. EDT
• Semi-Finals: 1:50 p.m. EDT
• Finals: 3:45 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1/FOX:

• Sunday, Sept. 3: Qualifying show recapping Friday and Saturday’s action (11:30 a.m. EDT on FS1)
• Sunday, Sept. 3: Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout (4 p.m. EDT on FS1)
• Sunday, Sept. 3: Qualifying show recapping Sunday’s action (5:30 p.m. EDT on FS1)
• Monday, Sept. 4: Finals show (12-2 p.m. EDT on FS1 and 2-5 p.m. on FOX)