TSR Nitro Teams Ready For Last Trip To Heartland Motorsports Park

The excitement is building as the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor approaches, set to take place from August 11th to 13th at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas. As the 13th event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 21-race calendar, this race marks a crucial point in the season for drivers Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan, both of whom are determined to make their mark on the track.

The action-packed weekend kicks off on Friday, August 11th, with the Nitro qualifying session (Q1) streamed live on NHRA.TV at 8 p.m. CDT/9 p.m. EDT. Saturday, August 12th, brings more excitement with Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying sessions, as well as the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge. On Sunday, August 13th, the Nitro Eliminations take place, with rounds beginning at 10:30 a.m. CDT/11:30 a.m. EDT and culminating in the Finals at 3:50 p.m. CDT/4:50 p.m. EDT.

As the racing season progresses, the pressure builds, with only three races remaining before the Countdown to the Championship begins. After the 15th and final regular-season event on September 4th, the top-10 drivers in the standings of each professional category qualify for the Countdown to the Championship. At the moment, Leah Pruett is fifth in the Top Fuel championship standings, while Matt Hagan leads the Funny Car championship standings.

The Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor holds special significance this year as it marks the final NHRA national event at Heartland Motorsports Park. The facility, which opened in 1989, boasts a quarter-mile drag strip and various other racing configurations. Despite the end of NHRA national events at the venue, the facility will continue to host racing and other events throughout the remainder of 2023.

“It is always tough to see race facilities go away,“ Pruett said. “I may not have the deepest connection emotionally or historically with Heartland Motorsports Park, but it is a place that has always treated me well, along with their fans. A win at Heartland this weekend would be huge for us. It would be validation that our moves within our setup are coordinating to improved performance, and for me, a driver that is sick of not closing these past close tough races on our side of the win light. Additionally, a win means that we went rounds and rounds equal exposure, and that’s exactly what the Rayce Rudeen Foundation needs. The message of empowering communities to fight against addiction is so powerful and life changing that I hope our on-track success can help inspire the friends and families of addicts to seek and maintain help.”

“We always seem to do pretty well at Topeka and it’s special getting to hold national records there,“ stated Hagan. “When the weather moves in and cools down, you can really run well and the facility is nice. You always want to win the last one. It’s no different than Denver. Being able to win the last race there was super special. It would be the same way with Topeka because I have a lot of memories there. I can’t wait to get out there and do what we do. We need to keep the points lead alive these next three races before the Countdown starts, then have to win a few more races in the Countdown. You have to go up there with everything you’ve got and then bring a little more. It’s a tough field in Funny Car. Everyone is pushing hard and pressing the limit. We’re going to be aggressive and see what we can do. There’s nothing but confidence in Dickie Venables (crew chief), Mike Knudsen (co-crew chief), Alex Conaway (car chief) and all of my guys putting the car together. I’m looking forward to seeing Josh (Munoz) soon. He was hurt in a car accident a few races back and I’m looking forward to having him back.”

Both Pruett and Hagan recognize the importance of securing a victory in the final Menards NHRA Nationals at Heartland Motorsports Park. The facility holds memories and successes for both drivers, making a win even more significant as the event bids farewell to NHRA national races.

The Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor promises a thrilling weekend of high-speed action and intense competition. With the Countdown to the Championship on the horizon, every race and point matters, driving Pruett and Hagan to push their limits and leave their mark on the track.