The latest update as of November 12, 2023
SUNDAY, SUNDAY - The End of the 2023 NHRA drag racing season
Let's start today's report with the three contenders for the Funny Car championship, as it's the closest battle, with all three racers just a few points apart.
Leading the way is three-time world champion Matt Hagan in the TSR (Tony Stewart Racing) Direct Connection Dodge Charger Hellcat. He's won six national events this season, and goes into eliminations from the #4 qualifying position. That earned him a first round pairing with the Jim Dunn-owned "Fireman's Quickie", driven by jack-of-all-trades Alex Laughlin. He should be able to win that race, but that might put him up against Paul Lee in the second round, and Lee has turned a series of career best e.t.'s and speeds this weekend. That could be a very tough round, and might prove pivotal to Hagan's championship hopes.
Also a three time champion, Robert Hight is just 12 points in arrears of Hagan, but is coming off a win at the previous event (Las Vegas), his fourth win of the season, and qualified on top of the field with a very quick 3.844 - 331.61 in the final qualifying session last night. Wearing the "Auto Club" colours this weekend, after running his "stealth" black "Cornwell Tools" body for the past two races, he's on his home track, and feeling somewhat comfortable about his chances. Hight qualfied on the same side of the ladder as Hagan, and if both advance through the first two rounds, they will meet head-to-head in the semifinals. If that happens, that could be the 2023 championship deciding race.
Starting today in third place, the "Motorcraft FORD" Mustang-bodied entry of Bob Tasca III is just five points behind Hight, and well within reach of overtaking both him and Hagan. Still searching for his first championship, Tasca is easily the most intense racer in the class, as he wears his emotions on the sleeve of his firesuit every time he comes to the starting line. He's earned three wins in four final round appearances this season, and is coming off a runnerup finish two weeks ago at Las Vegas. Qualified #6 in the very tight field, Tasca cannot meet either of his championship competitors until the final round, which could set up the most interesting and dramatic finish of the season.
We'll be back in a while with the Top Fuel championship rundown. Stay tuned for that! Until then, check out the photos from the final two sessions of nitro qualifying yesterday.
TOP FUEL - Qualifying Session #3
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FUNNY CAR - Qualifying Session #3
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TOP FUEL - Qualifying Session #4 (FINAL)
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FUNNY CAR - Qualifying Session #4 (FINAL)
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