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The latest update as of November 12, 2023


In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals logo

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.

Matt Hagan - FC

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.

Robert Hight - FC

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.

Bob Tasca III - FC

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


Spencer Hyde - TF --- Clay Millican - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Mike Salinas - TF --- Shawn Langdon - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Austin Prock - TF --- Antron Brown - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Billy Torrence - TF --- Doug Kalitta - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)


FUNNY CAR - Qualifying Session #3


Steven Densham - FC --- Alex Laughlin - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

John Force - FC --- Blake Alexander - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Tim Wilkerson - FC --- Del Worsham - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Jason Rupert - FC --- Jeff Diehl - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Ron Capps - FC --- Cruz Pedregon - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Alexis DeJoria - FC --- Robert Hight - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Bob Tasca III - FC --- Matt Hagan - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Paul Lee - FC


TOP FUEL - Qualifying Session #4 (FINAL)


Ron August Jr. (near lane) vs Spencer Hyde (far lane) - TF --- Josh Hart (near lane) vs Clay Millican (far lane) - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Dan Mercier (near lane) vs Shawn Langdon (far lane) - TF --- Tony Schumacher (near lane) vs Mike Salinas (far lane) - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Brittany Force (near lane) vs Austin Prock (far lane) - TF --- Justin Ashley (near lane) vs Antron Brown (far lane) - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Leah Pruett (near lane) vs Billy Torrence (far lane) - TF --- Steve Torrence (near lane) vs Doug Kalitta (far lane) - TF

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)


FUNNY CAR - Qualifying Session #4 (FINAL)


Alexis DeJoria - FC --- Del Worsham (near lane) vs Jason Rupert (far lane) - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Terry Haddock (near lane) vs Alex Laughlin (far lane) - FC --- Bobby Bode III - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Chad Green (near lane) vs Blake Alexander (near lane) - FC --- John Force (near lane) vs Tim Wilkerson (far lane) - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Ron Capps - FC --- Cruz Pedregon (near lane) vs Alexis DeJoria (far lane) - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Robert Hight --- Robert Hight (near lane) vs Bob Tasca III (far lane) - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)

Matt Hagan - FC --- Matt Gagan (near lane) vs Paul Lee (far lane) - FC

(LEFT)

(RIGHT)