Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the heart-pounding action from the Texas NHRA FallNationals! But here's where it gets intense: the final day of professional qualifying at the Texas Motorplex is packed with drama, strategy, and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat. And this is the part most people miss—the intricate details that make this event a true spectacle of speed and precision. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re new to the world of drag racing.
JEGS Allstars Finals Set the Stage
Before the day’s main qualifying rounds kicked off, the semifinals of the JEGS Allstars competition determined the final-round matchups set to thrill fans later in the day. Here’s who’s battling it out across the categories:
- Comp: Monty Bogan vs. Josh Lee
- Super Stock: Larry Leazer vs. Jeremy Duncan
- Stock: Landon Emmons vs. Steve Foley
- Super Comp: Tanner Thorp vs. Bradley Snowball
- Super Gas: James Perry vs. Charles Kenopic
- Super Street: Donald Webb vs. John Leibham
- Top Dragster: Mark Grame vs. Blake Peavler
- Top Sportsman: Dennis Dowson vs. Curt Fredrich
The Top Alcohol semifinals, held the night before, set up these final-round clashes:
- Top Alcohol Dragster: Matthew Cummings vs. Joey Severance
- Top Alcohol Funny Car: Brian Hough vs. Jim Whiteley
Team Standings Update: Even before the final rounds, the West squad clinched the Regional (Top Alcohol) title, while Division 2 secured the other team championship. But here’s the controversial part: does this early victory take away some of the edge from the final races, or does it simply set the stage for a more relaxed and strategic showdown? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Top Fuel Q3: Heat and Strategy Collide
With temperatures soaring, teams knew improvements would be hard to come by, focusing instead on fine-tuning their setups for race day. Josh Hart solidified his position with a strong 3.793 run, matching Tony Schumacher’s time but at a lower speed. Hart emphasized, “We’re all about consistency and finding our racecar again. The team’s dedication is what’s making it happen.”
Justin Ashley secured bonus points for the third straight session with a 3.800, the third-best run of the session. Ida Zetterström, representing Dialight, didn’t complete a full pass but remains in the field thanks to her Friday 3.78. And this is the part most people miss: Shawn Langdon and crew chief Brian Husen pushed the limits of experimentation, only to smoke the tires—a bold move that didn’t pay off this time.
Local favorite Steve Torrence struggled with staging, appearing to double-step the throttle and losing the run, but he’s still solidly in the field. Rookie Kyle Satenstein, after sitting out Friday’s sessions, made a solid debut with a 3.94, securing his spot—for now.
Funny Car Q3: A Battle Against the Heat
With track temperatures hitting a borderline 117 degrees, many teams struggled to find the right setup. It wasn’t until the final pair that a three-second run lit up the scoreboard, thanks to tuner Jimmy Prock’s meticulous data analysis. He guided his son, Austin, to a 3.99 in the Cornwell Tools Chevy.
Midway through the session, crew chiefs Dickie Venables and Tim Wilkerson showcased their expertise with J.R. Todd’s 4.01 and Daniel Wilkerson’s 4.03, respectively. Jack Beckman squeezed in between with a 4.02. But here’s where it gets controversial: Prock has outpointed teammate Beckman 6-2 in session bonus points, extending his lead to 24 markers. Is this a sign of things to come, or can Beckman close the gap? Share your thoughts below!
The bump spot sits at 4.157, held by Chris King, leaving Blake Alexander on the outside looking in with one session remaining.
Pro Stock Q3: Anderson’s Dominance Continues
Greg Anderson’s Friday night 6.49 was never in danger of being challenged, and while most competitors fell 0.05 seconds off their night runs, Anderson was only 0.04 seconds slower, clocking a 6.532 for his third straight low e.t. and another three bonus points. Teammates Dallas Glenn (6.556) and Cory Reed (6.557) also earned bonus points, but Anderson’s perfect nine bonus points have narrowed Glenn’s lead from 25 to just 19 points.
And this is the part most people miss: David Cuadra holds the bump spot with a 6.554 from Q2, a time matched by his twin brother, Cristian, in the same session. However, David’s superior speed (210.61 mph vs. 210.26 mph) keeps him in the field, leaving Cristian on the outside with one run to go. Bold question: Does this sibling rivalry add an extra layer of drama, or is it just another day at the office for these brothers? Let’s hear your take!
Stay tuned as the Texas NHRA FallNationals heats up, and don’t forget to join the conversation in the comments!
