Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals Loaded with Action in return to Sonoma Raceway

SONOMA, CA – July 8, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – As the summer heats up, all the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gear up for one of the highlights of the season – the 36th annual Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, July 26-28 at picturesque Sonoma Raceway.

Located in the heart of wine country, the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals marks the 12th of 20 events on this year’s NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, offering breathtaking backdrops and incredible action on the track. Sonoma Raceway has seen its share of NHRA history, too, including last season when Pro Stock Motorcycle phenom Gaige Herrera completed the sweep the NHRA Western Swing in Sonoma, becoming only the eighth competitor in NHRA history to do so and the first-ever in the category.

Herrera will also look to double up for a second straight year, as the GETTRX NHRA All- Star Pro Stock Motorcycle Callout specialty event returns to Sonoma on Saturday. It’s one of the many thrilling highlights of a weekend that includes a can’t-miss nitro qualifying session under the lights on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday as all the top names in the NHRA will look to put on a show at one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit.

Last year, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car) and Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home NHRA Wally trophies, as well as the Sonoma Raceway specialty wine goblet trophies. This year’s race will again be broadcast on both FOX and FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday, July 28 on FOX.

In the Top Fuel ranks, Justin Ashley will be on the hunt for his second straight Sonoma win and third win of 2024. He’ll be up against points leader and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, who has three wins on the season. Also in the mix will be past Sonoma winners Shawn Langdon, Antron Brown and Steve Torrence, as well as Tony Schumacher, Clay Millican and NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, who will be making his track debut in Top Fuel at the event.

Funny Car’s J.R. Todd has seen a lot of success at Sonoma Raceway in both nitro categories. He has two wins in each nitro category from the facility and would like to capitalize on his past success at this year’s race. To collect another Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals win, he’ll need to get past points leader Austin Prock, who joined the Funny Car ranks this season, as well as Norwalk winner Bob Tasca III…