Pep Boys NHRA Nationals Kicks Off 2024 Countdown to the Championship Playoffs

READING, PA – August 22, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – At the beginning of every NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, drivers have their sights on a championship and the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway will kick off that playoff hunt to open the Countdown to the Championship.

The 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals takes place Sept. 12-15 and the historic, fan-favorite track is the first stop of the NHRA’s six-race playoff race. Setting the tone in Reading can make for celebration or heartbreak come the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona and drivers will be laser-focused as they take to the track at Maple Grove Raceway.

The tradition-rich facility is known for being one of the quickest on the NHRA tour, providing an epic backdrop for incredible runs and memorable action on a must-see weekend that includes two rounds of qualifying on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday.

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claimed wins in their respective categories and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including elimination coverage on FOX on Sunday, Sept. 12 beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Overall, the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals is the 15th event during the 20-race season and it promises to deliver a weekend of thrilling action at a facility always packed with fans.

Kalitta, a veteran in the Top Fuel ranks, will always remember last year’s Pep Boys NHRA Nationals win as the turning point in his 2023 campaign. Heading into the Countdown, Kalitta had yet to win last season and was forced to a backup car during eliminations in Reading. But he rolled to the win, defeating four-time champion Steve Torrence in the final round. Kalitta won two additional Countdown races, including a winner-take-all final round in Pomona, to win his first championship. This season, Kalitta is the Top Fuel points leader, with his teammate Shawn Langdon in second, along with Justin Ashley, Torrence and Antron Brown to round out the top five.

In 2023, Hight earned his third Pep Boys NHRA Nationals win over Chad Green. This season, Hight has stepped out of the driver’s seat and Austin Prock has taken over duties in impressive fashion. Prock currently leads the points with four event wins and seven Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins, putting together a remarkable campaign. Also in the mix this season is Bob Tasca III,…