Motorsport fans are in for a double dose of high-octane action as two of the world’s most prestigious racing events prepare to electrify the track this weekend. From the desert strip of Las Vegas to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, the world’s best drivers—each with their own stories of grit and glory—are set to chase history, fortune, and the ultimate bragging rights in their respective disciplines.
First up, the NHRA Summit Racing Series world championships are roaring into The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from October 30 through November 2, 2025. Here, 32 of the finest bracket racers—representing the Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Motorcycle categories—will battle for the coveted title of world champion. This event is the climax of a season-long journey dubbed the ‘Road to Vegas,’ which saw fierce competition across eight Summit Racing Series E.T. Finals spanning seven NHRA divisions and, for the first time ever, Canada.
The stakes in Las Vegas have never been higher. Each winner in the four categories will pocket $6,000, while runners-up take home $2,000, and semifinalists earn $500. But it’s not just about the cash—winners will also hoist the iconic national championship Wally trophy and don a championship jacket, symbols of drag racing excellence. “It was a fantastic season in the NHRA Summit Series and we’re extremely excited to see world champions decided in Las Vegas,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “There continues to be incredible growth and participation in this series, extending to the first E.T. Finals in Canada this year and everyone at Summit Racing Equipment is thrilled to be part of this amazing program with so many talented drivers. The new team aspect to this year’s world championship is an added bonus for racers and we look forward to another huge weekend in Las Vegas.”
This year, the NHRA is rolling out a brand-new twist: a team competition featuring all seven NHRA divisions plus a Canadian squad. Team points will be racked up by round wins, with $2,000 going to the top team. There’s even an extra $2,000 in bonus awards up for grabs during the on-track action. The festivities kick off with a welcome dinner on October 30, where a chip draw will determine the first four positions—those lucky drivers will then call out their opponents for the opening round, injecting a bit of strategy and suspense right from the start. The dinner will also feature raffles for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including warming up Daniel Wilkerson’s 12,000-horsepower Funny Car, joining Clay Millican’s crew for a qualifying run, and VIP tours with some of the sport’s biggest teams.
Finalists won’t just be racing—they’ll be celebrated. They’ll enjoy marquee access during Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying, a parade in front of the grandstands, and special introductions during pre-race ceremonies. “When it comes to bracket racing within the NHRA, this is the pinnacle,” said NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin. “To earn a trip to Las Vegas means you were the best of the best in your division, and for the first time, in Canada as well. We look forward to celebrating these racers all weekend, not just the four who will hold the Wally on Sunday, but the other 28 who fought for the right to be here and earned the VIP treatment the NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment will provide over the course of four great days in Las Vegas.”
The field is stacked with talent. Super Pro’s lineup features Matt Witkowski (Division 1), Austin Logan (Division 2), Bob Cireddu (Division 3), Talon Farmer (Division 4), Tim Blatchford (Division 5), Toby Peterson (Division 6), Dennis Paz (Division 7), and Cody Levasseur (Canada). In Pro, Mike Fornwalt, Tim Butler, Austin Tewell, Jimmy Denham, Nick Engler, Brian McGinnis, Luis Ortiz, and Gianni Cantusci (Canada) will go head-to-head. Sportsman contenders include Bill Hakucsa, Daniel Salyers, Luke Wiseman, Gage Wilson, Grant Pesola, Devin Froud, Mike Williams, and Dennis Boyko (Canada). Motorcycle’s bracket is just as fierce, with Mark Schwalm, Pablo Gonzalez, Michael (MK) Schmalle, Robert Sanders, Pat Finder, Cody Cumpton, Jeremy Bates, and Michael Konopacki (Canada) all gunning for glory. Not to be forgotten, the 2024 Summit E.T. Series Champions were Zach Meziere (Super Pro), Alvie Merrill (Pro), C.W. Hoefer (Sportsman), James Paulson (Motorcycle), and Omar Leon (Street Legal EV).
Meanwhile, south of the border, the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix is set to make headlines of its own. On October 25, Free Practice 1 will see a unique gathering: four former 24 Hours of Le Mans winners will take the wheel in Formula One machinery, showcasing the remarkable versatility and crossover appeal of motorsport’s elite drivers. Antonio Fuoco, the 2024 Le Mans winner with Ferrari AF Corse, is making his much-anticipated official Formula One debut, piloting Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25 for Scuderia Ferrari HP. “My debut in an official weekend is something that, both personally and professionally, makes me truly proud and happy,” Fuoco shared. “Having the opportunity to drive Lewis’s car and to share the garage with Charles [Leclerc] again, as we did in 2017 in Formula 2, is really special. It will definitely be a Friday to remember, a reward for the work I’ve done over the years in support of the team.”
Fuoco’s journey from the Ferrari Driver Academy to the development of the 499P Hypercar, and now to the Formula One grid, is a testament to the close ties between endurance and single-seater racing. “Working with Lewis’ engineers and the rest of the team at the track will allow me to grow further and refine the technical sensitivity that I’ll bring back to my work in Maranello,” he explained. “The victory with the Hypercar in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans will probably remain the highlight of my career, but being able to finally take part officially in a Formula 1 weekend with Scuderia Ferrari HP is an incredible feeling.”
Joining Fuoco in the crossover spotlight is Ryō Hirakawa, the 2022 Le Mans victor with Toyota Gazoo Racing. He’ll substitute for Oliver Bearman at the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in Free Practice 1, marking his third such outing this season. “Being able to provide Ryō valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team […] It’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen,” said Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu when Hirakawa’s reserve driver role was announced. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s technical partnership with Haas underlines the collaborative spirit that’s energizing the F1 paddock.
And let’s not forget the veterans: Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula One world champion and double Le Mans winner, remains a force for Aston Martin, currently 12th in the standings. Nico Hulkenberg, the 2015 Le Mans champion with Porsche, brings his wealth of experience—246 Grand Prix starts and counting—to the Kick Sauber team, where he sits ninth in the championship. The presence of these four Le Mans champions in Mexico City is a vivid reminder of motorsport’s shared DNA: innovation, endurance, speed, and a relentless quest for glory.
With the NHRA Summit Racing Series world championships about to crown new legends in Las Vegas and the Mexican Grand Prix celebrating a rare convergence of racing royalty, fans can expect a weekend filled with drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the thunderous acceleration of dragsters or the technical ballet of Formula One, the spirit of competition is alive and well on both sides of the border. All eyes now turn to the track to see which stories will be written into motorsport history.
