Brittany Force, a two-time Top Fuel world champion, made history on Friday, April 25, 2025, by recording the fastest speed in drag racing history at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Force's astonishing run clocked in at 341.59 miles per hour during her second qualifying attempt, shattering her own previous record of 338.94 mph that she set at the World Finals in Pomona in 2022.
Force's record-breaking speed is particularly significant as it marks the first time any Top Fuel driver has crossed the 340-mph barrier, a feat that left fans and competitors alike in awe. "We’re off to a great start," said Force, exuding excitement after her record run. "In Q2, this HendrickCars.com dragster went 3.667 and 341.59 mph. I didn’t know until I was mid-interview with the FOX TV crew at the top end that we ran that kind of mile per hour and it’s just something really exciting for every single one of these guys on this HendrickCars.com team. They work so hard," she added, praising her crew chiefs David Grubnic and John Collins.
The performance was not just about speed; it was also about teamwork and precision. Force reached a speed of 301.00 mph at the 660-foot mark during her record-setting pass, showcasing the power and capability of her dragster. In just 340 feet of track, she accelerated an impressive 40.59 mph from her earlier run, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of her vehicle.
Despite her historic achievement, Force finished the first day of qualifying in the provisional No. 3 position, trailing Shawn Langdon, who recorded a time of 3.665 seconds, and Doug Kalitta, who led with a time of 3.646 seconds. However, with two more opportunities to improve her position on Saturday, Force remains optimistic about her chances. "I hope we hold it for a long time. It’s pretty special," she expressed, reflecting on the significance of her achievement.
While Brittany Force was making headlines, her John Force Racing teammates were also making strides in the Funny Car category. Austin Prock, who secured the No. 2 position with a run of 3.844 seconds at 336.49 mph, is looking to add another victory to his impressive resume. Prock, who won the Top Fuel title at this very event last year, acknowledged the challenges faced during the first qualifying session and credited his team for making significant adjustments that paid off in Q2. "We struggled in Q1. It seems to take a little bit different approach here, so we made some big changes going into Q2, and it paid off," Prock said.
Meanwhile, Jack Beckman, another JFR driver, finished the first day in the No. 5 position with a time of 3.865 seconds at 328.30 mph. Beckman, who recently secured a #2Fast2Tasty win in Pomona, expressed satisfaction with his car's performance, noting that it has been consistently competitive throughout the season. "No Funny Car has even come close to us in consistency and quickness overall in qualifying, and that’s great," Beckman commented, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning before race day.
The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals is not just a test of speed but also a showcase of the fierce competition that defines drag racing. As the event unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling performances and potential record-breaking runs. With Brittany Force aiming to solidify her status as a drag racing icon and her teammates striving for victory, the stakes are high as they prepare for the final rounds of qualifying and the main event on Sunday.
This year’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals is particularly special as it marks a milestone in drag racing history, with the potential for even more records to be set. The excitement surrounding Brittany Force's achievement has reignited interest in the sport, drawing attention from fans and media alike. As she aims for another win at zMAX Dragway, the anticipation builds for what could be another historic moment in drag racing.
In addition to the remarkable performances in Top Fuel and Funny Car, the Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories also showcased impressive talent. In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson both delivered identical runs of 6.502 seconds, with Glenn edging out Anderson for the No. 1 spot. Meanwhile, defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gaige Herrera returned to form with a blistering run of 6.680 seconds at 201.64 mph, securing the provisional No. 1 position in his category.
As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues, fans are eager to see how the competition unfolds. With record-breaking speeds and fierce rivalries, the drag racing world is poised for an electrifying season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the quest for speed and glory continues on the drag strip.
