CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 27, 2025) – Doug Kalitta made headlines at the NHRA Charlotte 4-Wide event, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and securing the No. 1 qualifier position at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Kalitta's winning run clocked in at 4.661 seconds with a speed of 237.92 mph, marking his second consecutive victory in this challenge. With this win, he not only showcased his incredible talent but also set the stage for a historic weekend, as the 1,000th Top Fuel race in NHRA history is taking place with Kalitta aiming for yet another trophy.
Kalitta's performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. He previously triumphed in the Top Fuel All-Star Callout, further establishing himself as a top contender in the sport. His qualifying run at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals was particularly impressive, as he set a track record with a time of 3.646 seconds at a blistering speed of 333.74 mph. This remarkable achievement underscores Kalitta's dominance and consistency, as he qualified No. 1 for the third time this year.
As the eliminations for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals are set to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, Kalitta will face tough competition in the opening round. His quad includes notable racers like Tony Stewart, Steve Torrence, and Lex Joon, all of whom are formidable opponents. “I’m very fortunate with this opportunity with this group of guys,” Kalitta said. “It’s a heck of an opportunity. … We want to win that special trophy,” referring to the unique trophy for the milestone 1,000th Top Fuel race.
Kalitta isn’t the only driver showcasing exceptional talent this weekend. Other competitors, such as Austin Prock and Mat Hartford, have also demonstrated strong performances across various categories. Prock, who won the Mission Foods 2Fast/2Tasty Challenge, displayed his skill with a reaction time of .058 seconds, narrowly edging out rookie Spencer Hyde by .033 seconds, despite both cars stopping the timers at 3.949 seconds. Prock's victory adds to his impressive resume as the reigning World Champion and NHRA top speed record holder.
“Last year we figured out how important these Mission Challenge points are and how many points you can actually earn,” Prock stated. “I really wanted to win today. I felt like we had a shot at doing it.” Prock will start Sunday’s feature from the No. 2 qualifying position after posting a best of 3.844 seconds at 336.49 mph on Friday.
Meanwhile, the competition in the Funny Car category heated up as Paul Lee secured his spot as the No. 1 qualifier with a run of 3.829 seconds at 328.54 mph. Lee expressed the intensity of the Funny Car class, stating, “If I can’t be competitive, I’ll go do something else. I race for competition. I love to beat them.” His opening quad includes Matt Hagan, Bobby Bode, and Dave Richards.
In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn achieved his first top qualifier of the year with an impressive run of 6.502 seconds at 211.10 mph, winning the $2,000 GESi Pro Stock No. 1 Qualifier Award. Glenn’s performance was particularly significant as he faced off against teammate Greg Anderson, who also clocked in at 6.502 seconds, but Glenn's higher speed secured him the top spot. “We’re excited,” Glenn remarked, looking forward to the eliminations on Sunday.
Gaige Herrera also made headlines in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claiming his 25th career No. 1 qualifier with a time of 6.680 seconds at 201.64 mph. “I’m happy to see (Richard) get the win,” Herrera said, acknowledging his competitor Richard Gadson's victory in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for motorcycles. Eliminations for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals are set to commence, with all eyes on the track as racers vie for victory.
However, the event hasn’t been without its drama. A bizarre incident at the end of Funny Car qualifying left Spencer Hyde’s car with a destroyed nose due to the parachutes deployed by Paul Lee’s vehicle. Hyde, who qualified fourth, expressed his frustration, stating, “I guess these guys have got to learn to use their flags and tell us where to go.” Prock, who witnessed the incident, attributed it to the wind, explaining the challenges drivers face when navigating the track after their runs.
In a surprising turn of events, Aaron Stanfield, a Pro Stock competitor who finished third in the 2024 standings, failed to qualify for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, marking the first time in his career he has not made the cut. This unexpected outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of drag racing, where even the most seasoned drivers can face setbacks.
As the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals continues, the excitement is palpable. With the stakes high and a historic race unfolding, fans are eagerly anticipating the eliminations on Sunday. Kalitta, Prock, Lee, and Glenn are just a few of the names to watch as they aim for victory in this thrilling competition.
Bottom line, Doug Kalitta stands poised to make history in the 1,000th Top Fuel race, continuing his strong season with potential for further achievements in both the Mission Challenge and overall standings. His recent successes underscore his resilience and competitive edge in a high-stakes environment. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway promises to deliver excitement and drama as racers compete for glory in this unique format.
