Alexander Ignites Funny Car Comeback at Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Blake Alexander is set to return to Funny Car competition this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. The race will take place at Route 66 Dragway from May 16 through May 18.

Alexander will drive the 11,000-horsepower Pronto Auto Service Centers Funny Car with Chad Green Motorsports, joining Green for a strong two-car team effort. Alexander, a three-time NHRA national event winner, heads into the weekend seeking his first NHRA victory of the 2025 season. For more details on NHRA event history, visit the NHRA official website.

His teammate, Chad Green, already scored a win at this year’s Gatornationals in March. Alexander’s debut in the CGM Funny Car follows a period of major changes for the team.

Earlier this year, Chad Green’s organization expanded from a single-car to a two-car lineup, investing in new equipment for Alexander. This included a brand-new chassis from John Force Racing, giving Alexander a fresh ride for the campaign.

He mentioned that the crew spent several events getting used to the new parts, with Alexander driving at Gainesville, Phoenix, and Pomona. Hunter Green took the wheel for the Las Vegas and Charlotte Four Wide races.

Now Alexander feels ready for a strong push at Joliet’s Route 66 Dragway. As a two-time NHRA Funny Car national winner and former Top Fuel event champion, Alexander is known for quick reaction times and consistent performance. To learn more about Funny Car mechanics, check out this SAE International resource.

He’ll aim to be among the top qualifiers when sessions begin on Friday, May 16, at 2 p.m. CDT. Alexander commented that the new chassis feels different than his previous cars, but after several races, he’s comfortable and eager to compete.

His team, led by Matt Bynum, has worked closely with Green’s group and expects both Funny Cars to have a shot at the win. Chad Green enters Joliet sitting sixth in the NHRA Mission Funny Car standings in his Bond-Coat car.

Green expressed excitement about Alexander’s return after two events with Hunter in the driver’s seat, pointing out Alexander’s winning track record in recent seasons. Green says the ultimate goal is to see both CGM cars performing at their best and ideally returning Alexander to the winner’s circle.

To that end, crew chiefs Dean Marinis and Joe Serena have been preparing new setups and making adjustments to reflect lessons learned after the Gatornationals win. The team has benefited from a rare three-week break in the calendar, giving both crews extra time to prepare for Joliet. For insights into crew strategies, explore NASA’s engineering principles.

Qualifying sessions are on the schedule for Friday at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. CDT, with more runs Saturday at 12:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. Final eliminations will be held Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. CDT.

The Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals will also be featured on Fox Sports 1 with coverage on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. EDT. Alexander’s return signals an important weekend for CGM’s two-car operation as both drivers aim for strong qualifying positions and a shot at the event win.

With new equipment, experienced teams, and both drivers motivated, Route 66 Dragway will see plenty of action as the NHRA season heats up in Illinois. Alexander’s recent run at Pomona was impressive, helping him build momentum heading into this weekend’s event. For more on Funny Car contenders, see the latest Buddy’s Funny Cars nomination.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.