Inside the Windy City: Experts Break Down Route 66 Nationals

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago is getting plenty of attention ahead of race weekend. The latest episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, released May 14, 2025, features Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna joining Brian Lohnes to talk about what fans can expect at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals presented by Peak.

There’s a lot to discuss, especially with the number of independent nitro teams set to compete in both Funny Car and Top Fuel categories this year. Pedregon and McKenna offer a close look at each racing class, breaking down which teams have been struggling early in the season and which are starting to show momentum.

Full-time touring teams typically see most of the headlines, but independent entries often come into Chicago ready to challenge for round wins. This year, the field of independents is stronger than ever, with at least five private Top Fuel teams and four Funny Car outfits confirmed.

Their presence adds an unpredictable element to the weekend’s action. The Route 66 Raceway facility is known among drivers and fans as one of the best on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series tour.

With a racing surface that regularly produces low elapsed times, expectations are high for big numbers as qualifying kicks off on Thursday. In 2024, Route 66 saw several records fall, including a 3.67-second run in Top Fuel and a Funny Car record of 3.88 seconds.

There is excitement about who might step up and make history again. During the episode, the podcast hosts highlight teams like Austin Prock Racing in Top Fuel and independent Funny Car driver Blake Alexander, both coming off recent successes.

Prock just claimed back-to-back wins in four-wide events, while Alexander made a strong semifinal appearance last weekend. Both are considered contenders to disrupt the Top 10 standings this week.

The discussion also touches on points battles, with drivers like Dallas Glenn making moves in Pro Stock after a hot spring stretch. In 2024, Glenn grabbed four victories, and he’s already notched two wins heading into Chicago.

Beyond the racing, the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals brings a festival atmosphere, drawing fans from across Illinois and neighboring states. Last year’s crowd topped 45,000 on Sunday, and early ticket sales are tracking ahead for 2025.

In addition to the professional classes, sportsman racers and junior dragsters will also take to the track, making for a packed four-day schedule. The NHRA Insider team closes out the podcast by previewing Sunday eliminations, always a highlight at Route 66 Raceway.

With so many new faces and returning favorites, both the qualifying rounds and final eliminations are expected to produce plenty of excitement. Fans looking for a detailed preview and expert perspectives on every class can catch the full conversation on the latest NHRA Insider podcast.

Chicago’s Route 66 NHRA Nationals stands as a key stop in the 2025 season, promising intense competition and memorable moments. As the teams prepare for qualifying and race day, all eyes will be on who can survive the pressure in the Windy City and chase a coveted Wally on Sunday afternoon.

In particular, the strength of the independent Funny Car field this year is notable, with several teams making strong nominations to contend for the title (Buddy’s Funny Cars nomination). For more on the history of Funny Car racing, check out this resource from the Smithsonian Institution.

Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.