Exciting Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals Friday Gallery

The first day of action at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals gave fans an energy-packed start to the event. Heavy winds swept through Route 66 Raceway, but drivers and teams pushed ahead as scheduled, keeping the Friday lineup on track.

NHRA National Dragster photographers worked against the shifting weather and captured the day’s best racing moments, making sure enthusiasts could see the highlights from the opening rounds.

Friday featured early qualifying rounds across the Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes. Competition was fierce with drivers eager to secure valuable points and set fast times heading into the weekend. For more details on NHRA’s classification system, visit the official NHRA website.

The track was challenging as gusts forced teams to adjust setups during every pass. Despite these conditions, several racers posted personal bests, thrilling fans in the stands.

Standout names such as Brittany Force, Steve Torrence, and Matt Hagan made strong early statements, hoping to lock in spots at the top of their qualifying sheets.

In Top Fuel, the battle for leading positions was tight. Justin Ashley delivered a quick run in the second round, while Antron Brown and Leah Pruett also showed strong pace, giving their teams confidence.

Funny Car saw Ron Capps and Robert Hight trade low ETs as conditions changed, with both drivers seeking an edge before Saturday’s key runs. Greg Anderson led a tight Pro Stock field, keeping his championship defense on solid ground, while Erica Enders matched his pace closely and remains a serious threat this weekend.

Pro Stock Motorcycle riders made their first appearances since the last event, with Gaige Herrera leading the pack after the first qualifying session. Herrera’s run set a high bar, but Angie Smith and Matt Smith remained within reach, promising more close competition on Saturday. Learn more about Pro Stock Motorcycle racing history at the NHRA’s historical archive.

The fast reaction times and tight margins would make the following days even more dramatic at Route 66 Raceway.

Spectators filled the grandstands throughout the shifting afternoon, unfazed by gusts and dust. Vendors and displays around the facility gave attendees a chance to get close to their favorite drivers and teams during autograph sessions and pit tours.

Kids and families lined up at experience stations, and the crowd responded loudly to every pass on the drag strip. The sense of anticipation was clear as fans waited to see who would top the charts by day’s end.

The Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals is a key event on the 2025 NHRA schedule, with every run on Friday setting the stage for an important Saturday push. Only a handful of events remain before the points chase heads into its late summer stretch. For a deeper look at the NHRA championship structure, check out this guide from the NHRA rulebook.

Competitors know that a solid start in Joliet can boost their seasons and set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Friday’s action closed with several top teams reviewing data and making overnight adjustments in their pit areas. With forecasts showing calmer weather for Saturday, everyone expects faster times and possible records as the Route 66 NHRA Nationals continue. For real-time weather updates, refer to the National Weather Service.

Fans and teams alike will watch closely to see which drivers maintain their edge and who rises up during the vital qualifying rounds to come.