NAPA’s Clawifier Award Sparks Friday Night Thrills at NHRA New England

Nitro fans are in for a special treat at the 12th annual NHRA New England Nationals. This year, the Friday night session features the debut of the No. 1 Clawifier Award presented by NAPA.

During Friday’s second round of qualifying at 7:30 p.m. ET, Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock teams have the chance to claim more than just lane choice. Winners receive unique lobster dinners, and drivers get to sit in a lobster pot chair while holding a giant lobster.

These rewards add New England flavor and excitement to the primetime session under the lights. Fans can watch all the action live and without cost across the NHRA’s digital platforms.

The excitement builds through the weekend, with event winners on Sunday taking home both the special lobster pot buoy trophy and the traditional Wally. The New England Dragway regularly draws large crowds, especially for high-stakes races like this.

Last year’s event filled the stands as John Force, Doug Kalitta, and Troy Coughlin Jr. emerged on top in Funny Car, Top Fuel, and Pro Stock, respectively. Qualifying keeps viewers engaged with two Friday sessions at 5 and 7:30 p.m., followed by Saturday rounds at 12:30 and 3 p.m.

Saturday also features the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, where drivers battle again for valuable points and prizes. Television audiences can catch eliminations live on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. ET on FOX.

The schedule guarantees a full weekend packed with fast-paced drama and big performances. This season’s championship battle is heating up in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.

Jack Beckman, now at four event wins since taking over from John Force, holds second place in Funny Car points, just behind his teammate and defending champ Austin Prock. Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Paul Lee, and Bob Tasca III add depth to the competition.

In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta reached a major career milestone last season, claiming victories at every track on the NHRA tour. Tony Stewart is making headlines as well, having captured his second win of the season and moving into the points lead. Fans can read more about Kalitta’s remarkable season here.

Other key names include Antron Brown, Brittany Force, Clay Millican, and Shawn Langdon. The Pro Stock landscape includes several strong contenders.

Troy Coughlin Jr. tasted victory in Epping last year, but Dallas Glenn and Greg Anderson have been tough to beat this season. Glenn sits atop the points, boosted by finals appearances at all six races so far and wins at Gainesville, Las Vegas, and Charlotte. Details of recent winners on the NHRA circuit highlight the competition’s intensity here.

Fans attending the New England Nationals enjoy more than just racing. Nitro Alley Stage in the pits features meet-and-greets, Nitro School, and special ceremonies like the SealMaster Track Walk.

Pit passes let race fans see the power up close, meet drivers, and collect autographs. The Manufacturers Midway adds energy to the event with displays from team sponsors and racing vendors.

Eliminations on Sunday begin at 11 a.m. ET, closing out a weekend of high-speed battles and unique celebrations. The No. 1 Clawifier Award and other New England traditions make this race a favorite stop on the calendar for racers and fans alike.

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series now looks ahead to its next round, with teams and fans ready for the next chapter in the hunt for a championship.