Exciting NHRA New England Nationals Sunday Preview and Insights

Sunday is all about speed and skill at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. The action takes place at New England Dragway, a track lined with thick trees and filled with loyal fans ready for another round of high-stakes racing.

The event is a special stop on the NHRA tour, known for its relentless drivers and challenging conditions that push every racer to the edge. Today, eliminations start with everyone eyeing the chance to win and set new records.

Doug Kalitta arrived as the Top Fuel champion, showing why he holds the crown by grabbing the No. 1 qualifier spot. He posted a run of 3.670 seconds at 337.24 mph, which set a new track speed record.

Kalitta’s Mac Tools crew is in top form, but he has tough competition. Tony Stewart, who is leading in points this season, qualified second with a 3.694-second pass at 330.55 mph and is on a hot streak with two wins already in 2025.

Antron Brown, the 2023 world champ, sits third with a strong 3.697 at 337.07 mph and continues to be a fierce opponent. Other drivers like Justin Ashley, Steve Torrence, and Josh Hart can upset the favorites in a single round.

In the Funny Car category, Austin Prock took the top spot with a 3.860-second run at 331.69 mph. Prock’s team stands as defending champions, but competition is intense.

Jack Beckman, stepping in with the 2024 winning Peak Funny Car, made big news by grabbing the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win and showing his experience with a 3.913 at 316.52 mph. Local favorite Bob Tasca III posted a fast 3.891 at 335.40 mph and is looking for a home-track victory that would mean more than just points.

Veterans like Ron Capps and Matt Hagan also have the ability to shake up the standings at any time.

The Pro Stock field is especially close. Cody Coughlin surprised many by earning his first No. 1 qualifier in his debut season with a time of 6.537 at 210.28 mph.

Greg Anderson, a six-time champion, matched that run with a 6.537 at 209.95 mph and brings years of experience to the challenge. Dallas Glenn also produced a 6.537, making the field incredibly tight.

Matt Hartford won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge with a strong drive and has made it clear he’s ready to win, not just defend his place. Erica Enders, another six-time champ, is in the mix and staying quiet, but she’s never out of the running.

Every round this Sunday is crucial, with the fresh track surface and cooler conditions set to play a role in how cars launch and grip the asphalt. Clutch setup and reaction times can be the difference between moving on or heading home early.

Tire shake and tiny mistakes can easily send favorites out of the tournament, proving that success only comes from being your best at the perfect moment.

New Hampshire is called the Granite State, a name that says a lot about the racing here. The drivers and teams show true toughness, matching the hard rock landscapes that surround the track.

Only the fastest and smartest racers will make it to the end as they battle both the clock and each other, hoping to add their names to the list of winners at this historic venue.

Fans can watch all the drama unfold today, either from the grandstands or on FOX, which is covering the eliminations starting at 6:00 p.m. ET. Last year’s winners at Epping were Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel, John Force in Funny Car, and Troy Coughlin Jr. in Pro Stock.

Tony Schumacher, Matt Hagan, and Greg Anderson stand out as some of the most successful drivers at this event, holding multiple wins and track records. With quick cars and talented drivers filling the ladders, the NHRA New England Nationals promises another thrilling Sunday where every second counts. For more on competitive racing strategies, check out this detailed look at the McLaren F1 front wing.

Kalitta’s record-setting speed mirrors the precision needed in motorsport, reminiscent of the techniques seen in Formula 1, where drivers like Lewis Hamilton continually evolve, as discussed in McLaren, Lewis Hamilton Monaco.

Meanwhile, Tony Stewart’s hot streak parallels the momentum shifts that drivers such as Carlos Sainz experience in high-pressure events, similar to the insights shared in Sainz F1 Monaco fear.

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.