B. Force, Todd, and Anderson Secure Thrilling Wins at NHRA New England Nationals

Brittany Force put on a fast and determined show at the NHRA New England Nationals, notching her first win of the 2025 season in Top Fuel. She recorded two passes over 340 mph at New England Dragway, including a final round run of 3.694 seconds at 340.39 mph.

Force edged out Tony Stewart, who has now been in five finals in a row and held the lead at the tree with a 3.720 at 329.91 mph. Force caught Stewart before the finish, earning her 18th career Top Fuel victory and tying her with Shirley Muldowney for most Top Fuel wins by a female driver.

A year ago, Force was celebrating her father John’s last victory at this same track, a moment made even more meaningful by her dedication of this latest win to his inspiration and persistence.

The path to the final was anything but easy for Force. She went through Clay Millican, Shawn Reed, and No. 1 qualifier Doug Kalitta.

Her semifinal run of 3.681 at 341.42 mph set a new track record, just off her personal best from Charlotte a month prior. Force credited her crew and her father for pushing through a tough year, noting the different attitude and energy in her pit all weekend.

She shared that the reminder to enjoy the thrill of racing helped her focus as she faced off against Stewart in the deciding round.

Tony Stewart, who remains at the top of the points standings, advanced with wins over Rit Pustari, Justin Ashley, and defending champion Antron Brown. Stewart is now 71 points ahead of Shawn Langdon.

His streak of final-round appearances that started in March marks a strong run in his Top Fuel career.

J.R. Todd snapped a long winless stretch in Funny Car, picking up his first victory since last season’s opener. He powered his DHL Toyota GR Supra to a 3.888 at 332.43 mph to beat rookie Spencer Hyde.

The win was the 22nd of Todd’s career and came after his team rebounded from an engine explosion the night before finals. Crew chief Dickie Venables celebrated his first win with Todd after joining the team this off-season.

Todd made his way to the final by taking out Cruz Pedregon, Phil Burkart, and Alexis DeJoria. This victory moves Todd from tenth to sixth in points as the season heats up.

Spencer Hyde impressed all weekend as a rookie, advancing to his first-ever Funny Car final. He beat Matt Hagan, Buddy Hull, and Jack Beckman, who crashed in the semifinals.

Despite losing to Todd, Hyde’s performance stands out as one of the highlights of his debut season. Austin Prock, last year’s champion, still leads the standings even after an early exit.

The Pro Stock final featured a showdown between Greg Anderson and Erica Enders, a rivalry that always draws attention. Anderson posted a 6.469 at 212.19 mph, earning his third win of the season while setting a new track elapsed time record.

He remains undefeated in finals this year and has now won the 109th race of his career. Anderson beat Kenny Delco, Dave Connolly, and Matt Hartford to reach the last round, staying in the 6.40s through eliminations.

His win moved him back into first in points and brought him within three rounds of reaching 1,000 career round wins, a feat only John Force has achieved.

Enders made her first final of 2025 but missed her 50th career win. She scored wins over Deric Kramer, Cory Reed, and Aaron Stanfield to take the runner-up spot, jumping in the points from 14th to ninth.

KB Titan Racing drivers Anderson and Dallas Glenn have won every Pro Stock event so far this season, cementing their status as a team to beat.

The action at New England Dragway sets the stage for more excitement when the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns June 6-8 at Bristol Dragway for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

With new track records, ongoing rivalries, and surprise performances, the 2025 drag racing season continues to deliver headline moments and memorable battles.

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.