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Top Fuel Champ Antron Brown Aims for First Win at NHRA Thunder Valley

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Highlights

  • Antron Brown chases first ever Bristol win at Thunder Valley Nationals.
  • Event runs June 6-8 at Bristol Dragway, broadcast live on FS1.
  • Brown ranks third in points, competing against Shawn Langdon and others.
  • Qualifying on Friday-Saturday; eliminations start Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
  • Event features Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle races.
  • Fans can enjoy autograph sessions, Nitro School, and SealMaster Track Walk.

Antron Brown has built a remarkable career in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, winning four Top Fuel world championships, including the most recent title in 2024. He has collected 81 event wins, but a victory at Bristol Dragway is still missing from his rรฉsumรฉ.

Brown is now preparing for the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, aiming for his first win at Bristol. Despite several trips to the event finals in past years, Brown has not yet sealed the deal at this historic track, making this race a top priority.

Brown enters Bristol during a demanding stretch of the season, with four races packed into a five-week window. He is coming off a semifinal appearance in Epping and holds third place in the current points standings.

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Image credit: dragillustrated.com

In 2025, Brown has already claimed one win and made three appearances in the final round, all in his 12,000-horsepower Matco Tools dragster. As the action shifts to Bristol, he points out the trackโ€™s unpredictable nature, with conditions that shift quickly between hot and cool.

These weather changes can have a big impact on performance, so his teamโ€™s focus will be on strong qualifying runs during evening sessions and staying consistent through midday racing on Sunday.

Looking at the field for the Thunder Valley Nationals, competition remains fierce. Brown must face notable Top Fuel rivals including Shawn Langdon, who holds second in points, as well as Josh Hart, Steve Torrence, Clay Millican, and Justin Ashley.

The event is also the eighth of 20 in the 2025 season and will be broadcast live on FS1. On Saturday, Brown will take part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, going head-to-head with points leader and seasoned racer Tony Stewart.

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Image credit: dragillustrated.com

Another matchup will see Doug Kalitta take on Epping winner Brittany Force, adding extra excitement to Saturdayโ€™s qualification rounds.

Fans attending the Bristol event can expect more than just Top Fuel excitement. Austin Prock leads the Funny Car points and will be joined by strong competitors such as Jack Beckman, J.R. Todd, Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, and Paul Lee.

In Pro Stock, Jeg Coughlin is a five-time NHRA champion and won his third Bristol trophy last year, while current points leader Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn each have three event wins with KB Titan Racing this season.

Pro Stock Motorcycle has only seen winners at Bristol since 2021, with Gaige Herrera claiming his second straight title last year, along with regular contenders Matt Smith, Angie Smith, Richard Gadson, and Chase Van Sant.

The Thunder Valley Nationals week includes a wide range of activities. In addition to the main NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, visitors can watch Pro Mod, Factory Stock, and Mountain Motor Pro Stock races.

There are also autograph sessions, fanfests, Nitro Alley entertainment, and special pre-race ceremonies. Fans will get a chance to see drivers up close, attend Nitro School, and join the SealMaster Track Walk on race day, making for an action-packed weekend.

Qualifying will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 6โ€“7, with eliminations starting on Sunday, June 8, at Bristol Dragway. All rounds will be aired on FS1, with eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Brown says his plan for the next four to five weeks is simple: focus on strong qualifying and make consistent runs that carry the team to the semifinals and finals. He believes the team is improving, thanks to dedicated preparation and smart strategies.

As the season moves toward the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, every round and point counts.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals offer fans a full lineup of racing action and entertainment. With Brown going all in for his long-awaited Bristol win and some of the best in drag racing set to compete, the stage is set for an exciting weekend at one of the sportโ€™s most scenic venues. See coverage of other high-profile racing incidents such as the recent Verstappen-Russell clash for additional motorsport drama.

* The featured image is not a real photograph โ€” it was created using AI.
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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.

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