Chris King opens his 2026 NHRA campaign in Chicago with a composed weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak.

The independent Chicago firefighter-driver targets consistent qualifiers, a race-day berth, and visibility for Howards Cams/Competition Products. The team delivers on that baseline with disciplined execution.

King qualifies 16th with a 4.142-second, 266.79 mph run, drawing No.1 seed and defending winner Jack Beckman for round one.

Running an older chassis and body complicates the window. Crew chief Bob Peck refines clutch settings and redistributes weight, improving response, though persistent front-end lift still unsettles the car.

The Beckman relationship adds texture. They have long exchanged Funny Car insights, and Beckman’s son designed the livery on King’s 12,000-horsepower entry.

The race itself is tight early. King leaves cleanly and briefly edges ahead, but Beckman asserts mid-track and wins with 3.945 seconds. King posts 4.233, a respectable deficit.

King praises Beckman’s execution and John Force Racing calibre equipment, while acknowledging lingering balance issues. The run is clean, valuable, and indicative of incremental gains against class benchmarks.

Beyond performance, King embraces hometown duties. He serves Nitro Cake pancakes with TJ Zizzo, appears on the NHRA stage with Hannah Rickards, and signs autographs between runs.

Sponsor engagement and crowd connection matter for an independent programme. The Chicago platform strengthens relationships and underlines professional presentation alongside competitive intent.

Strategically, the weekend yields useful data for clutch, weight, and balance targets. The team returns to the shop to apply learning and close the performance gap.

Next up is Norwalk. The Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car plans to contest the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 26–28, continuing King’s campaign this year.

For broader Chicago coverage, see standout efforts from Maddi Gordon and event winners such as Allegrucci.

Visual Summary

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.