Skip to content
https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Big Nitro Fields Set to Ignite Indy Thrills at Cornwell NHRA U.S. Nationals
Highlights
- 72nd NHRA U.S. Nationals features largest nitro fields since 2012
- 45 Top Fuel and Funny Car entries ready to compete
- Qualifying begins Friday; eliminations set for Labor Day Monday
- Top Fuel leader Doug Kalitta holds 67-point advantage
- Pro Stock Motorcycle includes season-high 19 entries
- NHRA’s 75th anniversary features legends and special exhibitions
The 72nd Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals returns to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, featuring the largest nitro fields since 2012: 45 combined Top Fuel and Funny Car entries.
The scale elevates qualifying jeopardy and title context. With regular-season points concluding, every run matters before Monday eliminations on Labor Day.
Largest nitro fields at Indy since 2012: 45 entries across Top Fuel and Funny Car.
Top Fuel’s 22-car field features points leader Doug Kalitta, defending winner Justin Ashley, Tony Stewart, Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon, rookie Maddi Gordon, Leah Pruett, Clay Millican, and Tony Schumacher.
Funny Car matches that depth with 23 entries, including points leader Matt Hagan, champion Austin Prock, Jordan Vandergriff, J.R. Todd, Ron Capps, and Jack Beckman. Four sit within 22 points.
Across four pro classes, 84 entries are confirmed. Pro Stock expects 20 cars, while Pro Stock Motorcycle reaches a season-high 19 bikes.
Qualifying opens Friday, followed by two sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday includes the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge; Sunday hosts the PlayNHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout. Eliminations run Monday.
Qualifying Friday–Sunday; eliminations on Labor Day Monday.
The stakes extend beyond trophies. Nearly $400,000 is available for regular-season championships, with Top Fuel and Funny Car title winners earning $150,000 each.
Top Fuel and Funny Car regular-season champions can each claim $150,000.
In the standings, Doug Kalitta leads Top Fuel by 67 points over Shawn Langdon. Greg Anderson fronts Pro Stock by 85, while Richard Gadson heads Pro Stock Motorcycle by 83.
Doug Kalitta arrives with a 67-point Top Fuel cushion.
Erica Enders targets a Pro Stock repeat against Anderson, Dallas Glenn, and the Stanfield brothers. Gaige Herrera chases another motorcycle win versus Gadson, Matt and Angie Smith, and Steve Johnson.
More than 850 entrants span the weekend, including Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, and Super Gas. Fans see top competitors from the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and other divisions.
NHRA’s 75th anniversary elevates the bill. Appearances include Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, Kenny Bernstein, and John Force, plus the Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge, Pro Mod, and Factory Stock Showdown.
Classic ’68 Hemi Darts and Barracudas headline the Sox & Martin showcase. The anniversary theme continues later this year at the California Hot Rod Reunion.
Qualifying begins Friday evening with coverage on FS1 and FOX. Sunday features opening Callout rounds, with all eliminations on Monday.
Expect intense competition and strategic risk management throughout. Fans will track the performance of Top Fuel dragsters chasing crucial points before the Countdown.
Visual Summary
45 Nitro Cars Ignite Indy
Largest Indy Field Since 2012
NHRA’s U.S. Nationals unleashes its most electrifying, stacked lineup in 15 years as 12,000 HP Top Fuel & Funny Cars shoot for Nitro Glory.
850+
Total Entries
Total Entries
45
Nitro Cars
Nitro Cars
$400K
In Prizes
In Prizes
Championship Points Heat
Kalitta +67
Langdon
Top Fuel lead
🔥 #2Fast2Tasty Challenge
⭐ All-Star Callout
🏆 NHRA Legends Return
Indy’s Drag Racing Summit. Who will conquer 2024?
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.
