Day Two Testing at the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton

Drag Racing Action Images Mike Gregg and Geoff Sculley

The second day of the inaugural Pro Superstar Shootout had plenty of quick runs and a little bit of controversy added to the mix during Wednesday’s test ‘n’ Tune sessions. The event, the first of its kind, features NHRA stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock racing for big money. The PRO Superstar Shootout will pay out more than $1.3 million in total prize money, with $250,000 going to the Top Fuel and Funny Car winners, and $125,000 to the Pro Stock winner.

Qualifying for the race begins in earnest Thursday afternoon at the Florida facility

Kalitta, the 2023 champ, finally got to show the fans the #1 on his car at Bradenton

2023 NHRA Top Fuel World champ Doug Kalitta led the charge with a 3.658 at 335.46 miles per hour on his final run of the day.

Right behind the champ was Leah Pruett at a 3.671 at 333.91. Pruett who is not running the NHRA tour to focus on family, is running the Shootout as a one and done for the season and will be sitting out the remainder of the season. Former NHRA champ Steve Torrence was third quickest with a 3.675.

Antron Brown had the crowd buzzing with an out of the world pass of 3.772 at an unheard of 339.62 MPH to set the fastest pass in Top Fuel history. Later Bob Brockmeyer, founder of the Compulink Timing, said the split times didn’t add up and it was probably the height of the timing equipment was the culprit with the front tire tripping the beam instead of the front spoiler turning the timer on incorrectly. Changes will be done before Thursday’s qualifying starts.

Seventeen-time NHRA Funny Car champ John Force lead the floppers with an 3.848 elapsed time at 331.59 miles per hour in the Peak sponsored Chevy Camaro.

J.R. Todd was second quickest with a 3.881, followed by Bob Tasca III’s 3.894. Ron Capps was fourth with a 3.912 while Alexis DeJoria rounded out the top five with a 3.920.