Billy Kleinspehn

Images Courtesy NHRA and Mike Gregg

After one of the most exciting and talked about nationals events in recent years which featured comebacks many first time winners and few wild rides the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series travel to the heart of NASCAR Country and famed ZMax Dragway for the second time in 2025.

As we head into the burnout box let’s give you my pick 5 for this weekend’s event! 

Number 5 First Ever Four Wide Countdown Race

In a first for NHRA a four wide race will take place in the Countdown to the Championship which will provide a unique experience for both drivers and fans and could also throw in a few upsets as well! 

Number 4 The Return of Nitro on Two Wheels

It’s hard to believe it’s been since Brainerd in August since the stars of the Pringle Top Fuel Motorcycle series has been a part of the NHRA National Event scene and this weekend will mark the return of the wild 5 second 250mph two-wheel warriors.

Number 3 a win for Alexander? 


In the Funny Car class, no driver has been more consistent then Blake Alexander. The nitro star who was won in both fuel classes has been to the semis at Brainerd and Indy and with a runner up finish at Reading can he break through for a win in Charlotte? 

Number 2 Another first time winner in Charlotte? 

The 40th anniversary event at Reading will be remembered for one of the rare national events where several drivers picked up their first career national event wins in fact 8 of the 16 winners counting both Mission and Lucas Oil series classes from last weekend event were first time winners can the trend continue in Charlotte?

Number 1 Another NHRA first in Charlotte?

Since opening in September of 2008 the Bellagio of drag strips has been the host of any historic moments in NHRA including the first ever four wide nationals in spring 2010 Matt Hagans first ever 3 second funny car pass September 2011 and Brittany Force first 340 Top Fuel pass in the spring are just the top of the Iceberg. Could this weekend feature another historic first in NHRA?