Billy Klienspehn  Images Phil Hutchison and Courtesy NHRA

Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome to the Countdown to The Championship as we head into the homestretch to see you will be the 2025 Mission Foods Champions as we head into Amish country and famed my home turf Maple Grove Raceway. 

So let’s get into the burnout box as I give you your pick 5 for this weekend’s Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish Ultimate Apparel.

Number 5

Another Historical Maple Grove Weekend 

As Maple Grove and NHRA celebrate their 40th anniversary of the National Event at the house of chaos how fitting would it be to have another magical weekend at the Grove as the House of Chaos has been the home of many of the historic firsts in NHRA.

Number 4

We’re the kids of America

This weekend the stars of the NHRA Summit Jr Drag Racing League will compete in the Prestigious Jr Dragster National Shootout a popular exhibition that features a select but prestigious group of the future of the sport in a showcase of youth NHRA racing.

Number 3

Side By Side 340mph Top Fuel Pass

Maple Grove has been the sight of many historic firsts in Top Fuel such as the first side by side 4 second run in 89 and the first side by side 300mph pass in 94 and the first husband wife showdown in eliminations in 2002. But with Top Fuel cars hitting over 343mph could this weekend be the weekend we see the first ever side by side 340mph pass? 

Number 2

An All 3 Second Funny Car and 200mph field in Pro Stock Bike

The two accomplishments have yet to happen in NHRA history but how fitting would it be for both barriers to fall at the 40th Anniversary Reading Nationals

Number 1

A First Time Pro Winner? 

Not only has Maple Grove been the home of records it’s also been a great place to pick up your first ever NHRA National Event win such as Angelle Sampey and Jeff Arend in 96 and Tim Grose in 1985 and with such great young drivers like Spencer Hyde and Brayden Davis could we see a first time winner at the grove?