AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Doug Kalitta, Bob Tasca, and Matt Hartford Headline as Friday’s Top Qualifiers at NHRA Arizona Nationals

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 22, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Doug Kalitta, Bob Tasca, and Matt Hartford Headline as Friday’s Top Qualifiers at NHRA Arizona Nationals

Mar 21, 2025; Chandler, AZ, USA; NHRA top fuel driver Doug Kalitta during qualifying for the Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In a thrilling turn of events at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, Doug Kalitta, Bob Tasca III, and Matt Hartford have seized the day by landing the provisional top spots in their respective categories. The high-octane showdown, which took place on Friday at the esteemed Firebird Motorsports Park, saw Kalitta deliver a power-packed performance in the Top Fuel category, cementing his position at the top with the only run in the 3.60s.

Kalitta, the 2023 world champion, showcased his racing prowess in his SealMaster/Toyota dragster, reaching a breathtaking speed of 330.09 mph in a mere 3.688 seconds. This sterling performance puts Kalitta on track for his first No. 1 qualifier of the year, a position he has secured 59 times before in his illustrious career. The day saw the top spot change hands twice before Kalitta stepped up and made his mark, proving once again why he’s regarded as one of the best in the business.

In a strategic move, Kalitta and his team opted to remove the mud flaps for the second session, following an announcement by NHRA officials that mud flaps would be optional for the next four races. Kalitta expressed his satisfaction with his performance and lauded the conditions at the facility. He credited the smooth track and optimal conditions for his successful run.

In a close second, Brittany Force clocked a time of 3.705 at 331.69, and Shawn Langdon, Kalitta Motorsports’ own, rounded off the top three after going 3.706 at 331.85.

In the Funny Car category, Bob Tasca III ended Friday qualifying in style. Piloting his Motorcraft Ford Mustang, Tasca recorded an impressive 3.863 at 333.82, managing to edge past reigning world champion Austin Prock for the provisional No. 1 spot. Prock and Tasca were the only two Funny Car drivers to break into the 3.80s during the two sessions, but it was Tasca who took the lead.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s competition, Tasca expressed his confidence after successfully tackling both hot and cool track conditions. He praised his team’s adaptability and is looking forward to what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of racing.

Meanwhile, in the Pro Stock category, Phoenix native Matt Hartford stole the show on his home track. Behind the wheel of his Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro, Hartford clocked a run of 6.509 at 208.20 to claim the No. 1 spot. If the results hold, Hartford is set to earn his fifth career No. 1 qualifier and his first of the year, marking a significant comeback after a challenging 2024 season.

Second and third place in the Pro Stock category were claimed by Greg Anderson and Cory Reed respectively, setting up an exciting showdown for the rest of the weekend.

Excitement continues to build as the qualifying rounds resume on Saturday at 11:30am PT at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see who will come out on top in this high-stakes racing championship.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Motorsports

Aston Martin set for dramatic leadership change as Adrian Newey steps back

Aston Martin's Formula 1 team is on the brink of a major shakeup as it gears up for a new...

by David Castro
March 19, 2026
Motorsports

Toto Wolff warns Kimi Antonelli about ‘time thieves’ after stunning F1 victory

Toto Wolff Sounds Alarm: "Time Thieves" Target Rising Star Kimi Antonelli! In a dramatic turn of events following Kimi Antonelli's...

by Carl Smith
March 19, 2026
Ferrari retains dominant edge in pit stops: can anyone match their extraordinary speed?
Motorsports

Ferrari retains dominant edge in pit stops: can anyone match their extraordinary speed?

Title: Ferrari Dominates the Pit Stop Game: A Race Against Time! In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where every...

by Redação
March 19, 2026
Motorsports

Felipe Massa declares Fernando Alonso’s F1 career over: ‘his moment has passed’

Fernando Alonso's F1 Future Under Fire: Felipe Massa Claims 'His Moment Has Passed!' In a shocking assessment that sends ripples...

by Harry Stone
March 19, 2026

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Leapmotor B10 produzido em Espanha a partir de outubro

Leapmotor B10 produced in Spain starting from October.

March 20, 2026
Hyundai N Hyper Chargers no Nürburgring

“Hyundai N Hyper Chargers at the Nürburgring”

March 19, 2026

Aston Martin set for dramatic leadership change as Adrian Newey steps back

March 19, 2026

Toto Wolff warns Kimi Antonelli about ‘time thieves’ after stunning F1 victory

March 19, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.