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.