Chandler, Arizona — The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series roared into Firebird Motorsports Park Friday night as the Arizona Nationals kicked off with a thrilling display of horsepower, precision, and personality. Under clear skies and the glow of track lights, Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock competitors launched into the 2025 season’s second event with fire in their eyes and nitro in their veins.
The evening’s first two rounds of qualifying electrified the crowd with record-threatening runs, emotional moments, and fierce competition—all setting the stage for a weekend where only the best will survive.
Doug Kalitta Destroys the Clock in Top Fuel
Veteran Doug Kalitta came out swinging, laying down a thunderous 3.688-second pass at 330.09 mph that secured the provisional No. 1 spot in Top Fuel. Piloting his sleek SealMaster/Toyota dragster, Kalitta was the only driver to dip into the 3.60s on Friday night, proving once again why he remains a force even decades into his career.
This run places Kalitta in strong contention for what could be his 59th career No. 1 qualifier. With momentum already on his side from his 2023 championship, Kalitta’s crisp performance sent a clear message to challengers: the king isn’t ready to abdicate his throne just yet.
“Everything came together beautifully,” Kalitta said post-run. “The car responded, the track held, and we just went for it. We’re ready to keep pushing.”
Behind Kalitta, Steve Torrence and Brittany Force posted solid passes, though neither came close to matching Kalitta’s raw pace. Expect Saturday’s qualifying sessions to turn up the heat as the rest of the field scrambles for position.
Bob Tasca III Leads a Stacked Funny Car Field
If Kalitta lit the fuse, Bob Tasca III provided the explosion in Funny Car. Blasting his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang to a jaw-dropping 3.863-second run at 333.82 mph, Tasca claimed the top spot heading into Saturday’s final qualifying.
With reigning champ Austin Prock (3.883, 327.44 mph) breathing down his neck, Tasca’s run was as strategic as it was aggressive. “We knew we had one shot to make a statement tonight,” he said. “The team nailed it.”
Tasca’s blistering speed didn’t just thrill the crowd—it shook up a Funny Car class packed with title threats including Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, and John Force. If Friday’s performance is any indicator, this could be one of the most competitive Funny Car fields in recent memory.
Matt Hartford Takes the Pro Stock Lead – and a Sweet Surprise Steals the Show
In the highly technical Pro Stock class, Matt Hartford edged out a razor-close field with a 6.550-second pass, just a whisker ahead of veteran Greg Anderson’s 6.551. Cory Reed secured third with a 6.554, rounding out a top-three separated by less than five-thousandths of a second.
“This car has been a dream to drive lately,” Hartford said. “We’ve been working on consistency, and it paid off tonight.”
But the moment that stole hearts came courtesy of Erica Enders. During her run, her parachute deployed in an unexpected shade of pink—revealing the gender of Elite Motorsports team members Chase and Jenna Freeman’s baby. The crowd erupted in cheers, offering a rare moment of tenderness amidst the adrenaline-pumping action.
“It was an honor to be part of something so special,” Enders said, smiling. “We’re all family out here.”
Looking Ahead: Saturday Qualifying and Sunday Eliminations
With two more qualifying sessions slated for Saturday, drivers will have another opportunity to fine-tune their machines and secure favorable ladder positions for Sunday’s eliminations.
In Top Fuel, the focus remains on whether anyone can challenge Kalitta’s domination. In Funny Car, the spotlight is on the showdown between Tasca and Prock. And in Pro Stock, mere milliseconds could separate a championship run from an early exit.
Fans in attendance can also expect more surprises, high speeds, and maybe even another emotional moment or two.
NHRA’s Heartbeat Remains Strong
The Arizona Nationals offered more than just fast cars and dramatic finishes—it reminded fans why the NHRA continues to thrive. It’s a sport where family stories unfold beside 300-mph launches, where veterans still reign and newcomers rise fast, and where the spirit of competition is matched only by the camaraderie of the paddock.
As Firebird Motorsports Park prepares for eliminations, one thing is clear: the NHRA is alive, loud, and racing into a new era with nitro-fueled purpose.
