The NHRA’s most prestigious event is on the horizon. The Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals are set to get underway on August 31st through September 4th at Indianapolis Speedway. The races will be televised on FOX. This will be the last event before the playoffs get started. There is a lot on the line for Top Fuel’s Leah Pritchett and Terry McMillen.
This contest will determine who receives the final spot in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Both speedsters will be trying to advance to the NHRA’s six-race playoffs for the first time in their careers. The two drivers are currently tied for 10th in points.
Receiving a birth into the NHRA’s six-race playoffs has been Terry McMillen’s goal for the season. He captured his very first career final round appearance earlier this season. The fearless competitor hopes to finish off his season with a chance to race for a championship.
Furthermore, a triumph at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals would make the successful year even better for the Top Fuel veteran. This weekend will undoubtedly be the biggest weekend in McMillen’s career. The driver is confident in his team and likes his chances to claim the final playoff spot at the conclusion of the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
“Right now I believe in my guys and I believe in my team,” McMillen said. “They’re the ones that allowed us an opportunity to get to this level. We have probably one of the youngest teams out there on the NHRA circuit right as far as working on the car, so they have a lot to be proud for and they have a big fight on their hands.”
The two speedsters are racing against a who’s who of the Top Fuel Division. Tony Schumacher, the nine time defending U.S. National champion, will be looking for his tenth title at the hallowed venue. The 2015 Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series champion and 2016 points leader Antron “Get Down” Brown is looking to sweep the prize money offered throughout the events.
Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force, and Steve Torrence also look to capitalize on the increased points offered to the winners of each race. This will be the coup de grace of Pritchett’s whirlwind season and she isn’t shying away from the moment.
“I can’t think of a more pressurized situation,” Pritchett said. “All of this was for the opportunity to be in the top 10 and here it is. As a result, it truly is a make or break type of situation. We just kind of look at each other, laugh about it and ask each other, ‘Really? Actually, I’m happy about it. Furthermore, it’s excitement for Terry McMillen’s team, for us, for the sport, for the fans. More than just the top guys in the points, I’m glad that there is a fight going on for 10th. By all means we will have our game faces on to get it.”
Alexis DeJoria is finally scheduled to make her return. The dragster won the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in 2014. She was sidelined when she fractured her pelvis in a wreck at Sonoma Raceway in July. Dejoria still finds herself out in front of veteran racers Chad Head and Cruz Pedregon by 87 and 115 points. DeJoria will try to make her third straight Countdown to the Championship berth.
Ron Capps will be raring to go on Sunday. He has amassed five wins in 2016 and currently sits in first place in the point standings. Del Worsham looks to keep the momentum going from his win at Brainerd. Jack Beckman returns with hopes of defending his 2015 title at this event, he should be fast once again.
The four-time Indy winner and future Hall of Famer John Force, received enough votes to compete this weekend. Finally, three time U.S. Nationals victor Robert Hight, will be speeding down the coveted quarter-mile in hopes for a fourth triumph in Indiana.
Summit Motor Sports teammates Jason Line and Greg Anderson look to top off one of the most dominate years in recent memory. Line is the current Pro Stock points leader. He has collected seven wins so far this year.
Greg Anderson is a six-time U.S. Nationals winner. He also has reeled in seven Wally Trophys to put on his already decorated mantle. Others that hope to make an impact in Sunday’s U.S. Nationals are Allen Johnson. Johnson capture his first victory of the 2016 Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series in Denver a few weeks ago. Brainerd winner Drew Skillman looks to win his second Pro stock contest of the year. Vincent Nobile and veteran dragster Bo Butner will also be cruising the quarter-mile raceway in style.
