NHRA Insider Podcast

On this monologue-style episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes takes you through all the news and storylines from Denver and looks forward to this weekend's Northwest Nationals at historic Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. The last Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway will be marked by three things. A weekend sellout, seemingly impossible track records, and dramatic victories across the Camping World Drag Racing Series classes. There were moments of sheer frustration, of amazing success, and of shocking upsets. The inside story? Lohnes is here to bring you that. The second half of the show is relating what we saw last weekend to what we may see this weekend in Washington State. There's plenty to wonder about, like whether Gaige Herrera can sweep the swing, whether the success of Clay Millican follows him back to sea level, and whether Matt Hagan is busting out to make a run for his fourth title. All that and more on this episode!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider, the discussion turns to the lingering effects of Norwalk and the upcoming Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals in Denver. The race will be a big one as it will be a national event send-off for the venerable Bandimere Speedway, and it will, as it always does, provide the ultimate test of racer and machine with its substantial physical altitude that's always pumped up with summer temperatures and sunshine. This podcast ranges from an analysis of the wins of Blake Alexander and Matt Hartford to a class-by-class breakdown of what fans and followers of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series may see happen on the mountain in Morrison, Colo. There's insider information from behind the scenes of every class, some hot takes, and at this point in the season, a look at which teams really need to get a handle on a precarious situation as the year winds ever closer to the NHRA U.S. Nationals and the Countdown to the Championship points reset.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider, Blake Alexander, Lauren Freer, and Brittany Force join host Brian Lohnes to talk about awesome success at Norwalk, making history as an NHRA drag racer, and the potential to win the first-ever Driver of the Year ESPY for an NHRA competitor. Two-time NHRA Top Fuel winner Blake Alexander had a manic weekend in Ohio. Abject disappointment on Friday night gave way to perhaps the most satisfying and emotionally charged victory of his career on Sunday afternoon. It was his first win since 2018 and Jim Head's first since 1997 when he was a driver himself. The road to this win was very long and hard, and Blake tells the story. Lauren Freer became the 30th person in NHRA history and the first woman to ever win two classes at the same national event. Her career arc has taken her from Junior Dragster into the deepest end of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series talent pool. Her victory was spread over two days, one a very long Saturday and the second a very short Sunday. The behind-the-scenes stories from this one are fantastic. Brittany Force, the 2017 and 2022 Top Fuel champion has been nominated for the second time in her career for the ESPN Driver of the Year ESPY. No drag racer has ever won this award and she hopes to be the first. The conversation with Brittany is wide-ranging and takes us deep into her team history, her approach, and how she and her team continue to function as a unit today. This show is PACKED! Enjoy!

Tony Pedregon and Todd Veney join host Brian Lohnes for this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. The three guys talk about many of the interesting elements that Bristol brought to the table and how the results there may have an influence on what happens in Ohio. From Gaige Herrera turning on a red light in the final against Steve Johnson to Erica Enders hole-shotting herself to a win over the pro stock field, it was a weekend that just didn't quit. In the nitro categories the guys discuss Ron Capps' victory as well as his legacy as a racer, how many wins he has left in him, and why we should never lose sight of him and a championship. The go into depth on Chad Green's success in 2023, why it has stood up, and what the future holds for that team. Lastly the top fuel discussion centers around Justin Ashley and the command performance he and his team managed to complete in Tennessee. Sweeping the whole race, placing themselves in a huge points position, and making themselves the undisputed championship favorites right now. Add in Lohnes' recap from Bowling Green and the Wally Parks NHRA Nostalgia Nationals and we have a well rounded enterprise. This is a snappy, fun show with opinions, takes, and insight from beginning to end!

It's a crew chief-heavy episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast this week. Bristol-winning crew chiefs Mike Green, Tommy DeLago, and Dean Antonelli join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the ins and outs of succeeding at Thunder Valley, the unique pressures of two races in one weekend, and the systematic approach that they took to earn their respective victories. Mike Green and Tommy DeLago had a dream weekend, sweeping every available contest in Bristol. They won the rain-delayed New England Nationals and the Thunder Valley Nationals while also capturing the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. It was an amazing effort and one that has some truly cool backstories that they share. Dean Antonelli and the entire Ron Capps Motorsports team had to rebound from a first-round loss in the New England Nationals to race again on Sunday for the Thunder Valley Nationals crown which they got. Antonelli talks about how they altered their clutch program, hung together as a group, and worked hard on a challenging Sunday to win. He talks about his career and some of the more unique things about leading a Nitro Funny Car team into battle. Lastly, to head up the show, Lohnes goes on a rant about people who are constantly repeating lame tropes about drag racing and actually harming the sport they claim to be helping. He's going to be short some Christmas cards this year. Something for everyone here!

On this short and sweet episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes delivers a monologue on the race that never was, the New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. The event was a testament to the heartiness of the New England region fans who battle searing temperatures on Friday and then rainy, frigid temperatures for the rest of the weekend, all the way until nothing more could be done on Monday afternoon. Lohnes talks about the event, the people, and the implications of what's coming in Bristol this weekend. An insanely short turn for the teams, the people of the NHRA, and a Tennessee weekend that will be absolutely packed to the gills with qualifying and racing action from end to end. Learn how the NHRA will pull off effectively two national events over the course of three days this week, where and when you can watch, and why you should be buying a ticket to see a colossus of a race happen at Bristol Dragway. There will be PLENTY to talk about after this one!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Tony Pedregon and Todd Veney join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the major stories and trends coming out of the Chicago Rt 66 Nationals and to preview the weekend ahead at New England Dragway. The event this weekend is unique as it centers around Top Fuel and Nitro Funny car, with the Pro Modified class also a showcase during the event. The three touch on some really interesting topics like how talent is recognized and snatched up the ranks in drag racing, why smaller teams don't take more advantage of races like Epping where they'd get more attention and have a better shot to win, the effect of the Indy 500 weekend on racing across America, and the seemingly instant turn of performance for Tony Schumacher's car during testing post-Chicago. All this and a whole lot more on this week's Clam Chowder-powered NHRA Insider!

On this post-Rt66 Nationals episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, NHRA's Joe Castello joins Brian Lohnes along with Vance and Hines chief tuner Andrew Hines. The talk is centered on an incredible race weekend at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. The fans came out by the 10s of thousands, the car counts were fantastic, and the competition through the event was off the charts. Sunday was one of the most incredible race days that anyone has ever seen and you'll get it from the perspective of a television reporter and of a racer in Andrew Hines. The conversation eventually turns to the unstoppable nature of Gaige Herrera, how Hines continues to work with him, how his multi-faceted presence is aiding the team, and some surprising facts about this racer who may be most well known on a motorcycle but can do damage in cars as well. The stories from inside the race, on the starting line, and in the pits, all right here!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Tony Pedregon and NHRAonFox pit producer Todd Veney join host Brian Lohnes to talk all things about the upcoming Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois. This is the first time the NHRA has raced at the venue since 2019, and expectations are high for the great event. The conversation works class by class through the race. Which competitors are in positions of power, which need to better their fortunes, and which may want to start smashing the panic button with a sledgehammer. The first ever All-Star Pro Stock Call Out is broken down and discussed, possible pairings are bandied about, and the class and competitors analyzed. Finally, the guys break down the freakish points situation top fuel where, after five races, two of the top three have not won any of them! Fun perspective to get you revved up about this weekend!

On this three-guest episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, racers Tony Stewart, T.J. Zizzo, and Chris King join host BrianLohnes to talk about winning races, new cars, and working relentlessly to make it in the sport of NHRA drag racing. Tony Stewart has come on very strong lately in Top Alcohol Dragster. Winning the national event in Las Vegas unleashed he and his team and they have gone on to capture another victory, recently, at the Indy regional Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event. Stewart talks about the evolution of the team, how he has evolved as a competitor, and a wide variety of topics. T.J. Zizzo and Chris King are both Chicagoland area drag racing success stories. Neither man is made of money but both will be racing nitro-burning cars at the Rt 66 Nationals. Zizzo and team took more than a season off to construct a brand new, cutting-edge top fuel dragster. They have designs on making trouble for the competition at their home track. Chris King is a Chicago firefighter who loves funny cars and has worked his whole life to get to a point where he can compete in one. King tells his story of hard work, being a regular guy, and how he's been able to make his dreams slowly come true. Three great conversations in this one, you'll enjoy it all!

Josh Hart and Del Worsham join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast and both of them have plenty to talk about. In the case of Josh Hart, the conversation centers around his growth as not only a driver, but as a personality, team owner, and most importantly a competitor in the ranks of professional drag racing. It has not always been fun or easy and Josh takes us inside the process. The chat reveals a hardnosed competitor and a genuinely good guy who is not going to be stopped in his championship quest. Del Worsham is the second guest on the show and he talks about the evolution of the tune up that has created the most consistent funny car in the sport today. Currently second in the points, Worsham reveals that the team was headed in a different tune up direction before the season started but reverting back to last year's car and tune have brought them to the place they are today. Two fascinating guests and two great insider chats!

On this race week episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, National Dragster Sr. Editor Kevin McKenna and NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon join Brian Lohnes to talk all things Circle K NHRA Charlotte 4-Wide Nationals. The guys talk about the news of Bandimere's impending closure, the Pro Stock Motorcycle downtime and who made the best of it, starting line/staging espionage, and the questionable forecast for this weekend's race to start with. Leading into the race discussion, the group talks about racers like Antron Brown, the complexity of operating the near double-digit Elite Motorsports Pro Stock team, Matt Hagan's dominating funny car performances thus far, and why the NHRA needs to embrace a power ranking system like other sports have. This one goes deep into some interesting subjects. There's some laughs, some debates, and some hot fire spit by this panel on all the above topics. In other words, it's another must-listen trip inside the world of NHRA Camping World Drag Racing!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Shawn Langdon and Manny Buginga join host Brian Lohnes to talk about two of the season's most memorable moments this far and they both happened on the starting line. For Shawn Langdon, it was the second round of Top Fuel at the Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals where he took a slower-than-normal approach to counteract the starting line tactics of Josh Hart which eventually drew him a foul for timing out. The conversation centers around the world of top fuel, the exciting nature of staging four-wide, and how different drivers approach their procedure differently. Langdon takes us inside the moments leading up to the run, the scene on the line, and the aftermath with competitors and teammates. This is an open and honest recounting of a memorable situation. For Manny Buginga, his first-ever race as part of the NHRA Pro mod series was memorable for fans and competitors alike. Engaged in a two-minute and thirty-second staging battle with defending series champion Kris Thorne, Buginga stood his ground in pre-stage until he physically could not hold the car still any longer. This whole situation cost him a crew chief immediately following the run. Ever defiant, Manny lays out the logic, his career experience, and his expectations for the rest of this season. One of the spiciest and most interesting episodes ever, you'll hang on every word!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Brian Lohnes brings back the regular race week guest panel of Tony Pedregon, NHRAonFox analyst, and Kevin McKenna National Dragster Senior Editor to talk about the Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals, a wild weekend in Pomona, and some of the deeper stories brewing behind the scenes in the world of NHRA drag racing. The rollicking conversation kicks off with a look at Pro Stock and how the class has taken on a "Countdown" feel already in this early part of the season. The points standings are tight, some racers who we all place high expectations on are struggling and others are making their mark right out of the gate. The conversation focuses on how a Pro Stock season can vary versus a nitro-powered one and the driver performances to this point. The group delves into the recent craziness in nitro Funny Car from the hot starts of Chad Green and Alexis DeJoria to the weekend of John Force and JR Todd, how those teams will recover, and how the idea of las Vegas being anyone's game may not be so true. Lots of meat on this bone as the guys go deep into these storylines. Finally, the Top Fuel class is the center of discussion. Obviously, Justin Ashley's recent performances are on the table as are those teams struggling to get up to speed, and which of them will be the first to notch themselves a breakout weekend? Loads of interesting food for thought here about teams, reality series', secrecy, and how the sport of drag racing benefits from a little cage rattling and feather ruffling! An entertaining listen that's full throttle the whole way through!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, two members of the same team join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the red-hot start to their season. Justin Ashley and Mike Green, the driver and crew chief of the Phillips Connect Top Fuel Dragster, have, along with a talented team, scored two convincing wins in a row at Phoenix and then Pomona. In these two separate conversations, Lohnes talks to Ashley about not only winning but the process of racing at the highest levels, taking the Mission #2Fast2Tasty crown, number one qualifier, and event win in Pomona along with many other topics like his race weekend, regimen and more. Mike Green talks about running his dragster, being paired with a talent like Ashley, and operating the points-leading team so far in 2023. There's a great insight into the last two races from a chief crew perspective, the dynamics of his crew, the fact that his boss works actively on the car, and why these guys are built for the long haul this season. Insights from the driver's seat as well as the chief crew lounge on this episode and all from the same winning team!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes breaks down the NHRA Lucas Oil Arizona Nationals from Phoenix. Taking listeners inside some of the major happenings of the race, you'll learn the root cause of some of the more intriguing moments of the weekend and get a full breakdown regarding the key points of the event. History was made when Camrie Caruso got her first Wally and became the second female Pro Stock winner ever; deep dives into the head-to-head battles between Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon, among others, and a full explainer on the Pro Stock controversy from round two in eliminations. Phoenix was a monster of a race from a crowd perspective, a tricky race from the track perspective, and the perfect start to the Mission #2Fast2Tasty program that perhaps over-delivered from even the most well-seasoned viewer and fan perspectives. The Winternationals will be spiced up both in performance and emotion based on what we saw in Arizona. Listen up!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the controversy of "weightgate" following the 2023 Amalie Oil Gatornationals, recapping the high and low performers of that event, and they look forward to the 2023 NHRA Arizona Nationals as well. The three talk extensively about their impressions of what happened following the Gators with Mike Salinas and his team, their penalty for coming arcoss the scales light after the final round, and what the implications may be going forward. It is an interesting chat with some perspective you will not find anywhere else. Recapping the Gatornationals, Lohnes, Pedregon, and McKenna review the performances of teams who exceeded, lived up to, and failed to reach the performance bar they all expected at the season-opening race. The episode concludes with an interesting talk about whether or not drag racers are truly ready to be "big time" in the sporting world and the direction of professional drag racing as a whole. This is the best way to get revved up for a fast weekend at Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park!

On this post-Gatornationals episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Andrew Hines and Rob Flynn, two winning crew chiefs from the event, join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their experiences and how they achieved victory. For the Vance and Hines team, this one was a long time coming. Plucking rider Gaige Herrera from relative obscurity and giving him the chance to ride one of the best machines in the category may have seemed risky to some, but Andrew Hines knew that Herrea was a talent that just needed horsepower. Boy, was he right. The whole story of his victory is one for the history books. Rob Flynn commanded his tune-up and team like a maestro in Gainesville, making the final round of the Pep Boys All-Star Top Fuel Call Out and then winning Top Fuel Eliminator on Sunday. Rob talks about his approach, his team, and how everyone came together under high-stress, short turnaround conditions at the opening race of the season. The story of two victories, a look back over the race, some fun insider stories, and more on this episode!

On this pre-Gatornationals episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Sr. Editor Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about how testing has gone, what teams should be better than they were in 2022 and which teams have made the most waves in testing. The guys also delve into the topic of the things they DO NOT want to hear in 2023, and that may be the most entertaining part of the whole exercise. Pedregon takes us deep inside the Bob Tasca team to talk about what happened to cause his crew chief change, the immediate results of it, and why the driver/crew chief dynamic is so important on any team. Lohnes shares a wild story about how they may have known about the change before many others did. Clay Millican's team is talked through, and expectations are shared now that they have the most parts, pieces, and funding than they ever have had before. Similarly, the guys talk about Doug Kalitta and the whole Kalitta camp and what they foresee for Shawn Langdon and Doug in 2023. The class-by-class breakdown culminates in a fun conversation about the cliches and actions the guys want to see drivers abandon for 2023. Whether it's feigning to not care about opponents or turning the top end into a recreation of the summer of love, the boys have a few ideas. Perhaps you have more to add! A fun show to get us fully cranked up for the start of the season!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Tony Schumacher and Bob Tasca III join host Brian Lohnes to talk about off-season moves, upcoming testing, and the reasons why both think they are in a position to succeed during the 2023 season. For Tony Schumacher, 2022 was not a return year that was arranged in a relatively hasty fashion. It's easy to hear in his words and tone that the Seattle winning team wasn't exactly firing on all eight cylinders all year long, nor were they in a luxurious position with their equipment. With the addition of Mike Neff and John Shafer as the leaders of the team, new crew members throughout, and a load of fresh parts, the SCAG Power Equipment top fuel dragster is ready to roll. The two also chat about the addition of Tim Wilkerson to the JCM team. A fun chat. Bob Tasca has grouped Aaron Brooks and Todd Okuhara together to lead his Motorcraft Ford Mustang team in 2023. He's also added new people to the crew and the team has some really lofty goals for the season. A strong running car in the summer, Tasca and crew need to pick up the pace in the Spring and Fall to really be championship contenders. This is a great show with lots of insider stories you'll only get here!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by David Grubnic and Robert Hight. Hight is coming off of an incredible season, perhaps the best in his career, but one that did not see him with a championship when it was all over. Robert talks about testing and how fast his car was, the work that they have done in the off-season, personnel changes at John Force Racing, and the fact that the major players in funny car are all coming back strong for this season. This is an interesting and insightful conversation. David Grubnic enters a season for the first time as a defending world champion. The conversation with Lohnes is wide ranging, from his first experience seeing nitro cars when he was 13 years old at Surfer's Paradise, to the approach he and his team take to testing. He also talks about testing being interrupted by weather and the goals he and the team have to achieve when they return shortly to get their last two days completed. Great chats, more news from inside the NHRA, and insight into the sport that we all know and love.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider, new Vance and Hines team rider Gaige Herrera and multi-time champion funny car crew chief Dickie Venables join host Brian Lohnes to talk about testing, preparing, and what it will take to win in 2023. Third-generation drag racer Gaige Herrera was practically made for this moment in his life. He's the newest name on the Vance and Hines roster, and after a highly successful first test session at Gainesville, he'd ready for what the season will bring. Herrera talks about his evolution in drag racing, his family's roots in the sport, and the expectations he has to perform in the 2023 season. If the test was any indicator, this guy is going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Dickie Venables talks about the fresh start to 2023 with the same team in the same roles. He talks about his off-season preparations, how he reviews data, what it will take to be at the top in '23, and how life at TSR racing is a breath of fresh air in NHRA drag racing. Dickie talks about his hobbies away from the track and how excited he is to return to Chicago this year. All this plus news, insider information, and a multitude of topics in professional NHRA Camping World drag racing!

A rare three-guest show this week on the NHRA Insider. Tim Wilkerson, Justin Ashley, and Camrie Caruso are all guests talking about their plans, news, and prep for 2023. The show begins with host Brian Lohnes getting everyone up to speed on the latest NHRA news and info and rolls into a great conversation with Tim Wilkerson on his new partnership with Maynard Family Racing and SCAG teammate Tony Schumacher. This is truly a new chapter in his career, and he tells all. Justin Ashley talks about preparing for the season with testing, what Top Fuel will look like in 2023, and why his team is primed for another championship contenting run over the year. Finally, Camrie Caruso talks about being a part of KB Racing, how her whole outlook has changed with this move, how her job changes on the team, and why working in drag racing outside of the car has been great for her career. Lohnes and Caruso talk about her tough 2022 Countdown, what she learned, and how she'll approach it in 2023. A great show with three NHRA stars!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Cruz Pedregon and Leah Pruett join host Brian Lohnes to talk about strong late-season 2022 performances and the hopeful prospects for 2023 with renewed vigor and established teams. Cruz Pedregon took a leap at the end of 2022, swapping to a six-disc clutch program and bringing on Lee Beard to assist John Collins, his crew chief. This resulted in the most dominating win of his long career at the NHRA Finals in Pomona. Pedregon talks about being at the Chili Bowl with his midget race cars, his outlook for 2023, what the prospects are for the Raiders signing Tom Brady, and his testing plans for the winter. Leah Pruett's team was barely assembled before the 2022 season. They matured and won Denver and then had a strong car for the last stretch of the season. The win lights didn't come on, but the performance was certainly ramped up. Leah talks about the late Ken Block, transitioning to the role of driver and not a "do-all" person on a team, and how their stable crew will help them succeed in 2023. That and more on this episode of the NHRA Insider!

Kyle Koretsky and Clay Millican join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. Both of these racers had wild positive upheaval in their 2022 campaigns, with the Koretsky family buying Maple Grove Raceway and Millican's team being purchased and added to the Rick Ware Racing fold. The conversations with both racers center around how those changes are behind them and how 2023 is a positive, fresh, and stable slate. Lohnes talks about the upcoming difficulty in a top fuel class that continues to rise, additional pressures with new competitors coming in pro stock, and some of the other news of the drag racing week. A fun talk with two fan-favorite racers here on the Insider!

For this first episode of 2023, NHRA Insider host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna to talk about the things all three of them need to see in 2023. This is a wide-ranging discussion about what drivers and riders need to stand on it, what teams need to make a recovery fast, what they want to hear in interviews, and who they think will be breaking through for their first career wins in the season ahead. There are plenty of rumors to address, potential testing schedules to look at, and a myriad of different topics covered here. We're getting closer to Gainesville by the day, and these guys set up some of the biggest potential stories of the year during this first show of 2023. Hope springs eternal for everyone at this early moment of the season, and time will tell how accurate their predictions and wants are. Come up with some of your own, or choose to agree/disagree with the panel here.

On this season-ending episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes reviews the hot news from the PRI show, takes a retrospective look over the year that was, teases some interesting stuff that is in the news pipeline, and looks forward to the 2023 season both on the track in the Podcast-verse. It's a timely and tidy end to a racing year that saw sellouts, records, great competition, surprise winners, and hard-fought championships come down to the wire. After nearly 50 episodes this year, we'll take a couple of weeks off, get our engines tuned up, and we'll be back to sling the news, dig the dirt, and get you inside the hottest stories in drag racing.

Just when you thought Antron Brown could not get any cooler, he just did. Last weekend Antron attended the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at the NHRA-sanctioned Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida and drove Manny Buginga's 3,000hp Pro275 car known as Fred. This is basically a stock wheelbase car with full suspension and as much power as a pro mod on tiny 275mm wide rear tires. He didn't just drive it, he won the race! Brown joins host Brian Lohnes on this episode to tell the epic tale of how he found himself in the car and what it was like to do something he had never done in drag racing. It is an amazing and fun story told by one of the sport's all-time greats. His legend continues to grow! Additionally, Lohnes drops the hottest rumors surrounding the NHRA on this week of the PRI show in Indiana, where many of them will be brought to light and either confirmed or denied. There's a new nitro funny car driver coming, crew changes, and a whole lot more to talk about here!

Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider for one last look over the 2022 NHRA season before turning their sights to rumors, 2023 plans, and the overall state of the sport as we move into the depths of the winter months. There's a lot to take in here. From the upcoming changes in the alcohol funny car ranks, Factory X, the big news of Angelle and the Vance and Hines team going their separate ways, massive Top Fuel rumors, and more, the guys touch on the stuff that happened, the stuff that might happen, and what they all expect to see in 2023. New names coming in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Car, Funny Car, and Top Fuel? That's what they are hearing among a load of other topics and conversations. The show will continue in the off-season, but for these two guests they're preparing for a winter break! A fun listen that will keep you locked in.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider now two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Brittany Force joins Brian Lohnes to talk about her Pomona triumph, the team that made it all happen, and how a second world championship in top fuel eliminator changes the game for her and the entire John Force Racing team. Truly an insightful conversation with a driver who lived up to the billing in 2022 and about a team who produced the greatest and most speedy runs in the history of the class. Following that, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join Lohnes to talk all things Pomona finals and what this one race could indicate for the coming 2023 season. The key performances that delivered race wins and championship results are fascinating to break down. The guys stick to this one race and promise a full season breakdown in the coming weeks. Heck, enough happened at the Finals that the one race seemed like a season in and unto itself!

The last race of the season is upon us, and with it comes some incredible storylines. National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna and NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes to talk about news, rumors, championship scenarios, and what we should all be looking for during a race that promises to be incredible. While the pro stock championship is locked up, three other championships are wide open, and they each carry their own unique stories. Can Matt Smith lock up his 6th title and join Andrew Hines and Dave Schultz? Can Robert Hight thump his three closest rivals? Which of the potential five top fuel champions will get the job done? The silly season is already springing into high gear, and the rumors are flying! The threesome talk about these as well. A fun listen before the final race of the year!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, National Dragster's Kevin McKenna and the NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes o preview the coming action at the second to last race of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series 2022 Tour in Las Vegas. The huge storylines include the first competition start for Tony Stewart, who will be running in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, the potential coronation of Erica Enders as the Pro Stock World Champion, the raging battles in Pro Stock Motorcycle, nitro funny car, and top fuel, as well as plenty of other interpersonal storylines. This second to last race of the year will be as wide open as the city that's hosting it, and listening to this show will have you fired up and informed for what promises to be a weekend that breaks the ultimate Vegas rule. What happens at the Las Vegas nationals won't be staying at the NHRA Nevada Nationals

Ron Capps and Clay Millican join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast. Both racers are in a strong position with regard to their seasons. Capps sits just 10 points behind leader Robert Hight and Millican, with fresh ownership and parts is in the fastest race car he has had in years. While Millican may be a bit too far out to be considered a favorite, Capps has been slugging with Hight and Hagan on a weekly basis to maintain his championship position. Clay Millican brings great insights into the operation of his top fuel team under the ownership of Rick Ware Racing and what it means for the future of the entire outfit. It is an exciting time for he and the entire team as they now have an inventory of parts that will allow them to run the car as hard and fast as the front runners under crew chief Jim Oberhofer. Ron Capps is loving life at the moment. He comes off a big win in Dallas and is in the dream position of being less than one full round out of first place in his NAPA Toyota GR Supra. A multi-time champion, he reflects on the hardened experience of those first two championships and how that struggle can help him here. Capps talks about his crew, Dean Antonelli and co-crew chief John Medlen, and what the future holds for his operation. This is a fun listen with two of drag racing's great personalities!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFox and National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna come on with host Brian Lohnes to talk about the NHRA Texas Falls Nationals. This is a race with massive implications in every Camping World Drag Racing Series category and, for some, could actually provide the points needed to lock in a world title. Taking it from the top with a conversation about St Louis, the threesome dive into each pro class, talk about who has the command of the moment, what desperate measures could be taken by others to stop them, and what the conditions looming in Texas could bring on as far as challenges. There's a discussion about discord in a championship-contending top fuel team, a breakdown of the role a legendary crew chief is playing with regard to a funny car team, and a conversation about how a 21-point lead in pro stock motorcycle seems larger than it is on paper. THIS is truly an "Insider" look at the world of NHRA drag racing and it's up-to-the-minute good!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Antron Brown and Matt Smith join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their successes this season, the hard work behind them, and what they both think it will take to add to their championship career resumes. For Matt Smith, the 2022 Midwest Nationals were a showcase of his abilities as a tuner and a rider. Setting low ET on Friday and then carrying a strong motorcycle through an evolving track surface on Saturday and Sunday set him up for a win that gave him the points lead. We talk about that win, what he's doing to prepare for the final three races, and the mindset of a man chasing his sixth career title. Antron Brown has shown his class and his classic approach to team building, hard work, and faith this season. After frustrations through much of the year, the talented organization put the train back on the tracks fully in Topeka, dipped into the .60s in Brainerd, won the US Nationals, and roared into championship contention with a blistering start to the 2022 Countdown to the Championship. Some of the things Brown reveals and talks about here are very telling in the best of ways. Two guys who are in the running for titles in their classes tell all! A very interesting and informative show.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Sr. Editor Kevin McKenna weigh in with all that has been happening through two races of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The hot takes fly, especially when the conversation turns to the action in Charlotte, North Carolina, last weekend and which teams have exerted themselves hard enough to be true championship contenders. The threesome chat about all manner of things in every professional class and really bear down on the top fuel class, which is seemingly set to produce one of the most incredible single season turn around tales ever, with the rocket-like rise of Antron Brown since the Topeka, Kansas race in the regular season. Controversy about Billy Torrence not staging first round? Yeah, that is gone through here as well. Lohnes riffs on his experience at Drag Week between both races, and this is a show that will have you on the chip for this weekend's race or maybe ready to fire off an angry e-mail! Get pumped up because the action will only get more intense from here on out.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about Indy, set up this weekend's Pep Boys Nationals, and work to figure out who will be coming out of the gate swinging in this first round of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. There are loads of great points discussed, some controversy addressed, and opinions a-plenty. Can Brittany do it? Will Steve Torrence come from the fourth spot? So many questions. The second half of the show is a conversation with Virginia Pro Mod winner Tylor Miller. Miller's history in drag racing is astonishing, racing full-sized cars half a decade before he had a driver's license. The stories will have you laughing and leaning in to listen to more. Miller also talks about how his family business Pee Dee Fleet is involved with the upcoming Pro Mod race in Charlotte and career opportunities at the operation. This is a great show, a fun listen, and a perfect way to get pumped up for the race this weekend!

National Dragster Sr Editor Kevin McKenna and NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon join Brian Lohnes to take a look at the upcoming Dodge Power Brokers US Nationals as well as a look back at Brainerd. Over the course of this wide-ranging chat, there's talk about teams on the rise, breaking news about high-level personnel being hired, and a truly in-depth look at the upcoming US Nationals. Lohnes and McKenna break down some of the race's "hidden gems" that every fan who loves the sport cannot miss, the three of them go professional class by class to talk about surprise entries, who can pull it off, and who the potential Cinderella stories of the race could be. There's talk about the Pep Boys All-Star Callout Events, the Jeg's All-Stars, and so much more. Listen up and get excited about the upcoming US Nationals!

: On this episode of the NHRA Insider, NHRA Vice-President of Broadcasting Steve Reintjes and FOX Sr. Coordinating Producer Pete Richards join host Brian Lohnes to delve into the fascinating world of putting drag racing on television. There's lots to learn here. From the size and scope of the broadcast team to the literal production elements of the shows. Both guys have loads of experience and are descriptive and thorough in their descriptions of many elements that go into the end product you watch at home. Both Reintjes and Richards have many years of experience in the sports television industry and their perspective on what makes drag racing not only different but exceptionally difficult to produce on TV is interesting and well rounded. If you love our NHRAonFOX shows, you'll love this deep dive into how they make it to your TV!

NHRAonFOX analyst Tony Pedregon and National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider. The talk is all about the upcoming Menard's NHRA Nationals presented by Pet Armor in Topeka, Kansas, and how teams will either sink or swim in the projected searing heat of the weekend. The trio talks about the massive weekend that was in drag racing with major events all over the country, the tail end of the western swing, and then they evaluate the storylines class by class for this weekend's throwdown in America's heartland. There are some interesting points made here, some great analysis, and some raw opinion that will get you fired up! If you want to go into this weekend with more knowledge than your fellow NHRA pals, this is the show that will get you there. Listen up!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Tony Schumacher joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about his season so far, Joe Maynard taking a majority ownership stake in his car, his wild victory at Seattle, and what the future holds for the rest of this season and seasons to come. This is a long-form, insightful conversation with the winningest driver in top fuel history. He's able to bring interesting perspective into the struggles of building the team he is on and the payoff of their victory. The conversation regarding the Maynard Family Racing transition is highly informative and interesting. The Maynards have significant goals which could have positive reverberations all through drag racing, not just in the top fuel ranks. Lohnes recaps Seattle, talks about the swing, and then looks forward to the upcoming Topeka race. Listen up!

Sonoma winner Joey Gladstone and NHRA funny car points leader Robert Hight join host Brian Lohnes for this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. After an incredible race in Sonoma, Lohnes recaps the event, its highlights, and provides some insight into not only Sonoma but this week's Seattle race before settling down with the show's guests. Joey Gladstone captured his first national event win in his third straight final round by nailing a holeshot against Eddie Krawiec in the Sonoma final. Lohnes talks to him about that event, the weeks leading up to it, and how his career has formed him up to rise to this occasion. This is a very personal conversation with the brightest rising star in this class of drag racing. Robert Hight is having one of his greatest seasons ever and it shows no signs of letting up. While he was eliminated in the semi-finals in Sonoma he had been on a streak of finals and wins that have made him the points leader by a wide margin. Hight talks about the lessons learned in 2021 and how they have translated into the successes of 2022. It's a cool conversation and one that will take you inside the current successful season for JFR. Big-time stuff happening at this time of the year and Seattle is coming in hot!

The 2022 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile High Nationals were a showcase of the best elements of NHRA drag racing. There were speed records set. There were upsets. There were holeshots, destroyed engines, and four champions across the Camping World Series spectrum. In this unique format episode of the NHRA Insider, host Brian Lohnes takes you through the inside stories of the race, gives context to some of the things you saw on the broadcast, and looks at the Denso Sonoma Nationals through the prism of Denver. As it is a short turnaround between races, the normal cast of characters and guests were all tied up so, in this monologue-style show, you get some juicy behind-the-scenes morsels from the weekend along with the hows and whys of victory and defeat. Relive Denver one last time with Lohnes and then set your sights on wine country with him as he does the same. From the thin air struggles of the mountain in Colorado to the abundance of sea level horsepower-making air in Sonoma, it's the most manic two races of the whole season.

As the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series heads into the most intense three-race series of its 2022 season, Kevin Mckenna and Tony Pedregon join Brian Lohnes to talk all things Dodge Power Brokers Mile High Nationals. This challenging race kicks off the Western Swing and forces teams and drivers into the most uncomfortable physical and mental atmosphere of the entire year. For many teams, the Western Swing provides an opportunity to right the ship and make a mad grab at valuable points as the regular season grinds ever closer to its end at the US Nationals. For other teams, this mountain provides a power equalizer that can align their potential performance better with the pack than other locations can. The end result? A race historically known for its stunning upsets through eliminations. There's chatter about the revised 2023 NHRA schedule, some insider information on new potential deals and drivers returning, as well as the insight that these two veterans of the sport bring to the table. Get your breathing right and get your knowledge bucket filled with this Mile High Nationals episode of the NHRA Insider!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, Brian Lohnes is joined by Rob Flynn and Erica Enders to talk about the incredible seasons both of them are having. For Rob Flynn, tuning the dragster of Mike Salinas has been an experience in measured aggression. The Scrappers team has four wins already this year and there's no sign that they'll be slowing down to let someone take them off the perch they are on now, leading the top fuel points. Flynn talks about the team, the approach, another successful weekend in Norwalk, and what the upcoming Western Swing means for him and all of his guys. Erica Enders has five wins in eight races and is on pace to smash her personal best record for a season which was 9 wins in 2015. Erica talks candidly about a number of subjects from attitude to staging, to the sometimes prickly nature of head-to-head competition. Lots of insight into the cars, the career-building moments, and the state of the class in 2022. The Insider will be on a one-week hiatus next week but we'll be back right before Denver!

After an exciting race weekend in Bristol, Tennessee, Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to review the event and look forward to this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Ohio. The three go class by class and talk about not only the winners but also those drivers and riders who made headlines for reasons both good and bad in Bristol. The conversation ranges from how teams can succeed in the summer heat, the massive top fuel field assembling at Norwalk, and its implications, along with a host of other topics that NHRA fans are interested in. The Summit Racing Equipment Nationals could be a make-or-break weekend for some of drag racing's top teams, it will be interesting to see how the event shakes out!

Tony Pedregon joins Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, and the two delve deep into the upcoming 2022 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. This conversation touches on everything from the updated racing surface to the successes and failures of teams so far this year, the possibility for team shakeups in this back half of the regular season, why some teams can't seem to get it together, and more. The two review each class and the performances of those who have defined them thus far in 2022, both good and bad. There's plenty of talk on Mike Salinas, how his team has succeeded, Matt Hagan and Robert Hight, Erica Enders, and more. Lastly, the two talk about NHRA drag racing and how the need for tension and even conflict is important for the sport's growth and popularity. The level of competition, especially in classes like Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle, seem poised to drive competitors into the type of tension that fans love to see and which makes for great competition. It's Bristol, Baby! Give it a listen.

On This episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, pro stock racer Kyle Koretsky and funny car racer JR Todd join host Brian Lohnes. The two racers are still chasing their first win of the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, but their drive to compete is unabated. For Kyle Koretsky, the 2022 season sees him sitting 3rd in the points and with one final round appearance on the year. He has been consistently going rounds week after week and his KB powered Lucas Oil Camaro has flirted with number one qualifying positions as well. Kyle talks about his driving, the work his team is putting in and why they will succeed this year. Koretsky also talks about his family's purchase of Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania and the amount of investment and work they are putting in to revamp and upgrade the iconic facility. This is an awesome story for drag racing. JR Todd talks about some frustrations in his team's work to success ratio but knows that the work will pay off through the second half of the regular season. The DHL GR Supra has made two semi-finals this year and showed good promise in Epping. Todd talks about his love for all types of racing, his race routines, and the upcoming races at Bristol and Norwalk. A fun show and two great conversations!

Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast. The trio look forward to this weekend's running of the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. The event marks the start of a busy two months in NHRA drag racing and the conversation centers around who can most take advantage of what will be a six-race stretch through the months of June and July. Lots of great insight here from two of the sport's most knowledgeable voices!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, two-time NHRA pro mod champion Stevie Jackson and current top 10 funny car racer Chad Green join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the work they have put in this season and how they plan on carrying their recent performances forward through a long 2022 drag racing season. Chad Green is having his best funny car season ever and it's one that shows no signs of slowing. After committing to hiring full-time crew members in the off-season and hiring Dan Wilkerson to be the crew chief on the car full time, Green's driving has improved race to race and the former pro mod racer is sitting inside the top ten of points for the first time in his career. Green talks about his advancement as a car owner and driver, how his crew is working together, and what the rest of 2022 has in store. Steve Jackson a two-time pro mod champ always ahs something to say about the class he has come to define in NHRA drag racing. The wide-ranging conversation talks about his early-season struggles, progress made in Virginia, and how the pro-modified class has banded together to grow car counts and continue with steep competition. New rules adjustments are discussed, the $25,000 shootout in Brainerd that's coming up, and a whole lot more. Two drivers with plenty of say and lots of excitement surrounding them.