NHRA Insider Podcast

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Chris King, the Chicago firefighter who has battled his way into the NHRA Funny Car ranks and will attempt to qualify with 20 other drivers in Norwalk. The conversation with King starts off with the wild story of him having to act to save his neighbor's life just before the interview and ranges through the growth, challenges, ups, downs, and memorable moments of funny car racing.   King is the second half of the show. A monologue style recap of the Virginia Nationals starts the show and host Lohnes goes into all of the classes, the controversial Top Fuel winner situation, and all the factors he learned about all of it.    This one will get you primed for the action this coming weekend in Norwalk!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about all the big stories coming out of Bristol and coming into the American Rebel Light NHRA Virginia Nationals this weekend. The boys really deep dive into the Mission Foods classes and the conversation has more than a few twists and turns.    There's a returning potential young rock star in Pro Stock Motorcycle, a pro debut in the same class, there's untold levels of angst and ire in the Pro Stock car class, which is not at this race but is discussed in depth, and then there are the nitro categories which have their own myriad storylines that the guys go over.    Get geared up for three qualifying sessions on a warm Saturday, a roasty toasty Sunday, and network coverage on FOX this week here on the Insider! 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Ron Capps Motorsports crew chief Dean Antonelli and Vance and Hines lead wrench Andrew Hines join the show to discuss the wild action at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Antonelli, Hines, and their teams were the masters of the most difficult racing conditions of the 2025 season so far. The conversations are interesting, centering around the ways that Antonelli managed the power and clutch of his car through every changing weather situation, delays, and a racing surface that was anything but cooperative. Hines talks about the debut of Brayden Davis, his amazing riding skills, and how Richard Gadson was not only deserving of his first win but was primed and ready to attack.  A race of controversy, fights, and more, get the inside scoop here.  

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, JR Todd joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about his big victory in Epping, New Hampshire and how it all came together. The conversation with Todd follows a recap of the action from the New England Nationals which was historic by any measure.    Also included in this episode is a look forward to the SuperGrip Thunder Valley Nationals this coming weekend and an update on all the breaking news from the nitro Funny Car debut of Julie Naatas, adjustments made to the NHRAonFOX television schedule for the remainder of the season, and more.    An updated and upgraded drag strip awaits the most powerful racing machines in the world this weekend and there's plenty to talk about! 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join Brian Lohnes to talk about the excitement of Chicago and how that will translate into the action at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire this weekend. The New England Nationals are always a unique event each season. The classic track, the fast air and surface, and increasing pressure on teams at this time of the year, always lead to memorable moments.    On this show the three talk about the news of the week, the drivers who are making headlines for the right and wrong reasons, the outlook for Pro Stock this weekend after an extended break, and how the whole season is shaping up. There's also the #1 Clawifier for the first time ever on Friday night, and they talk about all the good stuff on the line there as well.    Big fun in the Granite State, coming this weekend! 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Jack Beckman the Funny Car winner from the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak as well as Chicagoland's favorite Top Fuel son, T.J. Zizzo. The two guys take us deep inside a race weekend that will long live in the lore of NHRA history.    Incredible weather conditions from high winds to the first actual dust storm in Illinois for 91 years had racers on their toes. The teams that best navigated the conditions won the race and Beckman takes us all on a weekend trip through a topsy-turvy battle he and his team faced.    T.J. Zizzo was eliminated in the first round but it's still amazing to hear how his part time team dealt with the wild weather everyone was handed at Rt 66 Raceway. He takes us through their approach, goals, and what they learned.    A great show about an exceptional race!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join Brian Lohnes to talk all things about the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance. The guys go over each class of competition, talk about the teams that are struggling and those that are on the rise.    The weekend is also unique in that there are loads of independent nitro teams in both Funny Car and Top Fuel which have the potential to upend the apple cart for the established full-time touring operations. The facility is one of the best on tour and the action will be hot and heavy from qualifying session one all the way to Sunday afternoon.    This is a great conversation and one that will have you fired up for the week's upcoming action!  

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Austin Prock and Dallas Glenn join host Brian Lohnes to talk about leading the points in their respective categories, winning back to back four-wide races,  and their outlook for the rest of the season.    Prock is the first guess and in this conversation he talks about the evolution of his team, why they work so well, the elements fans can't see that make teams great, and how John Force continues to be the guiding star for the race team that bears his name. Prock is insightful in his answers and provides a lot of interesting takes on his team and season.    Dallas Glenn is having the season dreams are made of so far. He has appeared in every final round since late in 2024 and has won back to back races. He has come close to winning a title but has never been able to leave a season as a champion in Pro Stock drag racing. Is this the year? He talks about his approach and how he is working to make himself better each race.    A fun episode with two really hot superstars of NHRA!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster Shawn Langdon and Matt Smith join host Brian Lohnes to deep dive into their victories at the American Rebel Light Four-Wide Nationals.    For Shawn Langdon it wasn't just the second win of his season, it was winning the 1,000th Top Fuel race ever held that has set it apart in his already decorated career. Langdon talks about a dramatic qualifying run in amazing detail, how the race day went, and why this team is once again on a path to championship contention. His insights about winning and sharing the winner's circle with Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta are fantastic. A truly historic day for both he and the NHRA.   Matt Smith made the final in Gainesville and then roared through the field to win the 4-Wides in Charlotte. In a wide-ranging discussion, Smith talks about not only his path to victory but the ins and outs of his rigorous off-season making more than 70 dyno pulls to master the VP Racing Fuel that has come back into the class for 2025, and more. It's a window into the mind and approach of a six-time champion, who is relentlessly seeking 7.    Great racers talking success and hard work!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join the show to talk about all things Las Vegas and Charlotte Four Wide. The teams that made an impression in Vegas, the impact of Tony Stewart's victory, which teams need to make a stand at Charlotte and which ones are in the driver's seat.    There's loads of discussion on the news of the week, Jasmine Salinas' foregoing some upcoming races, and all the juicy insider stuff that you love to hear about the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.    Top Fuel race #1,000 is happening at zMax so the history of that is discussed along with a class by class breakdown of the contenders and pretenders. It's an action packed hour!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Crew Chief Neal Strausbaugh joins host Brian Lohnes to give an in-depth breakdown of how he and his team were able to provide Tony Stewart a race car capable enough to win one in Las Vegas. A race rife with challenges, plot twists, and downright curveballs, Neal's take on how the team did it is fascinating.    Strausbaugh talks about the change in approach for the entire team in 2025, the addition of experienced people like Phil Shuler, and a whole lot more. He takes us inside the workings of the operation, the pressures, the decisions, and the mentality of a crew chief.    The episode begins with a race breakdown from host Lohnes and brings some more insight into why the conditions were so seemingly impossible, outside of the desert heat. A great race on a wildly hard to navigate race track, this is a listen any Top Fuel fan will enjoy.  

On this pre-NHRA Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna of National Dragster to talk all things Las Vegas. From the PlayNHRA gaming odds to the teams that may be best equipped to deal with a very hot race track, the guys go in-depth on a multitude of topics in each professional category of NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing.    Along with all that, get the latest updates from the Brownburg, Indiana tornado from last week delivered by two guys who live minutes from the highly impacted areas from the storm.    Loads to set up, break down, and go over before the first NHRA Four-Wide of the season, right here! 

It was an amazing weekend at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Drag Strip for the 2025 Lucas Oil Winternationals. The stories from every aspect of the race were amazing. From Bob Tasca III not qualifying to the continued dominance of KB/Titan Racing in Pro Stock, but the nitro racing action was off the charts. Daniel Wilkerson clawed his way to a Funny Car final round, Clay Millican took home a dramatic Top Fuel victory, and the fans turned out under cloudy skies all weekend long to watch it.    On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Wilkerson and Millican join host Brian Lohnes to tell the inside stories of their successes at the Winternationals. From crewmembers catching last minute mistakes before a run to holeshots, tuning calls, and more, this is an awesome dive into just how fantastically crazy the world of professional drag racing could ever be.    Enjoy this high-energy, in-depth pair of conversations!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, David Freiburger and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about an incredible weekend in Phoenix and the looming Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals. Whether it was the bizarre Pro Stock final round, the emotional Funny Car victory of Paul Lee, or the domination of the team Kalitta Top Fuel cars, it was a weekend packed with stories from wall to wall. Oh, did we mention that the place was sold out, as well?!   The Lucas Oil Winternationals, one of the great major races on the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour is this weekend and the weather forecast is laying out conditions that could lend themselves to historic performances.    The stories, the stats, and the odds.  It's all on this episode of the Insider!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes for a rip-roaring conversation that covers a lot of ground in the world of NHRA drag racing. The group talks a lot about Gainesville, what was learned and maybe what is yet to be learned from premier teams in 2025, they talk about the reverberations of Bob Tasca's Gainesville interview, how it has prompted discussions across media and motorsports, reactions to the Gatornationals, Robert Hight's retirement from John Force Racing, the PlayNHRA odds coming into Phoenix, and a whole lot more.    This is a high octane, high intensity episode that will have you picking a side for sure. The desert battleground of Firebird Motorsports Park will be the scene of the action this weekend but before you get there, this battle of the airwaves will get you pumped up!

It was a weekend that challenged drag racers in every way possible and on this episdoe of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes has winning Funny Car co-crew chief Dean Marinis and Top Fuel winner Antron Brown on to talk about it all. From the weather, to the power outages, the broken parts, and a race track that was as challenging as any Sunday has ever presented itself, winning this Gatornationals was an accomplishment few will ever forget.    On the heels of a championship Antron Brown and his team put on a masterclass in both driving and tuning at Gainesville. When they needed to manage the power and rely on their driver, he was there, when the driver needed maximum performance in the final, the car was there. How? Antron tells all here.   Dean Marinis has had an epic career in drag racing. From street racing in New York to class racing, dominating small tire racing, becoming one of the best nitrous tuners ever, and now a winning Funny Car wrench, he has truly done it all. He talks about his career and the Gainesville win here.    So many great stories, these are two of the best.    

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join Brian Lohnes to give a comprehensive look at the upcoming Amalie Oil Gatornationals this weekend.    The race has loads of storylines in all categories and these guys break into loads of them systematically. Who's showing up with new equipment, new people, new challenges, or a new outlook? Which racers are most due for a come up in 2025 and which may be facing turbulent times.    The discussion is lively, interesting, and contains a few nuggets that even hardcore fans may have missed or simply don't know otherwise. The 2025 season is about to start and we want you to start it being as informed as possible! Listen up to this episode and you will be.

On this monologue style episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes you though a plethora of news developments that happened over the last week. From results at the Division 2 and 7 season opening races in Orlando and Phoenix to an update from the NHRAonFOX pre-season meetings, driver announcements, Gainesville entry list bingo, some breaking news in various categories, and even some editorial comment on the racing world outside of the NHRA, this is a fast moving episode that covers a lot of ground.   If you need to get caught up on all the pre-season fun and preparation that's been happening and continues to happen around the sport, this is the place to do it! 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Powered by Speedmaster, Debbie O'Rourke, the series manager of the NHRA Congruity Pro Mod Series and Top Fuel team owner and driver Shawn Reed join host Brian Lohnes to explore a load of different topics.    O'Rourke talks about the growth the work of the Pro Mod class over the last several years, initiatives that have been successful, and the product on the race track being compelling, unpredictable, and highly entertaining. The class is going to swell with entries once again in 2025 and there's plenty of chatter about Al Tucci coming on board to call the action and more.     Shawn Reed is having an excellent to his 2025 Top Fuel season. Winning his first ever race in a dragster a few weeks ago, he talks of the experience, what it has done for he and his team, and his approach to 2025. This is an interesting chat with a guy unwilling to over promise and under deliver on his expectations and so far, so good on that front.   A unique and interesting episode with two first time guests! 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about a really busy and exciting week of news in drag racing. From Sean Bellemeur's incredible A/Fuel Funny Car runs in Gainesville to the winners and high performers in Bradenton, Florida, the picture of the 2025 season is starting to form up.    The guys talk about the teams that really made an impression, those that surprised, and those that may have a bunch more work cut out for them before the Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Hot takes, insightful analysis, and the insider info only these three can dig up. An exciting show that ends the talk of off-season theories and breaks down real world performances.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about the importance of pre-season testing and how every team does it a little bit differently.    With the majority of NHRA teams headed to Florida this week, the guys thought it would be a good exercise to take you inside the way teams view the work they'll start putting in on the race track for the 2025 campaign. New crew chiefs, new team leadership, new drivers, and more all confront these operations in a different way.   Does everyone have the same objectives and goals during a test? What separates a successful one from a dud? Which teams have the most compelling stories at this time of the year? All this and the headlines of the last week discussed in only the depth the insiders can bring you. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Top Fuel crew chief Brian Husen. The Brians chat about the 2024 season that was, lessons learned, things accomplished and how it sets the Kalitta Air team up for success in 2025. Husen shares some really great personal insights into what he learned and how he will grow along with his entire crew for the upcoming season.    Along with that chat, Lohnes has some semi-spicy rumors regarding some equipment bought, a familiar name that's also going to be a bit of a shocker in Pro Stock, and more. The off-season is nearly over and racing is on the horizon!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk all things off season. The trio get into the day to day shop routine of the teams, the leadership aspects necessary to succeed in this vital part of the year, and how the good teams can make themselves great.   Following that they talk about some of the larger stories of the late 2024 and early 2025 time frame, which teams can come out swinging, who is thrashing just to make the first event, and how the drivers can let us more into their particular off-season habits as well.    It's a cool and informative discussion about the ways that drag racers thwart Old Man Winter, chase horsepower, and fill their war wagons before the season kicks off in a few short weeks for many.    Beat the cold with some good old hot stove drag racing chat!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes a deep dive into a myriad of news, headlines, topics, rumors, and speculation for the 2025 season.    After a holiday break, this show is designed to get you back into the right frame of mind to stay on top of all the stuff that is happening and is yet to come for the 2025 NHRA season. A breakdown of many news announcements that flooded the airwaves at the end of 2024 is followed by updates to the side of insider team news you won't hear anywhere else. Teams moving, personnel moving, cars coming, cars going. Who's racing a full season? Who's season may be in jeopardy, and a whole lot more.    This one sets the table for the true start of 2025 with the drivers, tuners, personalities, and newsmakers that will be a part of the NHRA Insider universe!

It's the final NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster of 2024 and your favorite insiders, Tony Pedregon and Brian Lohnes are taking you out in style. After a short monologue the two hit some of the high points of 2024 including the people and the races that really impacted the series. They begin to peek forward into 2025 and talk about who can be contending for championships, who needs to rebound from a hard season, and if the chances are good for back to back titlists in any of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series categories.    A quick one to end the year but a good one to end the year on as well. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Spencer Hyde and Jack Beckman. He also breaks down an incredible week of news announcements made by teams and racers during the annual PRI show.    Spencer Hyde was one of the newsmakers at the show. Named the new driver of Jim Head's nitro funny car,  the pro mod stand out talks about how this all came together, how earnest he is in his racing endeavors the work that lies ahead for him in a nitro funny car and how much he is looking forward to the entire experience.   Jack Beckman was named the driver of the John Force Peak Chevrolet Camaro for the 2025 season at PRI. Following up on a highly successful eight race stint in the car which ended with a win at the In-N-Out Burger Finals, he talks about the nature of the team, the success they had, and how much it means to become a permanent fixture on the NHRA Mission Foods drag racing series tour again. He may still be fixing elevators today, but looking forward that doesn't seem to be the case!   This one's a thrill a minute! 

A pair of champions join host Brian Lohnes on this week's episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster. For Brian Corradi it was the grind of a top fuel season being rewarded with an epic and hard fought finish at the In-N-Out Burger Finals in Pomona and for Jordan Lazic it was the realization of a lifelong drag racing dream to hoist a Congruity HR NHRA Pro Mod championship trophy in Las Vegas.    These two conversations are interesting. Lots of talk about team, about dedication, about how communication and quality of work has to match in order to rise to this level of success. Two fascinating chats with guys who not only can wrench, but who can drive as well. 

Thomas Prock and Gaige Herrera join host Brian Lohnes on this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster. The two who garnered championship honors in their respective roles and categories bring us inside their evolution in the sport, the work it took to earn their titles, and how 2025 is already shaping up before them.   For Thomas Prock, the Assistant Crew Chief on the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet Camaro at John Force Racing, 2024 was the culmination of years of work in professional racing. Prock takes us through his time at NASCAR, how he applies his learnings there to drag racing, the team environment, working and learning with his father Jimmy Prock, and the approach his team took to dominate Funny Car in 2024. It's a great conversation.    Gaige Herrera grabbed his second consecutive championship in Pro Stock Motorcycle and by doing so, firmly cemented himself in the history books of the 2024 season. Herrera talks about the season, the win streak he ran to 11 races, the challenge of competition, and how the category is poised to get even more difficult in 2025.    The inside stories you get nowhere else, here, on the Insider!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster, Greg Anderson and Terry Vance join host Brian Lohnes to talk all things NHRA.    For Greg Anderson,his 6th championship may be the most satisfying and meaningful yet. Winning on the last run of the season under the lights at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Drag Strip, beating a young talent that had gotten the better of him earlier in the year, and doing what many thought impossible hasn't totally sunk in yet. Anderson takes us through his magical weekend to close the season.    Terry Vance is an NHRA legend, a Drag Racing Hall of Famer to be, one of the Top 50 competitors in NHRA history, and someone who lives and breathes the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. In this candid conversation, he talks about where the class is, what is needed to make it grow, his opinions on motorcycle drag racing, its future, and how the table is being set for future growth.    Two great chats with two drag racing legends. Enjoy!

On this monologue-style episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes you inside the incredible In-N-Out Burger Finals and all of the stories that helped to make it one of the greatest events in the history of drag racing. From the championship stories, the rookie debuts, the upsets, the insane emergency disruption, and a whole lot more.    This is not just a cut and dried look at the event, it's insider stories and knowledge that you won't find anywhere else. Every one of the top line stories was the culmination of many factors, most that started weeks before any of the teams actually rolled into the gates in Pomona.    A race nearly without compare on performance, drama, excitement, heartbreak, and elation, the Finals were epic. Enjoy this in-depth breakdown of the madness. 

On this final pre-race episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster season, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX and Kevin McKenna of NHRA's National Dragster to talk about the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals coming up this weekend.    The three compare notes on the championship leaders, their path to potential glory, the pitfalls they need to avoid, and any of the concerns they have about the way this final race of the season will be shaping up for them. Lohnes talks about a raft of news broken at the SEMA show, excitement for 2025, and the overall picture of the season leading into this much hyped finals.    Press play and get pumped up for the final race of the year and an event where champions will be crowned, likely in dramatic fashion. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Rookie of the Year Candidate Richard Gadson and NHRAonFOX Analyst Tony Pedregon join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the last two races of the season, this weekend's upcoming battle in Las Vegas, and Gadson's rookie season in the NHRA.   Richard Gadson takes us inside some really interesting elements of his first full NHRA drag racing season, the highs and the lows. He talks about his approach, the team dynamic at Vance and Hines, the challenges of the evolving rules of Pro Stock Motorcycle, and why he'd be a good representative of the NHRA as Rookie of the Year. An impressive conversation with an impressive racer.    Tony Pedregon's fired up for what's to come at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend. Incredible conditions await huge fields of nitro cars and large numbers of pro stockers and motorcycles. There are potential records on the line and certainly huge implications for the championships so many racers are trying to lock up tight.    Tune in and enjoy this pre-Ford Performance Nationals episode!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Funny Car points leader Austin Prock and NHRA Rookie of the Year candidate Ida Zetterstrom join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their respective seasons at drag racing's pinnacle. The two youthful stars have different goals this year but they are both chasing the dreams they have held since childhood.    For Austin Prock, the odds-on favorite for the 2024 NHRA Funny Car championship, it's been a season of incredible highs and some abrupt lows like the one that stopped his Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet Camaro in Dallas. Prock talks about the year, about the mistake that ended his race day, some interesting stories about his very early career, and how the team plans to attack over the next two events of 2024. A fascinating chat about goals, attitude, performance, and how it all ties together.    Rookie NHRA Top Fuel racer Ida Zetterstrom burst onto the scene with an upset holeshot win against Steve Torrence in Brainerd and has been making waves ever since. A tireless spokeswoman for the NHRA, her career, and the sport of drag racing globally, she walks us through her breakneck schedule that has carried her back and forth to Europe all season long. The ups and downs of her rookie experience are front and center as well.    All this and more on this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by winning Top Fuel Crew Chief Mike Green and top 10 Funny Car racer Blake Alexander. The conversations are entertaining and enlightening on several aspects of the sport.    Green talks about one of the most challenging race-winning weekends of his decorated career. Justin Ashley was available to make a single qualifying run Friday and then left the track for religious observance. Returning Sunday, Ashley and the entire team put on a furious performance that garnered them the Top Fuel points lead and dropped jaws along the way. He takes us all inside the winning approach.   Blake Alexander is in the best running funny car of his career right now and the performance continues to impress. Running 3.831 and then 3.87 at Dallas showed that Jim Head, Dave Leahy, and the whole team have their program in good order and he's driving to match. Lohnes and Alexander talk about the car, the preparation, and all the behind the scenes business work Blake does to sustain and grow his career.    That and more on this show!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster host Brian Lohnes is joined by General Manager and Co-Owner of the Texas Motorplex Christie Meyer Johnson as well as NHRA on Fox's Tony Pedregon.    The first half of the show involves a great conversation with Christie Meyer Johnson of the Texas Motorplex regarding the evolution of the Stampede of Speed, how it has revitalized the Texas Motorplex, and how the event has grown from its beginnings in 2021. A week unlike any other on the tour, the inside perspective of the work and dedication to make the Stampede what it is today is amazing.    Tony Pedregon joins the show and along with Lohnes lays out the scenarios and potentialities of the weekend. The two go down a couple of rabbit holes of hot takes regarding different cars, different approaches drivers take, and how the emergence of tension, anger, and personality, could help grow the sport.    This is one you do not want to miss. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by back to back Pro Stock winner Dallas Glenn and the winning Top Fuel crew chief form St Louis, Mike Neff. The two bring lots of insight into their recent successes and what it has taken to achieve them.    Glenn has accepted all comers over the last two races, including beating his nemesis and closest contender Aaron Stanfield in a pair of squeaker final rounds. He talks about the team dynamic, his approach, and how small things can add up to big success or heartbreak.    Mike Neff has a good race car to tune now and the frustrations of the season were washed away in one fell swoop with a huge win at Worldwide Technology Raceway. A minute issue with clutch discs manifested itself into months of futility, but now corrected the JCM racing dragster is among the best in the nation and could make a dramatic championship run.    A great show with lots of fun and in-depth conversation!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Funny Car veteran Jack Beckman and Julie Nataas, the 2023 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster Champion who will be making a Top Fuel debut at the NHRA Midwest Nationals this weekend. The two have very different stories but awesome insights to what motivates them and what they hope to achieve at Worldwide Technology Raceway.    For Jack Beckman, earning points weekly for John Force is still a dream come true. His longstanding relationships with not only the Force family but people like Chris Cunningham who is one of his JFR crew chiefs is a source of pride and comfort. Jack talks about his role in the success of the Peak Blue DEF funny car in this Countdown, what it will take to move up in the points, and how he may treat any future opportunities.   Julie Nataas is making a hotly anticipated Top Fuel debut with the Scrappers team this weekend in a second car and she talks about the long road to get to this point. Touching on her career, licensing, the business grind of drag racing, and the motivation to do it all, she paints the picture of a determined racer who has fought the good fight for this moment to happen. She does not plan to waste it.    A full throttle and fun episode to get pumped up for what should be a wild weekend at Worldwide Technology Raceway.   

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to discuss the results of Indy, what they have to do with the Countdown and how some teams are championship hopefuls and others may struggle to get their footing when pressures rise and results are mandatory.   The upcoming Pep Boys Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania are set to be a true horsepower throwdown with an ideal forecast and limited excuses for top tier teams to struggle. The guys talk about how the past may not necessarily be the best predictor of the future during this 2024 season and just because you are entering the yearly battle at Maple Grove Raceway as the number one seed doesn't mean you'll leave there as such.    An informative, interesting, and sometimes intense conversation on this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast!

It was the race of races like it usually is and the winners certainly earned all of their accolades. On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Andrew Hines, crew chief for Indy winner Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Top Fuel winning crew chief Jim Oberhofer who tunes Clay Millican's 330mph missile.   Along with an extended race recap to start the show, these two interview conversations are fascinating. Hines relates the struggles the team had in Sonoma, how they course corrected for Indy, and how the timing of a test session can really make a difference in racing conditions. The details shared here are awesome.  Jim O talks about his team, his personal trials and travails at the US Nationals and how this victory was the culmination of a lot of work for he, Nicky Boninfante, and the their entire race team. Jim is detailed and very emotionally invested in telling the story of his team, their win, and why they are not to be looked over when it comes to the final six races of the season.    This, like the race, is one to remember!

On this monologue episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes takes you though the myriad of reasons this 70th running of the US Nationals means so much to the racers, the fans, and the sport as a whole. There insight into the history of the event, the reasons why people attend, why the race is like a nitro powered piece of orchestral music, and what separates the US Nationals out from other drag races in the NHRA and around the globe.    This is a week to truly immerse in drag racing. From the raw performance of stock and super stock qualifying, the tightrope walk that will be qualifying in top sportsman and top dragster, the specialty races, a revamped Hemi Challenge, and more, there's loads to explore and talk about.    It's Indy week and the whole sport is buzzing about it!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster host Brian Lohnes is joined by JR Todd and Tony Stewart to discuss their respective weekends at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota as well as the upcoming Toyota US Nationals. These two racers had two radically different experiences and they dive into both.    For JR Todd it was a weekend of explosive turmoil punctuated by the greatest pit thrash in a decade. He takes us inside the madness of the repairs that took place between the second and third rounds at Brainerd, how the whole pit area seemed to come to the aid of his DHL team, and the emotional highs and lows of this draining weekend. He also explains some of the finer details that the cameras did not catch.    Tony Stewart ran career best numbers and has the best race car he has been in all season. He talks about the long road to his final round in Sonoma, the heartfelt message he shared with Antron Brown after that race, how his team is equipped for the US Nationals, and the similarities and differences he is experiencing in Top Fuel as opposed to his NASCAR and IndyCar experiences.    A banger of a show from end to end!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon joins Brian Lohnes to talk all things Lucas Oil Nationals, championship contenders, fresh drivers arriving at the race, and how some teams are contending for a title already and some teams are pretending to.    The pair spend the first part of their discussion deep diving into the arrival of Jack Beckman on the scene as John Force's replacement driver. They talk about his experience, how the team can and should succeed, and what Jack brings to the table as the right man for the job. There's a pretty candid look into how the competition stacks up in the category and who may benefit from Jack's arrival and who may suffer for it.    Following that chat they go class by class singling out high performing teams as well as those that seem to be fading at this important juncture in the season. Pro Stock? That's a spicy chat about who may actually be the flagship car on each of the major teams and how that name isn't who you'd necessarily expect.    The good, the bad, and the juicy all right here leading into Brainerd!

On this revealing episode of the NHRA Insider podcast, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Antron Brown and Ron Capps. Brown, a Top Fuel winner three times already this season talks about his success in Sonoma, their building of a successful program in 2024, and why his team always seems to be in fighting form at this time of the year.    Brown talks about many aspects of his team, his approach, the future expansion he has his eyes on, and even some fun he is planning on having this winter in the Pro Mod ranks. It's a high energy conversation with a true newsmaker in the sport.    Ron Capps explains a lot of the behind the scenes work that his team had to do following their massive explosion in Seattle, how they have been working, why the 2022 car they ran at Sonoma put them a bit behind the other more modern chassis they were racing, and how he views this time of the year in relation to the impending Countdown. The most stunning part of the Capps conversation is his revelation that the team will be adding a Top Fuel dragster for 2026 and he has a partner and a driver lined up already. Hear him tell the story in his own words.    Big stuff happening here and these guys are driving it! 

In this monologue style episode of the NHRA Insider host Brian Lohnes gets your caught up on the major stories coming out of the Northwest Nationals and leading right into this weekend's Denso Sonoma Nationals. A hectic travel week means that the whole sport is on the move. There are many observations from Pacific Raceways that could translate to this weekend's success or failures on the track. From the massive upsets we saw in eliminations, the wrecked equipment and more, things are looking very interesting.    Lohnes takes you inside the long weekend in Seattle, gives insight into the craziness of Sunday and what it meant for the NHRAonFOX team, talks trends both positive and negative, and gives you all the info you've been waiting for to prepare for Sonoma. A high peformance weekend is on tape in Northern California. Evening qualifying, the motorcycle call out and more!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon to talk all things NHRA Northwest Nationals. The race this weekend will be unique, featuring Friday night late evening qualifying to really kick things off and great weather is forecasted throughout.    There are awesome storylines, and the race also represents the start of the back half of the NHRA season. 10 races down and 10 races to go! The favorites, the high performers, the teams that are struggling, and more, all chatted about here. Plus insight into some breaking news and more stuff going on in and around the world of the NHRA.   Walk into the weekend informed with the insiders!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast top fuel team owner and driver Josh Hart joins host Brian Lohnes to discuss the work, the struggles, the commitments, and the challenges his team has faced and how they are going to overcome them. This is a fascinating and in-depth look into the harder side of the top fuel world. Beyond the accolades, the speed, and the glory, there is the need to succeed, the work behind the scenes, and how hard decisions are made in the world of professional motorsports.    On the second half of the show, Lohnes is joined by National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin Mckenna and the two deep dive into the world of Play NHRA and how it has started to transform the sport in its earliest stages. The two explore the basics, blow up some misconceptions, talk about the looming championship odds, and give an educational look at how to participate with your wallet or without.    It may not be a race week, but there is LOADS going on!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by a pair of winning crew chiefs. Up first it is Brian Corradi who leads Antron Brown's team in their tuning efforts and works with one of the most longstanding and respected groups of minds in the sport. Corradi talks about the challenges of Norwalk and then looks forward to the races that are on the horizon. He talks about his early career, how he likes to treat his guys, and the impact Antron Brown continues to have on the sport.   Next up it is Aaron Brooks and in this entertaining conversation Brooks talks about working with Todd Okuhara, how they communicate, why they make a good team and how racing nitro funny cars in 2024 is unlike racing them even as little as five years ago. Brooks talks about the team's combination which they lost the handle on for a short time but have shown it to be flexible and worthy with a runner up and win over the last two races.    Happy fourth of July weekend and enjoy the show!

On this monologue style episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast, host Brian Lohnes will take you through the Virginia Nationals, provide the available information on the condition of John Force after his crash, and get ready you ready for the huge upcoming weekend at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.    The NHRA Virginia Nationals will be a race forever remembered by fans for one singular moment and the way it has drawn the drag racing community closer together. John Force's first round crash was a stunning reminder of how dangerous this sport can be. The performances of his daughter Brittany and team driver Austin Prock were both reminders as to their skill and professionalism as well.    With everyone clamoring for answers, Lohnes provides the available information and talks through many of the things that we are all thinking about.    The Norwalk race will be huge with 20 Top Fuel dragsters on tap, loads of awesome performances slated, and weather that will be more forgiving than Virginia.    Information, insight, and observations here. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Jianna Evaristo joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about her final round appearance at the recent Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and Tony Pedregon joins to talk about what will be a sweltering weekend at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals.    Evaristo rode one of the best races of her career in Bristol and it was the culmination of a lot of work, training, and adaptation to the V-Twin Buell motorcycle she is riding this season. The conversation has plenty of depth about the competition in Pro Stock Motorcycle, the internal nature of drag racing's mental game, and how Evaristo has been working for her success over the course of several seasons. This is a truly interesting trip through the story and the mind of a high-level competitor.    The story of the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals is yet to be written but the prologue can be described as heat. Tony Pedregon and Brian Lohnes talk about the challenges, potential pitfalls, and keys to success in racing through conditions that will test the stamina of everyone on the property, no matter their role at the track.    A fast moving show that covers a lot of ground!

Host Brian Lohnes is joined by Funny Car ace JR Todd and Top Fuel handler Clay Millican on this episode of the NHRA Insider. The three talk about the challenges, triumphs, and heartaches of the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol and then what lay ahead for racers at Virginia Motorsports Park along with the rest of the season.    The conversations are interesting in that they delve not only into the racing action we just saw but the interpersonal dynamic internally with these two successful teams. Todd sits third in the points and Millican is little more than two rounds out of cracking the top five in Top Fuel.    Candid, honest, unflinching, and interesting, you'll enjoy this listen as two of the NHRA's biggest names wheel and deal with the inside formation you love to learn. 

On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon and National Dragster's Kevin McKenna to talk about the amazing 2024 New England Nationals and look forward to this weekend's Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.    The Epping race was an action packed contest with sold out crowds two out of the three days and great qualifying. The guys talk about the track, its unique fanbase, the action over the course of the three days and more. They key in on John Force and what it means to see him as a front running competitor in the class for the first time in years, the colossal strength of the Kalitta Motorsports team, the pro stock battles that were waged and more.    The Bristol conversation involves Pro Stock Motorcycle, the freshly repaved track surface at Bristol Dragway, how teams will learn and adapt to a less character filled surface, and the seemingly perfect forecast.    Great insight and a fast moving chat with two guys who know!