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NHRA's Big Go at Indianapolis sets field for playoffs

NHRA heads to Indiana to set the field for the Countdown this weekend.

Greg Anderson

Greg Anderson

NHRA

Lucas Oil Raceway may not occupy even half the size of its neighbor to the east, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but for the Labor Day weekend each year, it becomes a community of racers that closes the summer racing season, just as Indy at Memorial Day acknowledges the start.

These are the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, held this year for the 62nd time on 261 acres filled with varying degrees horsepower and torque. A flock of speed demons from around the country (and occasionally from overseas) converges west of Indianapolis to celebrate straight-line racing.

The action started on Wednesday August 31st and continues through Labor Day on September 5th. The final spots in the $100,000 Traxxas Nitro Shootout for both Top Fuel and Funny Car were decided through a drawing at Indianapolis’ Monument Circle on Wednesday.

While the popular online vote went to Clay Millican (TF) and 16-time Funny Car champion John Force, a random drawing decided the two participants. The top vote-getters received more opportunities and, with that Force grabbed the eighth spot, while Terry McMillen drew the magic number to take the final Top Fuel spot.

At the same time Lucas Oil Sportsmen racers begin their quest for Wally trophies on Wednesday and continue through to Monday as well, with finals occurring on Labor Day right before the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series professionals earn their trophies to close out the meet. It’s a jam-packed schedule starting at 8AM each morning and lasting until 9PM for the four pro classes - Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle - on Friday and Saturday nights, with jet cars closing those two evenings.

Scrambling for the final positions in the Countdown to the Championship

Still, the emphasis is on the Mello Yello series, where the final Countdown to the Championship spaces are decided for a six-race playoff series for 10 drivers/riders to earn a championship Wally and the cash that goes with it. After 17 races, all but two spots in Top Fuel are decided and the final two drivers are tied in points, making this weekend’s competition vital for both Leah Pritchett, winner at Phoenix earlier this year and McMillen.

Already in Countdown are reigning champ Antron Brown, Doug Kalitta, Steve Torrence, Brittany Force, Tony Schumacher, J.R. Todd, Shawn Langdon, Richie Crampton and Clay Millican. The No. 1 spot and its attendant extra points are still up for grabs, despite Brown’s four wins so far this season.

In Funny Car, Ron Capps secured the No. 1 seed two races ago, and he’s joined by Courtney Force, reigning champ Del Worsham, Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, John Force, Tommy Johnson Jr. and Tim Wilkerson. The final spot in the Countdown will go to either a returning-from-injury Alexis DeJoria, Chad Head or Cruz Pedregon.

Pro Stock is wide open at the bottom of the field and tight at the top, as both Jason Line and Greg Anderson have seven wins each. They’re joined by Bo Butner, Allen Johnson, Vincent Nobile and Drew Skillman. Those fighting for their spaces in these playoffs are: Shane Gray, Chris McGaha, reigning champ Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin (within the top 10) and Alex Laughlin, who in 11th place is only 36 points behind five-time Pro Stock champion Coughlin.

Only five riders are in the Countdown coming to the Big Go. Eddie Krawiec and Matt Hines lead with their Harley-Davidson motorcycles, followed by three-time champ Angelle Sampey, Jerry Savoie and LE Tonglet. Sixth through 13th places are still all wild cards with Hector Arana, Chip Ellis, Matt Smith, Hector Arana Jr and Steve Johnson currently occupying sixth through 10th places. Michael Ray, Karen Stoffer and Cory Reed are nipping at their heels, with Ray and Stoffer five points back and Reed just 29 points behind Johnson.

Why this race matters more than most

The wrinkle in the biggest NHRA drag race of the season is the fact that this race pays regular points plus one-half, which could shake things up by Monday. With gorgeous weather forecast, there should be no issues with rainfall - for once - and the humidity level is down, which should make for some spectacular night racing both Friday and Saturday. Expect records to fall in all categories.

Arriving at Lucas Oil Raceway on Friday morning, stands are already filling up as fans elect to watch sportsman racing, while in the paddock, they’re milling around to see preparation for the pro ranks. With great weather and exceptional racing on tap, this 62nd Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals event is going to be a wild and crazy time.

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