Doug Kalitta dominates at NHRA Arizona Nationals

On March 23, 2025, the NHRA Arizona Nationals took place at Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. This event marked the 40th annual occurrence of this drag racing competition and was part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, which consists of a total of 20 events. During the event, various classes of drag racing were featured, including the Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock categories. The eliminations saw intense competition among the top racers based on qualifying results from the prior day, March 22. In the Top Fuel category, Doug Kalitta emerged as a standout competitor, securing a remarkable time of 3.688 seconds at a speed of 330.39 mph during his first-round pairing against Travis Shumake. Kalitta demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the eliminations, eventually clinching the victory. Other notable competitors in Top Fuel included Brittany Force and Antron Brown, both of whom delivered impressive performances but ultimately did not surpass Kalitta’s dominance. The Funny Car category also showcased intense rivalry. Bob Tasca III, Jack Beckman, and Austin Prock were among the notable racers, with Prock advancing through the elimination rounds to reach the final. However, he was ultimately defeated in the final round, which highlighted the fierce competition characteristic of this high-stakes event. The Pro Stock class brought its own excitement as racers like Mason McGaha and Eric Latino faced off in tightly contested matches. Greg Anderson and other top contenders fought hard for their positions, resulting in thrilling matchups. The event, celebrated for its long-standing tradition, continues to draw fans and competitors alike, proving to be an essential part of the drag racing calendar despite the evolving challenges within the sport.