Stage set for NHRA races in Norwalk

NORWALK — As the 2025 Drag Racing Series season heats up, teams are again ready to head to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. The Norwalk track remains one of the most popular stops on the NHRA circuit, and it will host the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals from Thursday through Sunday. The facility on Ohio 18 will stage its the traditional Friday night fireworks show following pro qualifying runs. A highlight for every racer at the Summit Nationals is the billet aluminum ice cream scoop — an homage to the $1 ice cream sold at the venue — which goes to the winners of the race along with the traditional NHRA Wally trophy. "It's going to be outstanding, out of this world and off the charts," said Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park President. "Summit Motorsports Park and NHRA are working very closely together to ensure this event will excite on every level and will appeal to all ages. "There will be action and activities around every corner, whether fans choose to be in the stands or in the pit area. This is a can't-miss offering." This year, the Summit Nationals will host to the Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout for the first time. The specialty event will feature eight Pro Stock drivers battling for top honors, including reigning six-time champion Greg Anderson, in a bonus race that features a big purse and a unique callout format. Anderson will have his pick of the eight-car field made up of Dallas Glenn, Matt Hartford, standout Aaron Stanfield, multi-time champions Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin, Eric Latino and Troy Coughlin Jr. "In addition to favorite classes like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle and others, we are proud that our stop features the All-Star Callout," Bader said. "The Callout absolutely adds to the adrenaline. "With eight drivers giving it everything they have to win prizes and pick up points toward a championship, our guests will have a front row seat for it." The weekend lineup also includes nitro at night on Friday, the Mission Challenge on Saturday, and eliminations on Sunday. The 2024 event saw Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) emerge victorious. Doug Kalitta, Austin Prock, Anderson and Richard Gadson claimed wins in the NHRA Challenge. The races will again be broadcast on FOX, with qualifying and the Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout coverage on FS1 and eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. Sunday. Brown secured his second Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals win last season when he defeated Kalitta. Brown currently sits third in the Top Fuel points. Leading the points is motorsports legend and 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year Tony Stewart. Shawn Langdon is second, while other stars include Brittany Force, Justin Ashley and Clay Millican. Tasca scooped up his second Norwalk win over Ron Capps at last year's race. This season's Funny Car field continues to be led by reigning champion Prock and his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman in third. Others to watch in the class will be four-time champion Matt Hagan, Phoenix winner Paul Lee, who is second in points, and Gainesville winner Chad Green. Pro Stock standout Stanfield took home his first win from Summit Motorsports Park last year, but this season has been dominated by Anderson and Glenn. Anderson has four wins and the points lead, while Glenn has three victories in what has been an impressive season by the KB Titan Racing teammates. Two-time reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Herrera took the win last year over his rival Matt Smith. Herrera continues to lead the field, while others to look for at Norwalk will be Gadson, who won in Bristol, Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Chase Van Sant. Also on the track will be the standouts in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson's Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock. All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Pre-race ceremonies will introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the winners at the winner's circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA's Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors set up. NHRA pro qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, and the final two rounds of qualifying at noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday. The first round of the All-Star Callout takes place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the semifinals at 1:20 p.m. and the finals at 3:50 p.m. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. Sunday. The Callout will be broadcast at 3 p.m. Saturday on FS1. To purchase tickets to the Summit Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket.