Robert Hight feels as though his John Force Racing Funny Car team is coming together at the right time during the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
If that is true, coming through with a second straight victory at the 36th annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 24-26, at Bandimere Speedway near Denver will show that his 10,000-horsepower Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS is not only capable of competing for a championship, but that it can also win in any type of conditions.
The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, which kicks off the legendary NHRA Western Swing, presents a unique challenge on the NHRA circuit. And coming at a pivotal time, Hight also knows how important it is do well at the event.
“It is very critical,” Hight said. “We started really seeing positive improvements in Bristol, and we made five straight quick runs in Norwalk. This is when you need to start running consistently. I feel like you will see us continue to make improvements.
“We have been really happy with the performance of the Camaro Funny Car. I think we are getting a better handle on the tune-up and the horsepower. The key will be getting started on Friday with good passes and getting some info [crew chief] Mike Neff can tune with.”
J.R. Todd (Top Fuel), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock), and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) join Hight as defending winners of the event, which will be televised by ESPN2. It is the 14th of 24 events during the 2015 season and the first of three on the Western Swing as teams prepare for one final push before the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship.
That certainly includes Hight, who is still seeking his first victory of the season and is ninth in points. Teammate Courtney Force is in 11th and trails Hight by just 19 points as a host of hopeful championship contenders remain bunched together in the competitive Funny Car class.
A lot could be sorted out in Denver depending on who can master the uniqueness of the race. With an elevation of more than 5,800 feet, the Bandimere Speedway altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, creating one of the most difficult challenges of the season. A three-time winner at the race, Hight knows how to succeed at the facility. He is also hoping to bank on that success as he brings the new Camaro there for the first time.
“Denver is unique, so we have a plan for Denver,” said Hight, who has 34 wins and claimed the 2009 Funny Car world championship. “I have had a lot of success there, and I love racing at Bandimere Speedway. Some of the info will be applicable, but really, racing in Denver is about confidence and just racing the track.”
Racing at Bandimere Speedway has served Hight and the John Force Racing team well with a combined 11 wins. John Force, a 16-time world Funny Car world champion, has six wins in Denver, but Hight is always wary of the other stars in the class, including two-time event winner Jack Beckman, Ron Capps, reigning world champion and points leader Matt Hagan, Del Worsham, Alexis DeJoria, two-time race winner Cruz Pedregon, Chicago champ Tommy Johnson Jr., and Tim Wilkerson.
Hight, though, is confident in the direction the team has taken and likes the improvements he has seen in recent weeks. Getting the first win of 2015 in Denver would be beneficial, but Hight also isn’t afraid to have big goals for the entire three-race Western Swing.
“I would love to win the Western Swing,” said Hight, who has a final-round appearance in Las Vegas this season. “It sounds simple, but to do that, you have to start with a win in Denver. I think you can get momentum anytime in the season. The best time is the Countdown, but it doesn’t hurt to get some wins and momentum over the summer heading to Indy and the Countdown. My team has been positive all season because we have been on the same page as far as our plan.”
Bandimere Speedway has been a highlight for the Top Fuel dragsters of Kalitta Motorsports throughout the years, including Todd’s win last season. Doug Kalitta, who won in Norwalk, claimed a victory there in 2010, and a slew of contenders also includes points leader Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Larry Dixon, Brittany Force, three-time season winner Richie Crampton, Spencer Massey, 2013 world champ Shawn Langdon, and veteran driver Clay Millican.
No driver has had more recent success at a certain track than Allen Johnson has had at Bandimere Speedway in Pro Stock. Johnson, the 2012 world champ and recent Chicago winner, has claimed the last three in a row and six of the last eight in Denver. Four-time world champ and current points leader Greg Anderson has had one of the hottest hot rods in the category with four wins this season. Defending world champ Erica Enders also has four wins this season, and Phoenix winner Rodger Brogdon, rookie Drew Skillman, Houston runner-up Chris McGaha, and Vincent Nobile are all expected to be major contenders in the popular factory hot rod category.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team has had major success in the Rockies and hopes to continue that trend in 2015. Matt Hines, Andrew Hines, and Eddie Krawiec have combined for nine wins on the track. Two-time race winner Angelle Sampey, perennial title contender Hector Arana Jr., Atlanta winner Hector Arana Sr., and many more figure to give their best shot in the two-wheel category.
The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals also will feature thrilling side-by-side competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, July 24, with sessions at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, July 25, at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, July 26.
