The NHRA Northwest Nationals, the final race of three events during the NHRA Western Swing, has thrilled fans in Washington state for 28 years. NHRA legends, including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Kenny Bernstein, Jerry “The King” Ruth, John Force, Bob Glidden and Warren Johnson, have provided the region’s racing-starved fans with numerous memorable moments over the years.
Last year’s winners provided fans glimpses of possible future legends of the sport. Funny Car’s John Force is one of NHRA’s biggest legends and he treated the fans again with his victory last year. Top Fuel’s Doug Kalitta continues to climb the all-time wins list and his win last year added him to the list of accomplished Top Fuel winners at Seattle. Pro Stock’s Jason Line has two championships and continues to be a threat to enter the upper echelon of Pro Stock greats. These driver’s reputations’ continue to grow throughout the region.
The 28th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals, Aug. 7-9, at the scenic dragstrip located just south of downtown Seattle also plays a major role as top contenders prepare for the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six race playoff that will determine Mello Yello Series world championships.
Pacific Raceways has hosted ground-pounding nitro action since 1988 and the well-known event will provide a grueling final test out West as NHRA teams finish up the daunting famed Western Swing.
Force’s Funny Car win last season over former teammate Gary Densham added to the 16-time world champion’s aura in Seattle. It was his eighth win at Pacific Raceways, more than double the next Funny Car competitor. This season, Force is campaigning with his new look PEAK Antifreeze Chevy Camaro SS. With two wins so far this season, Force is ready to add another to his impressive NHRA-leading 143 career win tally. Other contenders in Funny Car include three-time Seattle winner Tim Wilkerson, 2012 winner Courtney Force and two-time and defending world champ and 2013 winner Matt Hagan.
Top Fuel’s Kalitta is one of the winningest drivers in any category with 38 career victories including two this season at the controls of his 10,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster. The winningest driver to have not won a Top Fuel world championship, Kalitta scored his first Seattle win last season. Others to watch out for in Top Fuel include four-time race winner Tony Schumacher, who looks to tie Joe Amato for most Top Fuel wins at the facility, 2012 world champ and 2009 Seattle winner Antron Brown and 2003 winner and three-time world champ Larry Dixon, a four-time runner-up this season.
Line’s win over teammate Greg Anderson gave the two-time Pro Stock world champ his third Seattle victory, tying him with Anderson and Kurt Johnson for second all time, only trailing Pro Stock greats Bob Glidden and Warren Johnson. Line’s Summit Racing Chevy Camaro has two wins this season and he joins teammate Anderson, who has four wins at Seattle, in searching for more Pacific Raceways glory. Defending world champ and 2012 event winner Erica Enders, 2012 world champ Allen Johnson and recent Sonoma winner Chris McGaha all figure to be drivers to watch in the 200-mph factory hot rod category.
The NHRA Northwest 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.
