Prock Dominates at Maple Grove, Extends Points Lead in Thrilling NHRA Nationals

The 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway was a day of high drama and intense competition, as the top drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series battled it out for crucial points and victories. In a thrilling Funny Car final, points leader Austin Prock powered past Jack Beckman to claim his sixth win of the season, extending his lead in the championship standings. Antron Brown, Aaron Stanfield, and Hector Arana Jr. also emerged victorious in their respective categories, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 season.

Prock Continues Dominant Run, Extends Points Lead

Prock Dominates in Funny Car Final

Austin Prock's impressive performance at Maple Grove Raceway was a testament to his skill and the strength of his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. The points leader qualified No. 1 for the 11th time in 15 races and then delivered a consistent 3.896-second run at 332.51 mph in the final round to defeat Jack Beckman's 3.951-second effort at 330.88 mph. Prock's victory extends his lead in the Funny Car standings, as he continues to cement his status as the driver to beat in the category.

Prock's path to the final round was equally impressive, as he dispatched Mike Smith, Chad Green, and Bob Tasca III to reach the championship round. The young driver's ability to perform under pressure and maintain his composure has been a key factor in his success this season. Prock's victory at Maple Grove marks his second straight win and his 10th career triumph, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport.

Beckman, who is driving for John Force Racing, reached his first final since returning to the series in Brainerd. The veteran driver defeated Joe Morrison, J.R. Todd, and Alexis DeJoria on a wild and memorable pedalfest to earn his spot in the final round. Beckman's performance showcases the depth of talent in the Funny Car category, as he continues to prove his mettle against the series' top competitors.

Prock's Dominance Extends Beyond Funny Car

Austin Prock's success at Maple Grove Raceway extends beyond his Funny Car triumph, as he has also proven his versatility by winning in both Top Fuel and Funny Car at the historic facility. Prock's ability to adapt to different categories and excel in multiple disciplines is a testament to his skill and the strength of his team.

Prock's achievement of winning in both Top Fuel and Funny Car at Maple Grove Raceway places him in an elite group of drivers who have accomplished this feat. This accomplishment further solidifies Prock's status as one of the most well-rounded and talented drivers in the NHRA, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

Prock's Points Lead Grows Heading into Countdown

With his victory at Maple Grove, Prock has extended his points lead to 86 over Bob Tasca III, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 NHRA season. The Countdown to the Championship playoffs are just around the corner, and Prock's dominant performance has positioned him as the driver to beat in the race for the Funny Car title.

Prock's ability to maintain his focus and consistency throughout the regular season has been a key factor in his success. As the Countdown approaches, Prock and his Cornwell Tools team will undoubtedly be laser-focused on securing their first Funny Car championship, a feat that would cement Prock's status as one of the sport's elite drivers.

Antron Brown, Aaron Stanfield, and Hector Arana Jr. Claim Victories

Antron Brown Wins Thrilling Top Fuel Final

In the Top Fuel final, Antron Brown picked up his fourth win of the 2024 season and the 78th of his illustrious career. Brown's Matco Tools/Toyota dragster posted a 3.798-second run at 327.27 mph to defeat Shawn Langdon in a thrilling side-by-side race.

Brown's path to the final round was equally impressive, as he posted a Sunday-best 3.723-second run in the opening round to defeat Jasmine Salinas. He then knocked off Tony Schumacher and Dan Mercier to reach the championship round. Brown's stellar 0.043-second reaction time and his ability to hold off Langdon in the final round showcased his skill and experience, as he aims to capture his fourth world championship.

Langdon's runner-up finish was his seventh of the season and the 45th of his career. The veteran driver defeated Ida Zetterstrom, Tony Stewart, and Justin Ashley to reach the final round, further demonstrating the depth of talent in the Top Fuel category. With Langdon just six points behind Ashley in the standings, the race for the Top Fuel title is shaping up to be a thrilling one.

Aaron Stanfield Continues Dominant Run in Pro Stock

In Pro Stock, Aaron Stanfield continued his recent hot streak, winning for the fifth time this season. Stanfield's Johnson's Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers car posted a 6.569-second run at 209.26 mph to defeat Elite Motorsports teammate and defending world champion Erica Enders on a holeshot in the final round.

Stanfield's path to the final round was equally impressive, as he defeated Troy Coughlin Jr., Chris McGaha, and Dallas Glenn to set up the teammate versus teammate matchup. Stanfield's impressive reaction times, including a 0.017-second light in the final, have been a key factor in his recent success. With five wins in the last seven races, Stanfield has firmly established himself as a championship contender and has taken over the points lead in the Pro Stock category.

Enders, the defending world champion, reached her fourth final round of the 2024 season and the 82nd of her illustrious career. The veteran driver defeated Mason McGaha, Matt Hartford, and longtime rival Greg Anderson to earn her spot in the championship round, showcasing the depth of talent in the Pro Stock field.

Hector Arana Jr. Earns First Win of the Season in Pro Stock Motorcycle

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. enjoyed a spectacular Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway, finishing it off with a 6.839-second run at 198.38 mph on his GETTRX Buell to defeat Richard Gadson in the final round. The victory marks Arana's first of the season and the 19th of his career.

Arana's path to the final round was no easy feat, as he had to go through some of the category's standouts. He knocked off Jianna Evaristo and Angie Smith to reach the semifinals, and then got past points leader and defending world champion Gaige Herrera when Herrera went red. Arana's ability to navigate a challenging field and emerge victorious showcases his skill and experience as a veteran in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.

Gadson, a rookie in the category, advanced to the final round for the second time this season, defeating Geno Scali, Chase Van Sant, and defending event winner Matt Smith. Gadson's impressive performance demonstrates the depth of talent in the Pro Stock Motorcycle field, as he continues to make a name for himself in the highly competitive category.