The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series was a spectacle of speed and skill, with champions emerging in various categories. From first-time world champion Austin Prock to multi-time champs Antron Brown, Greg Anderson, and Gaige Herrera, the season was filled with remarkable achievements.

Celebrating the Heroes of NHRA Drag Racing

First-Time World Champion: Austin Prock

Prock's rookie Funny Car season was nothing short of extraordinary. He entered the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the historic Pomona Dragstrip with a 188-point lead over his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman. With qualifying completed, his first world championship was secured for his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team. Throughout the season, he collected eight event wins, including three in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, and an astonishing 15 No. 1 qualifier positions, the most in Funny Car history. His fastest-ever pass on Sunday at Pomona, clocking a 341.68 mph run, solidified his status as the fastest driver in NHRA history.Prock's journey to the championship was marked by his unwavering determination and exceptional driving skills. His ability to perform consistently in high-pressure situations set him apart from the rest. His wins not only brought glory to his team but also inspired a new generation of drag racers.

Four-Time World Champion: Antron Brown

Brown's fourth world championship came on Sunday following his semifinal victory over former champion Brittany Force. His Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel team went on to win the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals over 2023 champion Doug Kalitta. Brown had an impressive 2024 season, picking up six wins and tallying 80 career wins throughout his NHRA tenure. He kicked off the season with a win at the specialty Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout race at the Gatornationals in Gainesville and went on to win in Chicago and Sonoma as well as three wins in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. With this world title, he joins an elite group of drivers with four or more Top Fuel championships.Brown's success is a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and outmaneuver his opponents made him a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip. His wins have become legendary in the world of drag racing.

Six-Time Pro Stock Champion: Greg Anderson

The Pro Stock championship battle came down to the final pass of the 2024 season between Anderson and his KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn. Anderson emerged victorious, securing his sixth world championship in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Throughout the season, he remained consistent, staying within the top four all year. He picked up a win early at the Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park and then went on to win at his home track at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. He also had back-to-back final-round appearances in the Countdown in Dallas and Las Vegas before taking home his third win of the year at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. His 106th win on Sunday and his 15th at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip are a testament to his longevity and skill in the sport.Anderson's experience and knowledge have been crucial to his success. His ability to make split-second decisions and execute them flawlessly has earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. His wins have become a part of NHRA history.

Consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion: Gaige Herrera

For a second straight year, Herrera dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle class en route to his second consecutive world championship. Riding the RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, he powered his way to 10 event wins throughout the 2024 season, including the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals and three wins in the playoffs. He also broke NHRA's most consecutive race win record by getting victories in 11 straight races, dating back to the 2023 campaign.Herrera's dominance in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class is a testament to his talent and hard work. His ability to handle the high-performance motorcycles with precision and speed is unmatched. His wins have made him a household name in the world of drag racing.

NHRA Rookie of the Year: Tony Stewart

In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel's Tony Stewart was named NHRA Rookie of the Year after a strong first season. The motorsports legend advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship, and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Pro Stock Motorcycle's Richard Gadson, Top Fuel's Jasmine Salinas, Funny Car's Daniel Wilkerson, and Top Fuel's Ida Zetterstrom also received votes in the hotly-contested race.Stewart's rookie season was a promising one, and his performance earned him the respect of the racing community. His ability to adapt to the fast-paced world of drag racing was evident from the start, and he showed great potential for the future.

Crew of the Year Awards

The Crew of the Year award was given to a team in each professional category based on a number of statistical categories. In Top Fuel, the Scag Power Equipment racing team of Justin Ashley earned the award for the first time, while Prock's JFR team was named the top crew in Funny Car. The team of six-time champ Anderson earned the award in Pro Stock, and the Vance & Hines team for Herrera took home the honors in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the second straight year.These crew awards recognize the hard work and dedication of the teams behind the champions. Their attention to detail and ability to keep the cars running smoothly in the high-pressure environment of drag racing is crucial to the success of the drivers.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

The NHRA also recognized a pair of iconic figures for its Lifetime Achievement Award. 2023 recipient Forrest Lucas and 2024 recipient Jim Dunn were acknowledged for their contributions to the sport. Their years of service and dedication have left an indelible mark on NHRA drag racing.These awards pay tribute to the pioneers of the sport who have paved the way for future generations of racers. Their legacy will continue to inspire future champions.

NHRA Manufacturers Cup: Toyota's Triumph

For the first time in NHRA history, Toyota won the NHRA's Manufacturers Cup. The award is given to the automaker whose current model year vehicles accumulate the most points during the NHRA season. Among those who enjoyed banner seasons for Toyota were Top Fuel standouts Brown, Doug Kalitta, Ashley, Shawn Langdon, Billy Torrence, and Steve Torrence, and Funny Car stars Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, and Alexis DeJoria.Toyota's success in the Manufacturers Cup is a testament to the quality and performance of their vehicles. Their partnership with NHRA has been a fruitful one, and their wins have brought pride to the company.

2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Begins

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. This marks the start of another exciting season of drag racing, with new champions waiting to be crowned.The anticipation for the next season is already building, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the action.