NHRA News: Ashley, Prock, Enders, and Herrera win at U.S. Nationals

The 71st annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, held over Labor Day weekend at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway, delivered heart-pounding action and historic victories.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Justin Ashley, Austin Prock, Erica Enders, and Gaige Herrera emerged as champions in their respective categories, etching their names into the record books of drag racing’s most prestigious event.

The “Big Go,” as it’s affectionately known, showcased fierce competition, emotional highs, and unforgettable moments under perfect racing conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s.

Top Fuel: Justin Ashley’s Breakthrough Win

Justin Ashley claimed his first U.S. Nationals title in Top Fuel, piloting his SCAG Power Equipment Toyota dragster to a commanding victory over points leader Antron Brown. Ashley’s 3.711-second pass at 335.57 mph in the final round outran Brown’s 3.732-second effort, securing his second career win at Indy and his ninth overall.

The victory was a long-sought milestone for the 30-year-old, who had reached the Indy final twice before but never clinched the crown.

Ashley’s path to the final included wins over Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force, and Steve Torrence, with his quickest run of the weekend—a 3.686-second blast—coming against Force in the semifinals. “This is a dream come true,” Ashley said post-race, crediting his team’s relentless preparation.

“The U.S. Nationals is the biggest stage in drag racing, and to win here feels surreal.”

Brown, despite the loss, extended his points lead, while Doug Kalitta and Tony Schumacher rounded out the top four, setting the stage for a thrilling Countdown to the Championship.

Funny Car: Austin Prock’s Emotional Indy Repeat

Austin Prock, the Funny Car points leader, defended his 2024 U.S. Nationals title with a dominant performance in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. Facing off against Ron Capps, a three-time Indy winner, Prock laid down a 3.866-second run at 331.61 mph to Capps’ 3.912 seconds. The victory marked Prock’s fifth win of 2025 and his ninth in Funny Car, a remarkable feat in his second season in the category.

Prock’s road to the final included victories over Dave Richards, J.R. Todd, and Chad Green. The win was deeply personal, as Prock dedicated it to his late crew chief, Chris Cunningham, who passed away earlier in the year. “This one’s for Chris,” an emotional Prock said. “He built this team, and we’re carrying his legacy forward.” Prock’s consistency—he’s reached the final in 11 of 14 races this season—solidifies his championship favorite status as the playoffs loom. Matt Hagan and John Force followed in the points standings.

Pro Stock: Erica Enders Makes History

Erica Enders cemented her legacy as one of Pro Stock’s all-time greats, securing her third U.S. Nationals title and becoming the winningest female in NHRA history with her 50th career victory. Driving her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Dodge, Enders outran rival Greg Anderson in the final with a 6.553-second pass at 210.67 mph to Anderson’s 6.587 seconds. The win was a testament to Enders’ precision, as she posted the quickest time in every elimination round.

Enders dispatched Jeg Coughlin Jr., Troy Coughlin Jr., and Aaron Stanfield en route to the final, showcasing why she’s a six-time world champion. “This is hallowed ground,” Enders said of Indy. “To win here again and hit 50 wins is beyond words.” Her victory further tightened the Pro Stock points race, with Anderson, Dallas Glenn, and Coughlin trailing closely as the Countdown begins.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: Gaige Herrera’s Dominant Defense

Gaige Herrera continued his reign in Pro Stock Motorcycle, defending his 2024 U.S. Nationals title with a commanding performance on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. In the final, Herrera outran John Hall with a 6.747-second pass at 198.64 mph, marking his ninth win of 2025 and his 20th career victory. The performance capped a weekend where Herrera reset the Indy track record with a 6.696-second run in qualifying.

Herrera’s path included wins over Ron Tornow, Chase Van Sant, and LE Tonglet, reinforcing his dominance in a category he’s led since 2023. “Winning Indy back-to-back is unreal,” Herrera said. “This team is firing on all cylinders.” With Matt Smith, Jianna Evaristo, and others chasing him, Herrera’s lead in the points is formidable as the playoffs approach.

Looking Ahead: The Countdown to the Championship

The U.S. Nationals victories propelled Ashley, Prock, Enders, and Herrera into the NHRA Countdown to the Championship as top contenders. With the playoff fields set—16 in Top Fuel and Funny Car, 10 in Pro Stock, and eight in Pro Stock Motorcycle—the six-race sprint to the title begins at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, September 11-14. Fans can catch every moment on FS1 and the FOX Sports App, with additional coverage on NHRA.tv.

The 2025 U.S. Nationals wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of speed, resilience, and history. For Ashley, it was a career-defining triumph; for Prock, a tribute to a lost mentor; for Enders, a historic milestone; and for Herrera, another step toward greatness. As the NHRA heads into the playoffs, these champions have set the bar sky-high.