NHRA News: Prock, Kalitta, and Anderson win at Brainerd

At the historic Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota, Austin Prock, Doug Kalitta (pictured), and Greg Anderson claimed victories at the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, the 13th event of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Austin Prock Secures Funny Car Victory

Funny Car points leader Austin Prock dominated the competition, securing his second consecutive win of the season by defeating J.R. Todd in the final round. Piloting his Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS, Prock clocked an impressive 3.907 seconds at 321.50 mph, overcoming Todd, who struggled with tire smoke early in the run. Prock’s stellar performance included an average reaction time of 0.047 seconds during eliminations, with a standout 0.043 in the final. He bested Jim Campbell, Matt Hagan, and Chad Green to reach the final, earning his first career win at Brainerd and his sixth of the season.

With a 242-point lead over teammate Jack Beckman, Prock is poised to clinch the NHRA regular-season championship—and its $150,000 prize—during qualifying at the upcoming Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Reflecting on his performance, Prock said, “I came in with a chip on my shoulder and executed our game plan. My 0.006-second spread in qualifying reaction times gave me confidence, and today’s driving was my best yet. We’re ready for Indy and the Countdown.”

Todd, reaching his second final of 2025, advanced past Paul Lee, Ron Capps, and Beckman, and heads to Indy sixth in points.

Doug Kalitta Powers to Top Fuel Win

In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta continued his hot streak, securing his second straight victory of 2025 with a 3.670-second run at 338.77 mph in his Mac Tools dragster, defeating Clay Millican in the final. The win marked Kalitta Motorsports’ 100th Top Fuel victory and Kalitta’s 57th career win, his first at Brainerd since 2005. Qualifying No. 1, Kalitta’s car was dominant, consistently running in the 3.60s, including a 3.665 against Billy Torrence in the semifinals.

Kalitta remains in contention for the regular-season championship, trailing teammate and points leader Shawn Langdon by 51 points and Tony Stewart by six. “This car has been a pleasure to drive,” Kalitta said. “AJ [crew chief Alan Johnson] had it dialed in. Consistency is key, and we’re in a great position for another championship.”

Millican, in his second final of the season, advanced past Justin Ashley, Jordan Vandergriff, and Brittany Force, who set a track speed record of 341.25 mph earlier in the day.

Greg Anderson Dominates Pro Stock

Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson delivered a flawless performance, defeating KB Titan Racing teammate and points leader Dallas Glenn in the final with a 6.551-second run at 206.86 mph in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Anderson set the pace all weekend, posting the quickest run in every qualifying session and elimination round, including a track-record 6.521 in the first round against Chris Vang. He then dispatched Eric Latino and Sonoma winner Aaron Stanfield to reach the final.

With a 0.025 reaction time in the final, Anderson secured his fifth win of 2025, his 111th career victory, and his first at Brainerd since 2011. He also won the American Rebel Light “Battle for the Rebel Axe” on Friday and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday. “The car was perfect, and the crew chiefs were on point,” Anderson said. “To dominate like this is incredible. I’m a lucky man.”

Glenn, reaching his ninth final in 11 Pro Stock races this season, defeated Fernando Cuadra Jr., Jeg Coughlin Jr., and Erica Enders, maintaining a nine-point lead over Anderson heading to Indy.

Looking Ahead

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series resumes August 27–September 1 with the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, where the points-and-a-half format will heighten the stakes for the regular-season championship.