NHRA News: Kalitta, Prock, Glenn, and Gadson dominate in Dallas
In a commanding display of dominance, NHRA’s points leaders swept the weekend at the 40th annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, securing crucial wins in the fourth round of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Austin Prock (Funny Car), Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all celebrated triumphs at Texas Motorplex, inching closer to potential world championships with just two races left in the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. These victories mark the 18th of 20 events, amplifying the stakes in the season’s final stretch.
Austin Prock Cruises to Ninth Win in Funny Car Final
Austin Prock solidified his bid for a second consecutive Funny Car world title with a flawless performance, blasting to victory over Ron Capps in the final. Piloting his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS, Prock clocked a blistering 3.959 seconds at 328.30 mph, leaving Capps’ 4.405-second pass at 199.80 mph in the dust.
It was Prock’s ninth win of the season—his 21st career victory and first at the iconic Texas Motorplex. Starting the weekend as the No. 1 qualifier and a slim 20-point leader over Matt Hagan, Prock dismantled the field with precision, defeating Blake Alexander, Spencer Hyde and Chad Green en route to the final. He owned the quickest elapsed time (E.T.) in every elimination round and the last three qualifying sessions, ballooning his lead to 112 points over Hagan, who exited early.
“We went out there and won, and all the cards fell right today,” Prock said, beaming with pride. “Extending our lead feels incredible—even by one point matters, but we did a lot more. I said earlier this weekend that the driver with the most wins in these final races will hoist the championship trophy. We knocked one off the list; two to go. I’ve got total faith in this team and this car—I’m just doing my job.”
Prock credited his crew chief’s sharp tuning, calling it an “OG Jimmy Prock move,” and vowed to keep the win lights flashing for Cornwell Tools.
Capps, seeking his sixth final of the year, advanced by beating Alex Laughlin, Cruz Pedregon and Dan Wilkerson.
Doug Kalitta Powers to Second Straight Top Fuel Triumph
Top Fuel’s Doug Kalitta extended his playoff hot streak, reaching his fourth consecutive final and claiming his second win in a row with a scorching 3.777 seconds at 333.04 mph in his Mobil DELVAC 100th Anniversary dragster. The victory edged out local hero Steve Torrence, boosting Kalitta’s season tally to four wins and his career total to 59, while widening his points edge to 141 over Justin Ashley.
Under the scorching Texas sun, Kalitta’s Mac Tools team dialed in perfectly, dipping into the 3.70s three times. He dispatched Jasmine Salinas, Ida Zetterstrom and teammate Shawn Langdon (in a pivotal semifinal) before sealing the deal against Torrence. This marks Kalitta’s third career win at Texas Motorplex, and with a second world title in sight, he’s locked in for the homestretch.
“Alan [Johnson, crew chief] and the guys have this beast under control—it’s a blast to drive,” Kalitta said. “Running a 3.77 in these temps? Impressive stuff. I’ve watched Alan work for years; I’m grateful to be in his dragster. I’ve been runner-up too many times to count, so no counting chickens yet. We’re just grinding for points, staying focused, one run at a time.”
Torrence, chasing his 93rd career final, powered through Josh Hart, Shawn Reed and Brittany Force. Langdon, 159 points back, fell in the semis.
Dallas Glenn Edges Closer to Pro Stock Crown
Pro Stock sensation Dallas Glenn took a giant leap toward his first world championship, outgunning Aaron Stanfield in the final with a razor-sharp 6.605 seconds at 208.89 mph aboard his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. The win—Glenn’s seventh this year and 20th overall, plus his Texas Motorplex debut victory—swells his lead to 60 points over teammate Greg Anderson, who bowed out in the semis.
Glenn, thriving in the playoffs with three wins in four starts, methodically climbed the bracket, toppling Cody Coughlin, Eric Latino and defending champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. before the head-to-head thriller with Stanfield.
“Keep turning on those win lights—that’s the plan,” Glenn said. “Take it one round at a time, let the crew chiefs work their magic. I’m feeling consistent, more relaxed this year with extra experience. The car’s dialed in better too. If we stay lucky and keep winning, we can seal this thing.”
Stanfield, in his 28th career final and second this season, got there by besting Erica Enders, Matt Hartford and Anderson.
Richard Gadson Revs Up Pro Stock Motorcycle Lead
Rookie standout Richard Gadson delivered a near-flawless weekend in Pro Stock Motorcycle, storming to his fourth win of the season by nipping debutant Brayden Davis in the final: 6.796 seconds at 200.37 mph on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki. The victory stretched his points cushion to 72 over Gaige Herrera and marked his first Dallas triumph—his second playoff win, showcasing his clutch prowess.
As the No. 1 qualifier, Gadson ruled the roost, felling Lance Bonham, Clayton Howey and Matt Smith before unleashing a lightning-quick .011-second reaction time against Davis, who upset a fouling Herrera in the semis.
“You watch legends like Gaige, Andrew [Hines] and Eddie [Krawiec] do this, and now it’s your turn,” Gadson reflected. “I stay in the moment, living the dream. Woke up today staring at a brutal ladder—everyone’s fierce. But I’m motivated, foot on the gas, proving myself every pass.”
Davis, in his third final as a rookie, advanced past Ryan Oehler, John Hall and Herrera.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series shifts gears Oct. 30-Nov. 2 for the 25th annual Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the championship chase intensifies.