Record-Breaking Nitro Field and Championship Stakes
The Ford Performance NHRA Nationals, set for October 31 to November 3, 2024, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, promises fans a remarkable experience with over 40 nitro-powered cars. This penultimate race of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is bringing the largest nitro field Las Vegas has seen in nearly a decade, featuring 20 Top Fuel dragsters and 21 Funny Cars. With championship stakes higher than ever, this is a critical event in the Countdown to the Championship, especially for racers like Justin Ashley and Austin Prock, both vying for their first world titles.
Top Fuel and Funny Car Title Contenders
In the Top Fuel category, Justin Ashley currently leads by 44 points after his recent victory in Dallas, but he faces fierce competition from Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon, and four-time champion Steve Torrence, who are all hot on his heels. The Funny Car class sees Austin Prock in a strong position to capture his first title, leading his closest rival and John Force Racing teammate, Jack Beckman, by 147 points. Other top contenders include seasoned Funny Car racers Bob Tasca III, Matt Hagan, and Ron Capps, each ready to put on a show for the Las Vegas crowd.
Full Event Lineup with Fan-Favorite Activities
The Nationals’ schedule is packed with multiple categories beyond Top Fuel and Funny Car. Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories bring nearly 20 cars each, with reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gaige Herrera leading the field. Fans can enjoy specialty events, including the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the Summit Racing Series E.T. Finals, plus exciting exhibitions from the Legends Nitro Funny Car class and the crowd-favorite jet dragster displays after Friday and Saturday’s nitro qualifying sessions.
Interactive Experiences and Nitro Alley
Fans attending the event get more than just a race; their ticket grants a pit pass, providing an immersive NHRA experience. Nitro Alley is packed with fan engagement activities, such as the Nitro School, driver meet-and-greets, and pre-race ceremonies, including the SealMaster Track Walk. Manufacturers Midway will also feature exciting sponsor displays, merchandise, and refreshments, making it a full day of entertainment for attendees.
Weekend Schedule Highlights
Qualifying begins Friday, Nov. 1, with two rounds at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. PT, and continues on Saturday, Nov. 2, with another set of rounds. Final eliminations start at 11:00 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 3. Television viewers can catch the action on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Ticketing and Family Access
Tickets are available through Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s website, with general admission and reserved seating options. Children 12 and under receive free general admission with a paying adult, making this a family-friendly event. Weekend packages offer great value for those attending all three days, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of this adrenaline-packed spectacle.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the available data and current events around the time of publication, to the best of our staff research and knowledge. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as professional advice, financial advice, sportsbetting advice, or life advice. It is simply our best guess, something to add to your research. We at Las Vegas Top Picks do our best to get stories accurate, but sometimes mistakes and biases happen, and it is always good to double-check other sources and media outlets to confirm stories and the factual details. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the overall opinion of Las Vegas Top Picks.
