EPPING, N.H. — New England Dragway was the one observe on the NHRA Mission Meals Drag Racing Sequence tour the place High Gas veteran Doug Kalitta had not gained earlier than final yr’s spectacular triumph.
This season has been a yr stuffed with No. 1 qualifiers however no wins but for the previous High Gas world champ, one thing Kalitta hopes to vary this weekend on the twelfth annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway.
Kalitta has certified No. 1 the previous three races in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Instruments dragster and at 4 of the six occasions through the 2025 season.
Of these, the final two have resulted in track-record runs on the two most up-to-date races in Charlotte and Chicago. Eliminations haven’t gone completely as deliberate so far, however Kalitta’s automobile has carried out at a excessive stage – together with victories within the Proper Trailers All-Star Callout and two wins within the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Problem specialty race – which he hopes means a primary occasion win is true across the nook.
“It was positively good to examine that one off the listing final yr (in Epping), and this Mac Instruments Toyota crew is unquestionably wanting ahead to going there to see what we are able to do,” Kalitta mentioned. “We’re hoping to get to the ultimate to have a shot at successful it once more. The Mac Instruments automobile has actually been nice this season. We went to the semifinals in Chicago so near the ultimate; it’s been good.
“Going to those races every weekend, it’s positively good understanding you have got a good-running automobile and a shot on the win. It’s all a man may hope for; it’s actual thrilling that our Mac Instruments automobile is operating like it’s, and all people’s doing their job rather well up to now.”
The sold-out crowd ultimately yr’s race in Epping noticed John Power (Humorous Automobile), Kalitta (High Gas) and Troy Coughlin Jr. (Professional Inventory) declare race wins.
It’s the seventh of 20 races through the 2025 season and Kalitta will likely be a part of this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Problem in High Gas, together with Chicago occasion winner and factors chief Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley and four-time champion Torrence.
The “No. 1 Clawifier Award introduced by NAPA” can even be on the road on Friday through the second qualifying session beneath the lights. A particular chair made from lobster pots will await drivers on the highest finish, with the night’s No. 1 qualifier sitting within the chair till they’re changed by a brand new No. 1 qualifier or declare the award. The driving force will obtain a big lobster, whereas the groups will likely be given lobster dinners.
Qualifying No. 1 has been a energy for Kalitta and his crew this yr, however there’s one other robust High Gas discipline awaiting in Epping, a gaggle that additionally contains Brittany Power, Clay Millican, teammate Shawn Langdon, who has a pair of wins this yr, and Josh Hart.
“The Mac Instruments automobile certified properly (in Chicago), however I’m nonetheless type of battling my lights for some loopy cause. We simply need to maintain going rounds and maintain working it,” Kalitta mentioned. “(Epping) is an fascinating place – it’s slightly off the overwhelmed path however an unimaginable historical past of what they do there. They’ve this lobster problem in Friday night time qualifying in order that’ll be cool. Hopefully we’ll have a shot at that chance.”
Jack Beckman took over driving duties for Power after the legend’s crash in Richmond, and has gained 4 occasions, together with twice this yr. He’s second in factors with John Power Racing teammate and reigning champ Austin Prock sitting in first. Different standouts embody Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Paul Lee and native native Bob Tasca III.
Troy Coughlin Jr. earned the occasion win final season, however the Professional Inventory ranks have been dominated by KB Titan Racing Dallas Glenn and reigning world champ Greg Anderson in 2025. The pair have been in all six finals this season, with Glenn main the factors after wins in Gainesville, Las Vegas and Charlotte.
