Las Vegas, NV
Apr 11 - 13
Charlotte, NC
Apr 25 - 27
The motorsports world celebrates Tony Stewart’s first Top Fuel win
Behind the Scenes with the winners of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals
Relive the race! Tony Stewart's round-by-round run to his first Top Fuel win
Tony Stewart's emotional interview after first Top Fuel win at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals
Weekend Rewind: NHRA 4-Wide Nationals
Movers, Shakers, and Deal Makers 2025
Five Things We Learned in Las Vegas
4/13: It’s 413 day—Celebrating the Max Wedge and the engine that won the ’62 Winternationals
Bob Bender: Swinging west on an emotional trip with his Chevy wagon Stocker
Pro Stock rising star Cory Reed looks for success at 4-Wide Nationals in Vegas
After uncharacteristic slow start, Ashley and Scag team ready to turn the corner
Future Top Fuel pilot Maddi Gordon warms up Ron Capps' Funny Car
Matt Latino: Learning the Pro Stock ropes one gear change at a time
Hunter Green ready for Funny Car debut at 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas
Daniel Wilkerson aims for first career Funny Car win at Las Vegas 4-Wides
The 'Nitro Moose' will be loose in Vegas as Dylan Winefsky makes Funny Car debut
Top Fuel’s Clay Millican eyes first four-wide win this weekend in Las Vegas
Greg Anderson on the state of Pro Stock: Parity, rivalries, and EFI horsepower gains
WFO Radio NHRA Nitro podcast hosts Winternationals Pro winners
New feature: Horsepower History
Behind the Scenes with the winners of the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals
Weekend Rewind: 2025 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals
Jasmine Salinas: The small in stature, fierce Top Fueler
Five things we learned in Pomona
For Ron Capps, the blower explosions and the crashes come with the territory
The origination of the Top Fuel “mud flap”
After first Funny Car win, Paul Lee looks for another at Winternationals
Aaron Stanfield looks for first Pro Stock win of 2025 at Winternationals
Top Fuel air deflectors: What they do and why some teams aren't running them
Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley looks for historic fourth straight Winternationals win
Movers, Shakers, and Deal Makers 2025
NHRA National Dragster magazine's third annual Movers, Shakers, and Deal Makers list spotlights a wide-ranging group of individuals whose impact is helping to redefine the future of drag racing.
Nitromethane, methanol, and gasoline may fuel the machines, but it’s the people behind the scenes who truly drive NHRA Drag Racing forward.
Today’s drag racing landscape is about more than just reaction times and win lights; it’s a dynamic blend of strategy, business acumen, innovation, and passion. Success is now just as dependent on partnerships, planning, and promotion as it is on raw horsepower.
As the sport’s audience grows at a record pace, some of the biggest influencers in drag racing aren’t found behind the wheel. So who are the visionaries guiding the sport into its next era? What motivates them? What challenges do they see, and what dreams do they chase?
NHRA National Dragster magazine's third annual Movers, Shakers, and Deal Makers list spotlights a wide-ranging group of individuals whose impact is helping to redefine the future of drag racing.
Click on the images below to read the full stories of these people and companies that are making a big impression on our sport.
Bill Bader Jr. brings unmatched drag racing and motorsports event expertise to his role on the SEMA board of directors, building on decades of success as the owner of Summit Motorsports Park. For decades, the Bader family and Bill Jr. specifically reaffirmed his status as one of NHRA’s most influential track operators. His stewardshipcontinued to set the standard for racer hospitality, fan experience, and major event execution. Known for his relentless energy, creative promotions, and commitment to excellence, Bader drew record-breaking crowds and rave reviews to the Ohio venue. He remained a tireless advocate for the Sportsman racer, innovating systems to support grassroots growth while elevating pro-level competition. His strategic insight — now amplified through his seat on the SEMA board — helps shape the future of racing at both the track level and across the broader performance industry. [Read more] |
Ron Capps’ journey from crewing on Top Alcohol cars to three-time Funny Car world champion and now as team owner is a story rooted in grit and gratitude. After learning the ropes from West Coast legends and making his mark under iconic car owners Don Prudhomme and Don Schumacher, Capps continues to carve his own continuing legacy. When the opportunity came to start his own team in 2022, NAPA’s unwavering support propelled him to instant success. Now, with plans to expand to a two-car team in 2026, Capps is giving back — just as others did for him — by mentoring Maddi Gordon, a young, skilled driver from a racing family like his. His rise and pay-it-forward mindset reflect the soul of NHRA: hard work, humble beginnings, and a deep commitment to lifting others. For Capps, success isn’t just about wins, it’s about honoring those who helped him get there. [Read more] | |
He was a bracket racing kid who launched a career at a radio station in Miami, and Joe Castello is now a central figure in reporting the happenings from within NHRA. Away from the dragstrip, his widely respected WFO Radio podcast gives listeners an inside perspective and deep conversations with the stars of the sport. At the track, a lifetime of experience and a serious passion for drag racing shines through from the announcer’s booth and in the content that he creates for NHRA’s various social media and NHRA.tv platforms. Never one to settle into a comfortable zone, Castello is constantly striving to learn, grow, and become both a better representative of the sport and a person who is making great, positive impact in the lives of others. [Read more] |
Richard Gadson grew up in a family that featured a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the New Jersey native ultimately became a rider in NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle division. After multiple wins and championships across a wide range of categories and associations, Gadson got his big break in 2024 when he joined the Vance & Hines team as a teammate toGaige Herrera. In his first season, Gadson went to three final rounds and finished an impressive No. 3 in the NHRAstandings. He was also a finalist for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award. Heading into the new season, Gadson remains the favorite to become NHRA’s next first-time Pro winner, and figures to be a championship contender for years to come. [Read more] | |
Chad Green’s Texas-sized imprint on drag racing has developed over the years as he transitioned from a full-time Pro Mod racer to Funny Car driver to owner and overseer of a multicar team under the Bond-Coat banner. Although it has not been an easy or smooth path, Green has rebounded from trials and tribulations – including a huge crash, a crew chief changeup, and competition that is increasingly tough. He has seen talent and brought it to his team, adding new nitro crew chiefs Dean Marinis and Joe Serena to the roster and seeing them step into their own and win. Along the way, Green’s son, Hunter, was watching it all, and this year, he buckled into the seat of a nitro Funny Car after a productive time in a Top Alcohol Dragster. The seat is shared with multi-category nitro winner Blake Alexander as the team eyes a strong future. [Read more] |
Chad Head’s influence in NHRA Drag Racing reflects a lifetime spent in motorsports. A former nitro Funny Car driver, Head has held key roles across multiple sanctioning bodies — including IndyCar, NHRA, and atAlan Johnson Racing — bringing a rare blend of experience from both the competition and business sides of racing. As general manager of the multicar Kalitta Motorsports team since 2017, he has overseen one of the sport’s most iconic operations with precision and grit. His leadership helped maintain Kalitta’s competitiveness while also guiding broader industry conversations as a vocal member of the Professional Racers Organization (PRO). Known for uniting racers, sponsors, and management, Head has championed safety reforms, sustainable team practices, and elevated fan engagement. [Read more] | |
Although he is best known for his achievements as a successful NASCAR team owner, Rick Hendrick made his early strides in motorsports in the drag boat racing scene, and from there, he had a Top Fuel car for a short spell. The passion for racing runs deep within Hendrick, who grew up watching his father drag race in southern Virginia and came to the strip to race a self-built ’31 Chevrolet of his own when he was just 14 years old. From 1984 to 1993, Hendrick sponsored David Reher and Buddy Morrison’s drag racing team and won a championship with Lee Shepherd as a driver in Pro Stock. Hendrick’s drag racing roots brought him back in 2021, first to partner with Greg Anderson and most recently to stand alongside the John Force Racing team. [Read more] |
Buddy Hull embodies the ultimate ground-up success story in NHRA Drag Racing. A former world-ranked powerlifter turned self-made businessman, Hull built his life — and racing career — on hustle, grit, and bold choices. Starting in a wild Fuel Altered, he later used his own money to buy a Top Fuel operation. As a Funny Car driver for Jim Dunn Racing, he has built a deeper fanbase for himself and NHRA, promoting the sport with unmatched energy and connecting with fans through his popular YouTube show, Talking Funny Cars, and always making time for autographs and interviews. Hull’s drive and all-in attitude make him a force in the pits and a champion for the sport’s future, and he’s proving that one run, one handshake, and one broadcast at a time. [Read more] | |
When Ken Black formed KB Racing with Greg Anderson in 2002, he could not have known the impact it would make on the class of Pro Stock. Although Black retired in 2023 and the team was sold, it was kept fully intact and continued to thrive. At the time of Black’s retirement, KB Racing merged with another powerhouse, Titan Racing Engines, to form KB Titan Racing, and while Pro Stock of yore didn’t see much engine leasing, today the team is a large part of a changed landscape. Larger teams lease engines to a plethora of competitors, allowing entry into one of the most prestigious categories for racers with various levels of skill and budget, and KB Titan has been at the forefront with drivers such as Dallas Glenn and Matt Hartford racing for championships right alongside six-time champion Anderson. [Read more] |
From the boardroom to the poker table to the dragstrip, Paul Lee is all about winning, and he does so frequently across all avenues. An avid racer since the late 1970s, Lee is also a graduate of the prestigious Wharton School of Business and operates several performance aftermarket companies, including FTI Converters, McLeod Clutches, and Silver Sport Transmissions. After moderate success in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class, and as a hired driver in the nitro Funny Car category, Lee began to assemble his own nitro team in 2019 and recently took a huge step forward with his first 91 Pro victory. Lee is also an avid poker player who often participates in high-stakes tournaments, where, not surprisingly, he also has a solid résumé that speaks to his preparation, dedication, and desire to succeed. [Read more] | |
Rich McPhillips Sr. and Jr. have built a powerhouse A/Fuel Dragster program rooted in passion, discipline, and mentorship. Known for guiding racers like Tony Stewart, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Jasmine Salinas, the McPhillips family helps drivers turn dreams into reality — provided they bring humility, experience, and a commitment to learning. Their turnkey operation offers personalized setups, detailed driver instruction, and a straightforward, high-performance philosophy. The team carefully vets drivers, seeking those who take the sport seriously, not just those with fat checkbooks. With a low-profile, no-nonsense approach, they prioritize effort and attitude over flash. From their Pennsylvania roots to a new shop in Indy, the McPhillips duo continues investing in the future of drag racing. As Rich Sr. puts it, “We like to fulfill dreams,” helping serious racers rise while feeding the pipeline with tomorrow’s NHRA stars. [Read more] |
Bridging the gap between a global Tier 1 supplier and the world of drag racing, Lisa Michler has emerged as one of NHRA’s most influential marketing leaders. As marketing communications manager, she has helped expand Denso’s footprint across the sport — from flagship support of Matt Smith Racing in Pro Stock Motorcycle to an elevated presence in Pro Stock competition. Michler’s strategic approach to branding, sponsorships, and event activation has brought fresh energy and corporate visibility to NHRA. She has played a pivotal role in fan engagement programs, loyalty campaigns, and high-impact trade show appearances, all while ensuring Denso’s brand remains synonymous with performance, technology, and professionalism. Behind the scenes, her leadership in mentoring teams, managing budgets, and shaping communication strategies has quietly fueled the sport’s modern growth. [Read more] | |
Don Russell, director of marketing at Cornwell Tools, has spearheaded the company’s strategic expansion into NHRA Drag Racing to boost brand visibility and dealer growth. Believing Cornwell was “the best-kept secret” in the tool industry, Russell identified NHRA’s audience as a perfect match for their franchise dealer model. Starting in 2018 with John Force Racing, under Russell’s guidanceCornwelldeepened its investment, becoming the primary sponsor for Austin Prock’s Funny Car and title sponsorof the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals. Russell values face-to-face sales, emphasizing authentic connections. He credits Cornwell’s NHRA success to company-wide support and sees NHRA as a powerful, measurable platform to drive dealer growth and brand loyalty through genuine, one-on-one interaction. [Read more] |
The easiest way to get Travis Shumake to do something is to try and tell him he can’t, as he’s often inclined to say, “Challenge accepted.” The son of 1980s Funny Car star Tripp Shumake, Travis often dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps, and he finally took steps to make that a reality when he attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School and later made his debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Aiming a bit higher, Shumake ultimately made the bold decision to purchase his own Top Fuel operation and join the ranks of NHRA’s elite. Last year in Dallas, Shumake made what is so far a career-defining run when he set a personal-best 3.72-second elapsed time. More recently, he has topped 330 mph as he continues his pursuit of the funding necessary to contend for race wins and championships. [Read more] | |
When it comes to performance aftermarket companies, few are as successful or as recognizable as Strange Engineering. Long recognized as a leader in aftermarket brakes, axles, shocks, gears, rear ends, and other driveline components, Strange has a long history that is nearly as old as drag racing itself. Currently, the company is run by Jeff Stange, the son of founder Bob Stange. Jeff shares his father’s vision for the company, not just as a leading manufacturer of quality products but also a highly-visible member of the motorsports community. As most fans would attest, it is nearly impossible to attend a major NHRA Drag Racing event and not be exposed to the familiar Strange Engineering logo. Stange has also pushed the company to continue their long history of developing new and innovative products. [Read more] |
Rick Ware brought a fresh perspective and cross-series credibility to NHRA Drag Racing. Already established in NASCAR, IMSA, American Flat Track, and Motocross racing, his commitment to expanding Rick Ware Racing’s presence in nitro racing has injected NHRA’s pits with energy, professionalism, and high-profile partnerships. Ware’s Top Fuel alliance with Clay Millican and the recent addition of Tony Schumacher showcase his ability to build competitive operations and attract sponsor interest. His multi-series experience translated into savvy team management and a hot-rod mindset approach to performance. More importantly, Ware’s efforts helped position NHRA in the broader motorsports conversation, highlighting the sport’s potential to fans and sponsors beyond traditional drag racing audiences. [Read more] | |
Katherine Wooten has significantly influenced NHRA Drag Racing through her role as director of partnership strategy and activation at NAPA. Since joining in 2021, she has deepened NAPA’s longstanding relationship with its three-time 91 Funny Car world champ, Ron Capps, ensuring continued support, including when he launched his own team. Wooten’s people-first approach emphasizes authenticity, fan engagement, and grassroots connection, aligning NAPA’s brand with NHRA’s blue-collar, loyal fan base. She helped expand NAPA’s NHRA presence through sponsorship of the YES Program, supporting career paths in automotive repair, and as the Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA. Wooten also guided high-impact branding moments, such as Capps’ tribute liveries for Don Prudhommeand the special Carlyle Tools car Capps ran earlier this season. [Read more] |
Ida Zetterström took a huge leap of faith in 2024 when she left her native Sweden to pursue a new life in the U.S. with the ultimate goal of success in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel class. So far, the path has been anything but easy, but Zetterström, the 2023 FIA European Top Fuel champion, has proven to be up to the challenge as she enjoyed a memorable debut with the JCM Racing team last season in Brainerd. By the end of her abbreviated eight-race season, Zetterström was nominated as a finalist for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award and named Best New Talent by NHRA National Dragster readers in their post-season poll. With her friendly and outgoing personality, Zetterström has also quickly become one of NHRA’s most popular Pros with a rapidly expanding social media presence. [Read more] |
