The drag racing community is revving up for the climax of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series regular season as the 70th annual Toyota U.S. Nationals sets the stage at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Over 900 professional and sportsman competitors are descending upon the track for an event where champions will be decided and legacies cemented, according to NHRA's recent coverage.
Special attractions such as the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the Pep Boys Allstar Funny Car Callout are featured this weekend. Beyond the racing, these events add extra excitement for enthusiasts. Local fans and families enjoy more than just the roar of engines, as the event, dubbed "The Big Go" by WTHR, provides a backdrop for family bonding and joy.
This year's key figures include Doug Kalitta, the reigning world champion and lead contender defending his Top Fuel position, and Brittany Force, who is 55 points ahead of the 11th spot and fighting to keep her Top 10 ranking for Countdown eligibility. In the Funny Car category, Austin Prock has claimed the top seed following an outstanding regular season, according to NHRA.
Sophie Polson told WISH-TV, "My favorite part is probably how loud the cars are," describing the roar as "It’s really cool. It’s not bad. It doesn’t really hurt my ears, and just make me feel like staticky." Aaron Ragsdale brought his son and father to the event, aiming to pass on the family tradition and enhance the sport's generational appeal. "Just having a good time," Ragsdale said, "Honestly, and then seeing his expressions, letting him experience what it’s like to, like, for example, getting the cars, and learn about all the builds the cars, the, how they work, how they run."
