DRC Staff
NHRA national-event drag racing returned to Michigan for the first time in 66 years, and home-state favorite Doug Kalitta delivered the headline run on opening day at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park.
Kalitta powered to a 3.682-second pass at 334.82 mph to take the provisional No. 1 position in Top Fuel. The performance came during the inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals and the opening race of the six-event Countdown to the Championship.
Cruz Pedregon led Funny Car qualifying, Matt Hartford paced Pro Stock and Ryan Oehler took the early lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The four category leaders set the stage for a significant weekend at a facility hosting its first NHRA Mission Foods national event.
A meaningful homecoming
The Michigan event carries additional importance for Kalitta Motorsports, whose racing roots and headquarters are based in the state. Strong local support and a major first-day crowd added to the atmosphere surrounding NHRA’s return.
Read NHRA’s complete opening-day report →
Source: NHRA. This article is an original summary prepared by DRC Staff.