The Stage is now set for the first-ever #2Fast2Tasty Challenge sponsored by Missions Foods. This unique event will take place at the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals on March 24-26 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The Challenge brings competitive racing to the qualifying schedule at 12 regular-season events during the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Semifinalists from the previous race will get a chance to run it back in all four categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle) until two winners then match up in the final qualifying session. These finalists will have an opportunity to win a bonus purse along with bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship.
Over the weekend at the final race to take place at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park only Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock will be present. The #2Fast2Tasty challenge is set to be intense and drivers are excited about the opportunity. Funny Car driver Matt Hagan who won in Gainesville to open the 2023 season expressed his thrill.
“To have a race on Saturday, it’s really exciting and our guys are already talking about it,” said Hagan, in a post-race press conference. “That’s how excited they are about it and it’s huge for all of us. I’m pumped that NHRA was able to put it together (with Mission Foods) and I think it’s going to be a big thing for everyone.”
Hagan is one of 12 competitors taking part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty following the result of last weekend’s Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which kicked off the 2023 campaign.
Winners in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge in Top Fuel and Funny Car will earn $10,000 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, while the Pro Stock winner will net $7,500. There are also bonus points on the line, as each challenge winner will earn three bonus points that will be added to their point total to begin the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The runner-up will get two points and the quickest losing semifinalist earns a point, adding another major incentive for race teams to chase a Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge victory.
The Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge ladder at NHRA Arizona Nationals is as follows:
TOP FUEL
Mike Salinas vs. Leah Pruett (Salinas won in Gainesville)
Steve Torrence vs. Doug Kalitta (Torrence won in Gainesville)
FUNNY CAR
Matt Hagan vs. Alexis DeJoria (Hagan won in Gainesville)
J.R. Todd vs. Chad Green (Todd won in Gainesville)
PRO STOCK
Troy Coughlin Jr. vs. Dallas Glenn (Coughlin won in Gainesville)
Mason McGaha vs. Greg Anderson (McGaha won in Gainesville)
Television coverage includes qualifying action Today on FS1 at 9:30 p.m. ET and noon on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 7 p.m. ET.