The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off this weekend at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville Florida. The 55th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will feature all four Pro categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle) Last year, Mike Salinas (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in the legendary race.
Matt Hagan and Gaige Herrera would win 2023 world titles along with Doug Kalitta and Erica Enders. However, this is a whole new season that presents new challenges. The many moves made in the NHRA off-season have generated a new level of parity. Talented crew chiefs along with drivers have moved to places that have made curtain teams stronger and potentially competitive.
There will be plenty to keep an eye on this season, here are my drivers/Riders to watch from each category in 2024.
Top Fuel
Shawn Langdon, Kalitta Motorsports, DHL, Kalitta Air, Toyota Dragster In 2023 Langdon posted the worst elimination record of his career with a 13-19 round win-loss record. When you look at the numbers the lack of consistency is what stands out. In 2024 the team made a change in the crew chief position bringing in a face that the Mira Loma, California native Brian Husen. After years of being alongside the Zar of the tuning playbook Alan Johnson as assistant crew chief to a decade working as a crewmember on Johnson teams, Husen is more than capable of leading his own team.
“I really enjoy working with Brian,” Langdon said during the Top Fuel All-Star Callout Press Conference. “He’s a good competitor, he’s a great crew chief. I think we work very well together
relaying information back and forth. So hopefully we will have a little bit better result.”
Like an offense coordinator being in sync with his quarterback, Husen and Langdon being in sync with a car that has shown it is capable of running solid competitive numbers is a dangerous
combination for the rest of that field. Keep a close eye on Langdon as he should be a considered contender for another Top Fuel World title.
Funny Car
Paul Lee, Paul Lee Racing, McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Charger
Paul Lee may not have the round-win-loss record to show it, but they have shown over the years that they can be competitive. In the latter part of the 2023 season, Lee has some success. The
Orange California native made a huge move this off-season by naming Jonnie Linberg as his crew chief with the great John Medlen as his consultant.
Lindberg is one of the bright young minds in the Funny Car world and with his experience both in driving and tuning, he will be a huge benefit for this team.
“I believe that Jonnie Lindberg has what it takes to become a successful nitro tuner in the NHRA Funny Car class,” said Lee. “As a former Alcohol Funny Car racer myself, I appreciate the talent and skills that it takes to become a successful racer, and Jonnie has proven he possesses those skills as a former NHRA world champion. I also enjoy giving a talented young crew chief the chance to showcase his skills. With John Medlen continuing as his mentor, I’m more excited for
2024 racing to begin!”
This makes Lee a team to keep your eye on in 2024 as he plans to race 12-15 races in the NHRA Mission Foods Series.
Pro Stock
Camrie Caruso, KB Titan Racing, Aqua Prop/Big Jeff Audio/ True Brand Chevrolet Camaro
After winning the Rookie of the Year and finishing 13th in the overall points standings in 2022, Camrie Caruso made significant improvements last season. Caruso would finish the season with a 14-17 round win/loss record, one win, and finished 10th in the overall points standings. Caruso was also able to win the Pro Stock call-out Shootout races.
“I am super excited about Gainesville, and I’m pumped for the new season,” Caruso said. “We’re coming into 2024 strong from last year. We’ve got a brand-new car and feel really good about it. We tested it and we’re happy with where at performance-wise.”
The Fairport, New York native each year has consistently improved as a driver along with the performance of her race car. In 2024 she will be a driver to watch and should be expected to be
a contender in the championship race
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Richard Gadson, Vance and Hines, RevZilla/Misson Suzuki
Richard Gadson may not be a household name to some who do not follow other motorcycle racing series. Gadson is a third-generation dragbike racer and five-time national champion in XDA, NHDRO, SEMDRA, and ManCup. He is also the nephew of former NHRA Pro Ricky Gadson.
The 37-year-old will be embarking on his first full season of NHRA Pro Stock racing under the Vance and Hines umbrella. The NHRA Rookie will be taking off the back of four-time Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Eddie Krawiec. The Mt. Juliet, Tennessee native has a smooth fluid riding style that keeps the bike happy as it goes down the track. Gadson is excited for the opportunity.
“I am honored to join Vance and Hines, a team with a winning history and a commitment to pushing the limits,” Gadson said. “I believe that together we can be successful, and I am excited
to contribute my skills and experience to the team. There were moments when reaching my goal of racing an NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle seemed impossible. My road was filled with twists,
turns, and doubts, but knowing Eddie for many years and also finding ways to stay involved with the class made it possible.”
With his skills coupled with a proven team, Gadson is a guy who should be an instant contender in 2024 making him a must-watch.