Three to Watch: Sunday at Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Sunday eliminations at Route 66 Raceway promise fireworks as the 25th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK enters its most intense day of competition. With a full slate of standout performances during qualifying and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, three drivers have positioned themselves as top contenders in their classes. Here’s who to keep an eye on as eliminations begin:

1. Doug Kalitta – Top Fuel

Why He’s Dangerous:

Kalitta has been on a qualifying hot streak all season, and his performance on Saturday was nothing short of spectacular. His track-record 3.661-second run at 335.23 mph earned him a third consecutive No. 1 qualifier and his fourth of 2025. While he’s still chasing his first win of the season, everything suggests he’s knocking on the door.

The Matchup:

Kalitta opens eliminations against Lex Joon. It’s a favorable Round 1 pairing for a driver with championship-caliber consistency. If he capitalizes on his No. 1 spot, this could finally be Kalitta’s Sunday to take home a Wally.

2. Matt Hagan – Funny Car

Why He’s Dangerous:

The defending Route 66 winner looks locked in once again. Hagan claimed the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win on Saturday with a 3.880 at 331.85 mph and a strong .055 reaction time to beat Ron Capps. He’s third in points and now third on the qualifying sheet — but first in momentum.

The Matchup:

Hagan will face Blake Alexander in the opening round. As a multi-time champion and one of the most seasoned drivers in the class, Hagan’s mix of poise and power makes him a serious threat to go back-to-back in Chicago.

3. Gaige Herrera – Pro Stock Motorcycle

Why He’s Dangerous:

Herrera continues to dominate the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. He added another Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win and earned his third straight No. 1 qualifier with a 6.717-second pass at 202.33 mph. His Vance & Hines team remains unbeaten in the specialty race this season — a sign of just how dialed-in they are.

The Matchup:

Herrera has a bye in Round 1 — a significant advantage that should give him a smooth start to Sunday. With near-flawless execution and confidence, Herrera is the favorite to win it all and repeat as Route 66 champion.

Bonus Pick: Shawn Langdon – Top Fuel

Langdon isn’t just riding a wave — he’s helping make it. The Top Fuel points leader won his third Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the year on Saturday and is looking sharp after a massive win in Charlotte. If Kalitta stumbles, Langdon is more than ready to step in and steal the spotlight.

Don’t Miss It:

Eliminations kick off Sunday at 10:30 a.m. CT at Route 66 Raceway. With championship points, pride, and Wally trophies on the line, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting race days of the 2025 season.