Why the Route 66 NHRA Nationals Could Crown an Unexpected Champion

In a season dominated by the unpredictable, the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance might once again be the proving ground where underdogs rise and giants fall.

Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, is one of the most unique stops on the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour. The track only sees national event action once a year, and that limited use introduces one massive unknown: the racing surface itself. Revered for its speed but feared for its unpredictability, Route 66 has become a wild card in the truest sense.

Last year, that unpredictability took center stage. The racing surface, dormant for a year, was prepped over old, baked-in rubber. The result? Traction nightmares that turned eliminations upside down. First- and second-round stunners saw top-seeded teams in Top Fuel and Funny Car bow out early, victims of a track they simply couldn’t read. It wasn’t horsepower that cost them—it was the hunt for grip.

And that chaos? It’s a golden opportunity for part-time and small-budget teams. Without the stress of chasing points week in and week out, these scrappy operations can go all-in on one race. When the top-tier teams stumble early, teams like Zizzo Racing or Paul Richards Racing—teams built on heart and hustle—can find themselves deep in the rounds with a real shot at glory.

In 2024, we watched several favorites fall in the opening rounds. You’ve got to be able to read what the track gives you. When the track’s a guessing game, it’s anyone’s race.

And this year, another variable is joining the mix: the weather. Qualifying on Friday is expected to take place under sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-80s. But by Elimination Sunday, forecasts show a sharp drop into the upper 60s. That swing will throw another wrench into the crew chiefs’ tuning strategies, compressing the tuning window and magnifying every decision.

With unpredictable prep, a rarely-used track, and a temperature rollercoaster in play, Route 66 is shaping up to be the ultimate disruptor. The giants may still roar—but don’t be surprised if a Wally ends up in the hands of a team that came in under the radar.