NHRA Nevada Nationals: Herrera, Anderson, Prock Lead Qualifying
Las Vegas, NV – Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Greg Anderson in Pro Stock, and Austin Prock in Funny Car took the lead in qualifying at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection today, while Brittany Force topped Top Fuel.
Herrera posted a blistering 6.800-second pass in Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying, surpassing Richard Gadson’s earlier lead. This sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking weekend as teams battle for position in the championship standings. In Pro Stock, Anderson secured the top spot with a 6.597-second run, edging out Cory Reed. Funny Car saw Austin Prock clock a 3.895, claiming the lead over Matt Hagan, and Brittany Force set a new track record in Top Fuel with a stunning 3.697-second run at 338.85 mph.
The event also included an emotional tribute to the late KB Racing team owner Ken Black, a longtime Las Vegas resident, with the return road at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway officially renamed “Ken Black Way.” Several drivers experienced challenges during the initial qualifying rounds; Doug Kalitta, a championship contender, struggled with traction, qualifying 10th, while Buddy Hull experienced a brief engine flare-up in his Funny Car. The NHRA is a major motorsport, and qualifying performance is crucial for securing a favorable position in Sunday’s eliminations, potentially impacting championship hopes.
Qualifying continues tomorrow with two more sessions for each class, giving teams a final opportunity to improve their positions and secure a spot in the 16-car fields. For more information about the NHRA and the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals, visit the official NHRA website or Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Officials will continue to monitor track conditions and weather forecasts as qualifying progresses.