Upsets and Highlights at Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Bristol, TN – The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals wrapped up on Sunday with thrilling races and unexpected outcomes at Bristol Dragway. Highlights from the event included multiple upsets and record-breaking performances from both established champions and upcoming talent.

In the Top Fuel division, Tony Stewart faced stiff competition as he aimed for his sixth consecutive final round. He successfully navigated the eliminations, showcasing impressive runs, including a win against Austin Prock, who struggled in the quarterfinals.

Justin Ashley continued his strong season, clocking a low elapsed time of 3.836 seconds, defeating Brittany Force to secure his spot in the finals. ‘We focused on our strategy and execution, and it paid off,’ Ashley commented on his performance.

The event saw Ida Zetterström’s early exit due to tire issues that plagued her throughout the weekend, while Brittany Force, despite a strong past performance, faced elimination, unable to recover after a rough start.

In a surprising twist, Dave Richards pulled off a significant upset by eliminating No. 2 qualifier Alexis DeJoria. Richards’ excellent reaction time of .037 seconds and a strong 4.098-second run were enough to clinch the win. ‘This was what we needed for momentum,’ Richards stated, waving to cheering fans.

Another exciting matchup featured Ron Capps defeating Matt Hagan by just .010 seconds, highlighting the fierce competition among the top Funny Car drivers. ‘It doesn’t get more exciting than this,’ Capps shared post-race.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle segment delivered its fair share of drama as well, with rookie Brayden Davis performing strongly but ultimately falling short against reigning champion Gaige Herrera in the semifinals. Herrera, known for his quick rides, executed flawlessly to advance.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the next round of races. ‘We’re still working toward consistency, but today showed our potential,’ Torrence remarked about his team’s performance.