NHRA National underway in Brainerd

(Brainerd, MN/Minnesota News Network) — The 43rd annual N-H-R-A Nationals hit Brainerd International Raceway this weekend. The top drag racing series in the country brings the national series to B-I-R once again. The four main classes of competition include Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Other racing will also take place this weekend. Four-time N-H-R-A Top Fuel champion Antron Brown says Brainerd is “always a good time.” Brown is the reigning and defending champion in the Top Fuel division and currently sits in fifth in points in 2025. He has 81 career wins and says weather conditions always play a role in how fast a car can go and thinks Minnesota early evening weather can help the cars go faster. Justin Ashley is the defending Top Fuel champ at Brainerd, while Blake Alexander took home top honors in the Funny Car division in 2024, and Dallas Glenn won Pro Stock. High end qualifying gets underway today at B-I-R with racing to follow. The final eliminations and championship round are set for Sunday.