Pre-Race Report Event 02: Arizona Nationals Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Chandler, Ariz.

Track record holder, Kalitta, looks to build on strong 2017 start

Phoenix Highlights: One win (2001); Three finals (2015, 2010, 2004); Four no.1 qualifiers (2016, 2014, 2013, 2003); Track Elapsed Time Record Holder (3.716 sec.)

Last Event Recap (Pomona): Qualified second; Finalist (Defeated Steve Faria in the first round, Terry McMillen in the quarter-finals and Antron Brown in the semi-finals, lost to Leah Pritchett in the finals.)

2016 Arizona Nationals Recap: Qualified first; Semi-Finalist (Bye run in the first round, defeated Dave Connolly in the quarter-finals, lost to Brittany Force in the semi-finals)

Quotable: “We had a great start to the season in this Mac Tools Toyota. The team had a great test at Wild Horse Pass just a couple weeks ago, and I am ready to get back and see what we can get accomplished.”

Career Stats: 435 starts, 592 round wins (10th all-time), 42 wins (Fifth all-time in Top Fuel), 88 finals, 47 no.1 qualifiers (13th all-time)

2017 Season Stats: One final (Pomona-I); 3 round wins; second in the standings

2016 Season Stats: Four wins (Houston, Atlanta, Topeka, Pomona-II); Four no.1 qualifiers (Phoenix, Atlanta, Norwalk, Charlotte-II); Two finals (Pomona-I, Charlotte-II); 44 round wins; second in the final standings

Noteworthy: Could become the ninth driver to hit 600 round wins this season; also will reach 1,000 career rounds competed early this year (currently at 985); owns Phoenix Track ET Record (also owns track records in Atlanta and Norwalk)

Coughlin Jr. desires to continue to learn

Noteworthy: Second career pro event; a leading candidate for Auto Club Road to Future trophy (best rookie driver); father is former Pro Mod champion (Troy Coughlin Sr.); uncle is former Pro Stock champion (Jeg Coughlin Jr.)

Last Event Recap (Pomona): Qualified sixth; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Shawn Reed in the first round, lost to Antron Brown in the quarter-finals)

Quotable: “What I love most about the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is there are 24 races which makes 24 opportunities to learn how to win as a group. I am ecstatic to head to Wild Horse Pass with the SealMaster Toyota boys and continue our journey for a championship.”

2017 Season Stats: One start; One round win; sixth in the point standings

Career Info: Five national event wins (Three in Super Gas, Two in Super Comp); 2013 Division III Super Gas Champion; 2015 NHRA Pro Mod Rookie of the Year

After solid Funny Car debut, Todd plans for more success in Phoenix

Highlights: Round win in Funny Car debut in Pomona; Upon earning a spot in the field will qualify for his 150th career raceday start

Last Event Recap (Pomona): Qualified 11th; Quarter-final finish (Defeated Tim Wilkerson in the first round, lost to Courtney Force in the quarter-finals)

2016 Arizona Nationals Event Recap (Top Fuel): Qualified seventh; First round defeat (Lost to Leah Pritchett in the first round)

Quotable: “I am really excited to see what we have now in this DHL Toyota Camry after we found a problem that plagued us all through testing and qualifying. It should be a great weekend in Phoenix.”

Career Stats: 149 starts, 150 round wins, 9 wins, 19 finals, 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 1 start, 1 round win)

2016 Season Stats: One win (Sonoma); Three finals (Atlanta, Norwalk, Chicago); One no.1 qualifier (Pomona-II); 37 round wins; fourth in the finals standings

2017 Season Stats: 1 start; 1 round win; Sixth in the point standings

Noteworthy: Earned 150th career round win (combined with Top Fuel (149) and Funny Car(1)) with a first round win over Tim Wilkerson in Pomona; attempting to become the 16th driver in NHRA history with a Top Fuel and Funny Car win; Todd Smith joins Jon Oberhofer as co-crew chiefs on the DHL Toyota Camry; DHL celebrating 10th season of NHRA sponsorship

DeJoria Phoenix pre-race notes

Phoenix Highlights: One win (2014)

Last Event Recap (Pomona): Qualified seventh; First round defeat (Lost to Tommy Johnson Jr. in the first round)

2016 Arizona Nationals Event Recap: Qualified 11th; First round defeat (Lost to Jack Beckman in the first round)

Career Stats: 117 starts, 82 round wins, 4 wins, 7 finals, 4 no.1 qualifiers

2016 Season Stats: One win (Las Vegas-I); One semi-final (Bristol); One No. 1 qualifier (Charlotte-I); 13 round wins; 10th in the final standings

2017 Season Stats: One start; 10th in the point standings

Noteworthy: DeJoria recorded her first career nitro Funny Car win at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in February 2014.