Pre-Race Report Event 11: NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Bristol Dragway Bristol, Tenn.

Kalitta striving for history in Bristol

Bristol Highlights: Three wins (2006, 2005, 2001); Three finals (2014, 2012, 2009)

Last Event Recap (Englishtown): Qualified third; Semi-finalist (Defeated Dom Lagana in the first round and Tony Schumacher in the quarter-finals, lost to Steve Torrence in the semi-finals)

2016 Thunder Valley Nationals Recap: Qualified second; Semi-finalist (Defeated Kyle Wurtzel in the first round and Pat Dakin the quarter-finals, lost to Shawn Langdon in the semi-finals)

Quotable: “Bristol is such a cool place to race. It is truly like no other track on the circuit. We have a great handle on the Mac Tools ride, and we are looking forward to going for the trophy this weekend.”

Career Stats: 444 starts, 603 round wins (ninth 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); 14 round wins; fifth in the standings

Noteworthy: Bristol is the only track that Kalitta has yet to claim a no.1 qualifier. If he would earn the no.1 qualifier this weekend, Kalitta would be the only active Top Fuel driver to own no.1 qualifiers at every track currently on the pro circuit.

Langdon looking for third Bristol win in four seasons

Bristol Highlights: Defending race winner; Two wins (2016, 2014)

Last Event Recap (Englishtown): Qualified fourth; First round defeat (Lost to Scott Palmer in the first round)

2016 Thunder Valley Nationals (w/ DSR): Qualified sixth; Race Winner (Defeated Terry McMillen in the first round, Brittany Force in the quarter-finals, Doug Kalitta in the semi-finals and Tony Schumacher in the finals)

Quotable: “Bristol can be tricky due to hot temperatures and humidity, but there are some tracks that just click with you and Bristol is one of those tracks that I enjoy going too. It is a beautiful place with a unique setting going into the mountains. The sound and the echo is extremely cool for the fans. I am happy to go back there as the defending champion and plan on trying to claim my third win in four years with the Global Electronic Technology team.”

Career Stats: 194 starts, 234 round wins, 14 wins, 28 finals, 18 no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: Six starts; Four round wins; 11th in the point standings

Noteworthy: Joined Kalitta Motorsports from Don Schumacher Racing after Las Vegas in a full-time third Top Fuel entry; Looking to claim third Bristol trophy in the past four seasons with third different team (2014 – Alan Johnson Racing, 2016 – Don Schumacher Racing)

Coughlin Jr. continues growth in Thunder Valley