Pre-Race Report Event 13: Fallen Patriots Route 66 NHRA Nationals Route 66 Raceway Joliet, Ill.

 

Kalitta desires first 2017 trophy in Chicago

Chicago Highlights: Three wins (2006, 2004, 2002); Three No.1 qualifiers (2014, 2003, 1999)

Last Event Recap (Norwalk): Qualified first; Finalist (Defeated Troy Buff in the first round, Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals and Leah Pritchett in the semifinals, lost to Steve Torrence in the final)

2016 Chicago Recap: Qualified first; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Kyle Wurtzel in the first round, lost to Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals)

Quotable: “We had a great finish to the four race swing and the Mac Tools team is ready to get back to racing. We have a strong running machine and I know we will be competing for the win this weekend in Chicago.”

Career Stats: 446 starts, 606 round wins (ninth all-time), 42 wins (fifth all-time in Top Fuel), 89 finals, 47 no.1 qualifiers (13th all-time)

2017 Season Stats: Two finals (Pomona-I, Norwalk); One no.1 qualifier (Norwalk); 17 round wins; fifth in the standings

Noteworthy: Kalitta and his late cousin, Scott, won three straight races in Chicago with Doug winning in 2004 and 2006 and Scott claiming the 2005 trophy.

 

Langdon works to cut gap on top ten in Chicago

Last Event Recap (Norwalk): Qualified 10th; First round loss (Lost to Terry McMillen in the first round)

2016 Chicago Recap (w/ DSR): Qualified fifth; First round loss (Lost to Terry McMillen in the first round)

Quotable: “Our main mindset is to keep doing what we have been doing. We have had some bad luck but the Global Electronic Technology car has been running great. We have a great chance to gain points this week but our main focus is to win the race. I know the car is there because this is the same machine that J.R. took to the final last season. I am also very excited to be double entering this weekend. This is just another way to keep me sharp behind the wheel.”

Career Stats: 193 starts, 236 round wins, 14 wins, 28 finals, 18 no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: Eight starts; Six 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; Additionally, Langdon is competing in the Super Comp category this weekend, his first Super Comp National Event this season (first since 2016 Atlanta)

 

After successful test, Coughlin Jr. looks for improvement in Windy City

Noteworthy: 13th career pro event; a candidate for Auto Club Road to Future trophy (best rookie driver); father is former two-time Pro Mod champion (Troy Coughlin Sr.); uncle is former six-time NHRA champion (Jeg Coughlin Jr.); part of Coughlin family with 113 career wins

Last Event Recap (Norwalk): Qualified 14th; First round loss (Lost to Steve Torrence in the first round)

Quotable: “Chicago is one of my favorite tracks. We are coming off a few good laps from our last test session so the SealMaster Toyota team has some confidence going into this weekend.”

2017 Season Stats: 12 starts; Four round wins; ninth 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

 

Todd plans to start second half of the season strong  

Chicago Highlights: One final (2016)

Last Event Recap (Norwalk): Qualified 12th; First round loss (Lost to Tommy Johnson Jr. in the first round)

2016 Chicago Recap (Top Fuel): Qualified seventh; Finalist (Defeated T.J. Zizzo in the first round, Steve Torrence in the quarterfinals and Tony Schumacher in the semifinals, lost to Antron Brown in the final)

Quotable: “Chicago is one of those tracks that when the conditions are right we can make some really good runs. This is a good place for our DHL team to get back on track and pick up some much needed points.”

Career Stats: 160 starts, 159 round wins, 9 wins, 19 finals, 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 12 starts, One final (Charlotte); six round wins)

2017 Season Stats: 12 starts; One final (Charlotte-I); six round wins; ninth in the point standings

Noteworthy: Attempting to become the 16th driver in NHRA history with a Top Fuel and Funny Car win; DHL celebrating 10th season of NHRA sponsorship

 

Last Event Recap (Norwalk): Qualified seventh; Quarterfinal finish (Defeated Del Worsham in the first round, lost to Robert Hight in the quarterfinals)

2016 Chicago Recap: Qualified third; Quarterfinal finish (Defeated Brian Stewart in the first round, lost to Robert Hight in the quarterfinals)

Career Stats: 124 starts; 86 round wins; Four wins; Seven finals, Four no.1 qualifiers

2017 Season Stats: Nine starts; Four round wins; 14th in the point standings