{"id":18629,"date":"2018-06-05T18:33:59","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T23:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=18629"},"modified":"2018-06-05T18:34:43","modified_gmt":"2018-06-05T23:34:43","slug":"two-time-funny-car-world-champ-matt-hagan-aims-to-get-back-on-winning-path-at-inaugural-virginia-nhra-nationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2018\/06\/05\/two-time-funny-car-world-champ-matt-hagan-aims-to-get-back-on-winning-path-at-inaugural-virginia-nhra-nationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Two-time Funny Car world champ Matt Hagan aims to get back on winning path at inaugural Virginia NHRA Nationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/em><\/p>\n

DINWIDDIE, Va. \u2014 After a frustrating three-race stretch that dropped Matt Hagan<\/strong> out of the points lead, a final round appearance followed by a No. 1 qualifier last weekend showed the two-time Funny Car world champion that things may again be headed back on the right path.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Matt Hagan. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Hagan hopes the next step is securing his second win of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series<\/a> season at this weekend\u2019s inaugural Virginia NHRA Nationals<\/strong> at Virginia Motorsports Park<\/strong>. Racing just four hours from home, the Christiansburg, Va., native is anxious to return to the track for the first time since 2009, especially in a 10,000-horsepower Mopar Express Lane Dodge Charger R\/T that appears to be back on track when it comes to contending for race wins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like we\u2019re coming around,\u201d said Hagan, who is currently fourth in Funny Car points. \u201cIt\u2019s sometimes tough to see that from the outside, but internally I feel like we\u2019re moving in the right direction. We\u2019re going to be right there. We can get in that groove and feel like we\u2019re back to the days of kicking butt. This team as a core, it\u2019s one of the best groups I\u2019ve had as far as chemistry. Nobody has complained, and everybody just keeps working hard. That\u2019s a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

The top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all try to pick up wins at a race that will be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including finals coverage beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday. It is the 10th of 24 events during a 2018 NHRA season that has already been a rollercoaster for the 27-time event winner and his team, which is led by crew chief Dickie Venables.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Matt Hagan. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Hagan started his 2018 campaign with a win in Pomona and a final round appearance in Gainesville but followed with just one round win over the next three races amidst changing track conditions. Hagan and his team responded to the minor misstep in championship fashion, though, advancing to the final round in Atlanta and qualifying No. 1 in Chicago. That\u2019s a positive sign for Hagan, who believes his team must stay near the top of the qualifying pack in the loaded class.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt comes down to qualifying better, and we\u2019ve got to stay focused on trying to get in those first three spots,\u201d Hagan said. \u201cThat\u2019s been the biggest thing for us. A (Don Schumacher Racing) car hasn\u2019t won in a while and we have to get that figured out. We\u2019re still playing catch up, but this team keeps working hard and we\u2019ve kept our spirits up. These next (three) races are a grind and momentum is key, so you\u2019ve really got to prepare yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hagan is referencing the current four-race stretch, which started on a positive note for the veteran in Chicago. Continuing that momentum in Richmond will be difficult against a loaded field that includes DSR teammates Jack Beckman, Ron Capps and Tommy Johnson Jr., as well as points leader Courtney Force, defending world champ Robert Hight, who won in Chicago, and two-time 2018 winner J.R. Todd. But with DSR looking for its first Funny Car win since early March, Hagan hopes to be the one to come through in what he expects to be a memorable atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a fast track then and it\u2019s going to be a fast track now, so it\u2019s cool to be going back there,\u201d Hagan said. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see the sport grow, and I\u2019m sure this track and venue is going to be another hot spot on the tour. I remember when I couldn\u2019t give out an autograph, so to see all the Hagan apparel walking around and out there showing their support, it\u2019s pretty neat to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Top Fuel standouts Tony Schumacher and Doug Kalitta both have wins at VMP, but everyone is hunting points leader Steve Torrence, who has three wins in 2018. Others to watch include Clay Millican, who has back-to-back wins, Leah Pritchett and defending world champ Brittany Force.<\/p>\n

Jeg Coughlin and Jason Line have Virginia Pro Stock victories, and Coughlin just won in Chicago to become the eighth winner in nine races in the class. Everyone is trying to track down points leader Greg Anderson, who is also seeking his first win of the year in Virginia.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock Motorcycle will race at the track for the first time since 1998, with the event marking the fifth of 16 for the two-wheeled class in 2018. Everyone is chasing points leader Andrew Hines and defending world champ Eddie Krawiec, who has two wins this season.<\/p>\n

The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service makes the fifth of 12 stops in 2018 at Virginia Motorsports Park. The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport.<\/p>\n

Those in attendance will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a few of the most renowned names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This will feature meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the Virginia NHRA Nationals include Joe Amato, Jim and Allison Lee, and Jim Yates.<\/p>\n

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.<\/p>\n

Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:45 and 5:15 p.m. on Friday, June 8, and the final two rounds of qualifying at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 10.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also are available online at www.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/a>. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. All students can save 50 percent on general admission at the gate with a student ID. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more info about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com<\/a>.  <\/p>\n

VIRGINIA NHRA NATIONALS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> Inaugural Virginia NHRA Nationals, the 10th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories \u2013 Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle \u2013 earn points leading to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.  Competition also will be featured in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series, and the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong> Virginia Motorsports Park, From Richmond, take 95 south to I-85 exit 51 then to Route 1 Exit 63A. Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Rd. Drive four miles and the park is on the left.
\nFrom the south: Take I-95 north to I-85 exit 51 then to Route 1 exit 63A. Route 1 turns into Boydton Plank Road.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> Friday through Sunday, June 8-10<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong> 
\nFRIDAY, June 8 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying 
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 2 and 4:30 p.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 2:45 and 5:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, June 9 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 2:30 and 5 p.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, June 10 – Pre-race ceremonies, 11 a.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at noon
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES eliminations begin at 1:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong> 
\nSaturday, June 9, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise two and a half hours of live qualifying at 2:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, June 10, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise three hours of coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).
\n 
\nMOST WINS:<\/strong> 
\nCory McClenathan 4, TF; John Force, 4, FC; Warren Johnson, 4, PS<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.771 seconds by Tony Schumacher, Oct. \u201808; 319.60 mph by Antron Brown, Oct. \u201809
\nFunny Car – 4.005 seconds by Robert Hight, Oct. \u201808; 311.27 mph by Ashley Force Hood, Oct. \u201809
\nPro Stock – 6.509 seconds by Mike Edwards, Oct. \u201809; 215.36 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. \u201809<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.628 sec. by Clay Millican, Feb. ’18, Pomona, Calif.; 336.57 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. \u201818, Phoenix
\nFunny Car – 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. ’17, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July \u201917, Sonoma, Calif.
\nPro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.;  215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201914, Englishtown N.J.  <\/p>\n

TICKETS:<\/strong> For tickets call 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also available online at www.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/a>   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA DINWIDDIE, Va. \u2014 After a frustrating three-race stretch that dropped Matt Hagan out of the points lead, a final round appearance followed by a No. 1 qualifier last weekend showed the two-time Funny Car world champion that things may again be headed back on the right path. Hagan hopes the next […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18631,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[197,6,537,610],"class_list":["post-18629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-matt-hagan","tag-nhra","tag-virginia-motorsports-park","tag-virginia-nhra-nationals"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/2018_Hagan_Matt_Action.jpg?fit=2250%2C1500","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-4Qt","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18629"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18634,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18629\/revisions\/18634"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}