Courtesy of the NHRA

KENT, Wash. – There have been enough impressive performances during the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season to let Robert Hight know he is capable of winning races.

Robert Hight. NHRA photo

The former Funny Car world champion has two No. 1 qualifiers and two runner-up finishes in his 10,000-horsepower Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS. The only things remaining for Hight is more consistency and race wins, something he believes can happen at the final stop of the famed NHRA Western Swing, the 30th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at scenic Pacific Raceways, Aug. 4-6. 

“Without a doubt, we (want to be peak),” Hight said. “That’s what we’re working on going into the Western Swing. If you notice, a lot of the teams that have won, they’ve had some luck. They haven’t had the great performance, but they’ve had luck. We’ve got to put all three things together: Performance, consistency – and it wouldn’t hurt to have a little luck. I believe in the team around me, and I feel we have as good a shot as anybody to win three in a row on the Western Swing.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Aaron Strong (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 and the FOX national broadcast network, including live final eliminations on FOX starting at 4 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Aug. 6. It is the 16th of 24 events during the 2017 season and, with just two races following it before the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, it’s the perfect time for Hight to get into the winner’s circle.

Robert Hight. NHRA photo

That goes for the whole John Force Racing Funny Car trio of Hight, John Force and Courtney Force as well, as only John Force has a win in 2017, despite all of them putting up big numbers at various points this season. Despite some of the frustrations – including a pair of first-round losses for Hight out of the No. 1 position – Hight, who is currently fourth in Funny Car points, has had no trouble staying confident in his team, which is led by crew chief Jimmy Prock.

“It’s easier to find consistency than it is to find performance,” Hight said. “When you have to find performance and run quick and fast – and you don’t know how to do that – you’re going to be in big trouble. We already know how to do that. We’ve just got to do it a little more consistently – and four times on race day. I’ve won five races before the Countdown, and then didn’t do anything in the Countdown. Peaking at the right time is pretty critical with a Countdown format.”

That means performing well in Seattle to cap off the arduous Western Swing. But it also means topping the likes of red-hot points leader and reigning world champ Ron Capps, who has a career-best six wins in 2017, and three-time 2017 winner Matt Hagan. More than anything, though, Hight is focused on how he can perform at a high level at an important time of the season.

“It’s huge (to do well) because at that point in the season, when you leave Seattle, you better have your package and everything figured out performance-wise,” said Hight, who has 37 career wins. “You only have one race before the biggest race of the year, Indy, and then the Countdown. Leaving Seattle on a high note and having confidence is going to carry on the rest of the season.”

Brown will try to defend his Seattle crown and gear up for a run at a third straight Top Fuel title. Steve Torrence is the current points leader and has five wins in 2017. Others to watch include three-time 2017 winner Leah Pritchett, Brittany Force, Doug Kalitta and Tony Schumacher.

In Pro Stock, Strong earned his first career win a year ago. Bo Butner has picked up his first professional victories in 2017, winning three times to take over the points lead. Other top performers this year include two-time winners Greg Anderson and rookie Tanner Gray.

The event features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series as well, showcasing the future stars of the sport.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports 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.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s 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.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:30 and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 253-639-5927. Tickets also are available online at www.pacificraceways.com. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.