Courtesy of the NHRA

MADISON, Ill. – Racing against a talented Top Fuel field in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, veteran Doug Kalitta knows he has his work cut out for him if he hopes to win his first NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship.

Doug Kalitta. NHRA photo

But it’s his team-driven focus that has put him in position to claim that title. Kalitta won the first race of the NHRA’s six-race playoffs and currently sits second in points heading to this weekend’s the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park. As the Countdown to the Championship hits the halfway mark, Kalitta has once again positioned himself as a contender in his 10,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, thanks part to his successful mindset. 

“We are just focused on ourselves,” Kalitta said. “Our plan is to keep making great passes in the Mac Tools Toyota. We plan on continuing to qualify strong and race strong as well. It is very important to run strong in St. Louis. It is the halfway point in the Countdown and our Mac Tools team is focused on being at or near the top, so we can be ready for the last three races.” 

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Alex Laughlin (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including live final eliminations coverage starting at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 1. Kalitta sits just 22 points behind points leader Steve Torrence and the longtime standout’s quest for a first world title is one of the big storylines during the Countdown to the Championship.

Doug Kalitta. NHRA photo

But the even-keeled Kalitta won’t let that pressure get to him. He remains locked in on his own performance, even against a loaded Top Fuel field that also includes Reading winner Brittany Force, who is one point behind Kalitta, back-to-back world champion Antron Brown, Clay Millican, eight-time world champ Tony Schumacher and four-time 2017 winner Leah Pritchett. That strong Countdown to the Championship start included his first win of the year in Charlotte, putting him in the points lead. Torrence jumped past him last weekend in Reading, but Kalitta, who has 43 career wins, appears to be putting together his best performances of the season at the perfect time.

“With the Countdown format, no one is out of it,” said Kalitta, who fell in the second round in Reading. “My Mac Tools team plans ahead and is focused on running the regular season strong to be as high up as possible, and then focus on each race at a time in the Countdown.”

The strength of the Kalitta Motorsports team is certainly a big boost to Kalitta during the Countdown to the Championship as well. He faced off with teammate Richie Crampton in the Charlotte final, while defending event winner Langdon is also a Countdown competitor. Meanwhile, Funny Car drivers J.R. Todd, who sits seventh, and Alexis DeJoria both have recent wins, giving Kalitta more good vibes heading into this time of year. With three wins at Gateway Motorsports Park (2004, 2003, 2001), Kalitta is confident about his team’s chances this weekend in St. Louis.

“It has been great to see our Funny Cars run so well,” Kalitta said. “They have really hit on some great tuneups, especially in the heat and J.R. and Alexis are doing a great job driving them. Our goal going into each race is to win both Top Fuel and Funny Car and with the performance of our Toyota Camry Funny Cars we know that is attainable.”

Beckman won for the second time in Funny Car at Gateway, but must track down teammate and reigning champ Ron Capps, who won on Sunday in Reading to regain the points lead.

Laughlin played spoiler a year ago in Pro Stock, winning his first career race, and will look to do the same in 2017 against the likes of points leader Bo Butner, Greg Anderson, and rookie Tanner Gray.

Savoie’s march to his first Pro Stock Motorcycle world title started in St. Louis, and he’ll look to repeat facing off with LE Tonglet and Eddie Krawiec, the points leader who has three straight wins.

The AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals also features thrilling competition in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. After Nitro qualifying, stick around to see the spectacular Larsen Motorsports jet dragsters sponsored by Florida Tech and Matrix System. Known for their exciting pre-run flame shows and after burner pops, jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines.

As always, fans can 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 can also 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 3:45 and 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 1:15 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 855-RACE-TIK (722-3845). Tickets also are available online at www.gatewaymsp.com. Kids 12-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 info about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.