{"id":17239,"date":"2018-05-16T14:57:09","date_gmt":"2018-05-16T19:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=17239"},"modified":"2018-05-16T14:57:09","modified_gmt":"2018-05-16T19:57:09","slug":"top-fuels-doug-kalitta-eyes-major-team-milestone-approaching-menards-nhra-heartland-nationals-presented-by-minties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2018\/05\/16\/top-fuels-doug-kalitta-eyes-major-team-milestone-approaching-menards-nhra-heartland-nationals-presented-by-minties\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Fuel\u2019s Doug Kalitta eyes major team milestone approaching Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

TOPEKA, Kan. \u2013 It has already been a great start for Kalitta Motorsports<\/strong> during the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series<\/a> season, and Top Fuel standout Doug Kalitta<\/strong> now hopes to get team owner Connie Kalitta<\/strong> one step closer to a major accomplishment at this weekend\u2019s Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties<\/strong> at Heartland Motorsports Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

Doug Kalitta. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Doug Kalitta already has one victory this year in his 10,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, and with Connie Kalitta sitting at 98 career wins as a team owner, a strong showing would put the legendary team owner one step closer to his 100th win. Should Kalitta or Richie Crampton win in Top Fuel and either Shawn Langdon or J.R. Todd, who has two wins in 2018, follow suit in Funny Car, that major achievement would be reached, setting off a huge celebration in Topeka.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mac Tools team is firing on all cylinders and we have proven that we have a strong setup for the heat of the summer months,\u201d Doug Kalitta said. \u201cWe have been consistent, which is very important. The Mac Tools team is working hard and together, and we are motivated for season long success. We are ready and are focused on picking up many more round wins and victories and getting Connie to win 100 here very soon.”<\/p>\n

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were last year\u2019s winners of a race will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including a live finals broadcast on Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. (ET). It is the eighth of 24 races during a 2018 season that started with a win at the season-opening race in Pomona for Kalitta, who is currently third in Top Fuel points.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Doug Kalitta. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Kalitta hasn\u2019t replicated that success in terms of another win, but the 44-time Top Fuel event winner remains in the thick of championship contention, sitting just three points back of second-place Tony Schumacher. It\u2019s part of a tremendous start for the Kalitta Motorsports team, which has four wins overall counting Crampton\u2019s Top Fuel win in Gainesville. It has helped push each driver and Kalitta has noticed the positive effect that has had throughout the team.<\/p>\n

“It is great to have so many talented teammates that are all capable of winning each week,\u201d Kalitta said. \u201cWe challenge each other to be better and are not afraid to go to each other for advice. The message is we are one team. Whatever we can do to help each other is the plan. We would love to stop racing each other in the first round and instead be racing for the win, but that will come.”<\/p>\n

Kalitta has raced Crampton in the first round at the past three events and five times overall this season, something he hopes changes at Topeka. The longtime standout picked up his first career win at Heartland Motorsports Park in 2016, but will face difficult challenges from the likes of points leader Steve Torrence, who has three wins in 2018, Atlanta winner Leah Pritchett, and defending world champion Brittany Force, who won in Houston. But Kalitta, who is chasing his first career world championship, feels confident about where his team is headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the right people in the right places with talented drivers and teams,\u201d Kalitta said. \u201cAll of the teams work well together and with the incredible support of Toyota Racing and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) we have the knowledge and support to go far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ron Capps is after his fifth Funny Car win at Heartland Motorsports Park and first of 2018 against the likes of points leader Courtney Force, who has two wins in 2018, Charlotte winner Cruz Pedregon, Gainesville winner Jack Beckman, Todd, and defending world champ Robert Hight.<\/p>\n

Tanner Gray will look for his second win in 2018 in Pro Stock. He won in Gainesville, but there have been six different winners through seven races, including points leader Vincent Nobile, defending world champ Bo Butner, Matt Hartford, Erica Enders, and Chris McGaha.<\/p>\n

The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service makes the fourth of 12 stops in 2018 at Heartland Motorsports Park. The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport, as well as the 2018 Mickey Thompson Tires Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series.<\/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 Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties include John Wiebe, Ray Motes, and more.<\/p>\n

Along with the exciting on-track action, the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals will honor first responders with NHRA\u2019s \u201cSalute to First Responders\u201d celebration.<\/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

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 19, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 20.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visitwww.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/a>. 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MENARDS NHRA HEARTLAND NATIONALS PRESENTED BY MINTIES<\/u><\/p>\n

WHAT: 30th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties, the eighth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories \u2013 Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock \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, Mickey Thompson Tires NHRA Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series and the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service.<\/p>\n

WHERE:          Heartland Motorsports Park, Topeka, Kansas. From Kansas City, take the Kansas Turnpike (I-70) to the Topeka Boulevard exit and travel south to the track. From Wichita, take the Kansas Turnpike (I-335) to the Topeka Boulevard exit and travel south to the track.<\/p>\n

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, May 18-20<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:   
\nFRIDAY, May 18 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying 
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACInG SERIES qualifying at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, May 19 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 1 and 4:00 p.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, May 20 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. 
\nE3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES eliminations begin at 9:30 a.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:  
\nFriday, May 18, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise one hour of qualifying at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, May 20, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise one hour of qualifying at 1 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, May 20, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise three hours of live finals coverage at 2 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

2017 EVENT WINNERS:  
\nAntron Brown, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Tanner Gray, Pro Stock.<\/p>\n

MOST WINS:  
\nJohn Force, 9, FC; Scott Kalitta, 6, TF; Warren Johnson, 5, PS; Ron Capps, 4, FC; Cruz Pedregon, 4, FC;.Greg Anderson, 4, PS; Tony Pedregon, 3, FC; Mark Oswald, 3, FC; Allen Johnson, 3, PS; Scott Geoffrion, 3, PS; Darrell Alderman, 3, PS;<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:
\nTop Fuel – 3.660 seconds by Tony Schumacher, May \u201817; 333.66 mph by Brittany Force, May \u201917.
\nFunny Car – 3.802 seconds by Matt Hagan, May \u201817; 338.85 mph by Hagan, May \u201917.
\nPro Stock – 6.515 seconds by Erica Enders, May \u201915; 211.43 mph by Enders, May \u201915.<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:           
\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: For tickets call (800) 884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also available online at www.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA TOPEKA, Kan. \u2013 It has already been a great start for Kalitta Motorsports during the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, and Top Fuel standout Doug Kalitta now hopes to get team owner Connie Kalitta one step closer to a major accomplishment at this weekend\u2019s Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17242,"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":[138,594,423,6],"class_list":["post-17239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-doug-kalitta","tag-heartland-motorsports-park","tag-heartland-nationals","tag-nhra"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/2018_Kalitta_Doug_Action.jpg?fit=2250%2C1500&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-4u3","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17239"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17239\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17244,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17239\/revisions\/17244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}