NHRA Insider Podcast

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join host Brian Lohnes to talk about all the big stories coming out of Bristol and coming into the American Rebel Light NHRA Virginia Nationals this weekend. The boys really deep dive into the Mission Foods classes and the conversation has more than a few twists and turns. There's a returning potential young rock star in Pro Stock Motorcycle, a pro debut in the same class, there's untold levels of angst and ire in the Pro Stock car class, which is not at this race but is discussed in depth, and then there are the nitro categories which have their own myriad storylines that the guys go over. Get geared up for three qualifying sessions on a warm Saturday, a roasty toasty Sunday, and network coverage on FOX this week here on the Insider!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Ron Capps Motorsports crew chief Dean Antonelli and Vance and Hines lead wrench Andrew Hines join the show to discuss the wild action at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Antonelli, Hines, and their teams were the masters of the most difficult racing conditions of the 2025 season so far.

The conversations are interesting, centering around the ways that Antonelli managed the power and clutch of his car through every changing weather situation, delays, and a racing surface that was anything but cooperative.

Hines talks about the debut of Brayden Davis, his amazing riding skills, and how Richard Gadson was not only deserving of his first win but was primed and ready to attack.

A race of controversy, fights, and more, get the inside scoop here.

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, JR Todd joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about his big victory in Epping, New Hampshire and how it all came together. The conversation with Todd follows a recap of the action from the New England Nationals which was historic by any measure. Also included in this episode is a look forward to the SuperGrip Thunder Valley Nationals this coming weekend and an update on all the breaking news from the nitro Funny Car debut of Julie Naatas, adjustments made to the NHRAonFOX television schedule for the remainder of the season, and more. An updated and upgraded drag strip awaits the most powerful racing machines in the world this weekend and there's plenty to talk about!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join Brian Lohnes to talk about the excitement of Chicago and how that will translate into the action at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire this weekend. The New England Nationals are always a unique event each season. The classic track, the fast air and surface, and increasing pressure on teams at this time of the year, always lead to memorable moments. On this show the three talk about the news of the week, the drivers who are making headlines for the right and wrong reasons, the outlook for Pro Stock this weekend after an extended break, and how the whole season is shaping up. There's also the #1 Clawifier for the first time ever on Friday night, and they talk about all the good stuff on the line there as well. Big fun in the Granite State, coming this weekend!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Jack Beckman the Funny Car winner from the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak as well as Chicagoland's favorite Top Fuel son, T.J. Zizzo. The two guys take us deep inside a race weekend that will long live in the lore of NHRA history. Incredible weather conditions from high winds to the first actual dust storm in Illinois for 91 years had racers on their toes. The teams that best navigated the conditions won the race and Beckman takes us all on a weekend trip through a topsy-turvy battle he and his team faced. T.J. Zizzo was eliminated in the first round but it's still amazing to hear how his part time team dealt with the wild weather everyone was handed at Rt 66 Raceway. He takes us through their approach, goals, and what they learned. A great show about an exceptional race!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join Brian Lohnes to talk all things about the Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak Performance. The guys go over each class of competition, talk about the teams that are struggling and those that are on the rise. The weekend is also unique in that there are loads of independent nitro teams in both Funny Car and Top Fuel which have the potential to upend the apple cart for the established full-time touring operations. The facility is one of the best on tour and the action will be hot and heavy from qualifying session one all the way to Sunday afternoon. This is a great conversation and one that will have you fired up for the week's upcoming action!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Austin Prock and Dallas Glenn join host Brian Lohnes to talk about leading the points in their respective categories, winning back to back four-wide races, and their outlook for the rest of the season. Prock is the first guess and in this conversation he talks about the evolution of his team, why they work so well, the elements fans can't see that make teams great, and how John Force continues to be the guiding star for the race team that bears his name. Prock is insightful in his answers and provides a lot of interesting takes on his team and season. Dallas Glenn is having the season dreams are made of so far. He has appeared in every final round since late in 2024 and has won back to back races. He has come close to winning a title but has never been able to leave a season as a champion in Pro Stock drag racing. Is this the year? He talks about his approach and how he is working to make himself better each race. A fun episode with two really hot superstars of NHRA!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster Shawn Langdon and Matt Smith join host Brian Lohnes to deep dive into their victories at the American Rebel Light Four-Wide Nationals. For Shawn Langdon it wasn't just the second win of his season, it was winning the 1,000th Top Fuel race ever held that has set it apart in his already decorated career. Langdon talks about a dramatic qualifying run in amazing detail, how the race day went, and why this team is once again on a path to championship contention. His insights about winning and sharing the winner's circle with Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta are fantastic. A truly historic day for both he and the NHRA. Matt Smith made the final in Gainesville and then roared through the field to win the 4-Wides in Charlotte. In a wide-ranging discussion, Smith talks about not only his path to victory but the ins and outs of his rigorous off-season making more than 70 dyno pulls to master the VP Racing Fuel that has come back into the class for 2025, and more. It's a window into the mind and approach of a six-time champion, who is relentlessly seeking 7. Great racers talking success and hard work!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join the show to talk about all things Las Vegas and Charlotte Four Wide. The teams that made an impression in Vegas, the impact of Tony Stewart's victory, which teams need to make a stand at Charlotte and which ones are in the driver's seat. There's loads of discussion on the news of the week, Jasmine Salinas' foregoing some upcoming races, and all the juicy insider stuff that you love to hear about the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Top Fuel race #1,000 is happening at zMax so the history of that is discussed along with a class by class breakdown of the contenders and pretenders. It's an action packed hour!

On this episode of the NHRA Insider Crew Chief Neal Strausbaugh joins host Brian Lohnes to give an in-depth breakdown of how he and his team were able to provide Tony Stewart a race car capable enough to win one in Las Vegas. A race rife with challenges, plot twists, and downright curveballs, Neal's take on how the team did it is fascinating. Strausbaugh talks about the change in approach for the entire team in 2025, the addition of experienced people like Phil Shuler, and a whole lot more. He takes us inside the workings of the operation, the pressures, the decisions, and the mentality of a crew chief. The episode begins with a race breakdown from host Lohnes and brings some more insight into why the conditions were so seemingly impossible, outside of the desert heat. A great race on a wildly hard to navigate race track, this is a listen any Top Fuel fan will enjoy.