BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2022) – Brittany Force and the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster have made a habit of outpacing the rest of the pack in the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. With just two races before points reset for the Countdown to the Championship, Force is hoping for a win at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway to help seal her regular season championship.
Force and the Monster Energy team come into the Lucas Oil Nationals as the Top Fuel point leader, on the strength of four 2022 wins. If she maintains her position through the next two events, she will become the first driver other than Steve Torrence to win the regular season championship since 2016.
“Our Monster Energy team heads to Brainerd this weekend and we plan to get back on track after a tough weekend in Topeka,” said Force who had a rare first-round exit last weekend, her first since the Gatornationals in March. “We’ve had success at Brainerd International Raceway in the past with track records, a No. 1 qualifier and a win. We have two races until the Countdown begins and this weekend, we are making sure we’ll be ready when it all kicks off.”
A victory at Brainerd International Raceway this weekend will give the 2017 champion her second at the facility, she celebrated in the winners circle in 2016. Force has also captured the Top Fuel No. 1 qualifying spot more recently in 2019 and set the track speed record at 334.90 mph in 2021.
The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will begin with four qualifying sessions Friday at 2:15 and 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. local time. Eliminations will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event begins with two qualifying shows, Friday at 8:00 p.m. E.T. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will air Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX Broadcasting Network.