Top Fuel driver Brittany Force delivered a historic performance at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, blasting to a record 341.59 mph on Friday night, April 25. Veteran racer Bob Tasca III recognized this incredible feat and celebrated Force’s accomplishment with a congratulatory message on X.
The unprecedented run marked the fastest in Top Fuel history and the second-fastest recorded in drag racing. Racing under the lights in Charlotte, Force lined up in the quad alongside Doug Kalitta and Tony Stewart, achieving the fastest pass that electrified the zMAX Dragway crowd. The historic moment drew reactions from across the paddock, with Tasca among the first to publicly applaud Force.
Tasca, a long-time standout in Funny Car, previously made headlines as the first NHRA racer to eclipse the 340-mph barrier last year in February. The 49-year-old veteran drove his Dark Horse Ford Mustang Funny Car during the unofficial PRO Superstar Shootout, clocking a 341.68-mph pass at Bradenton. However, this moment saw Force become the first driver in Top Fuel history to surpass the 340-mph mark at drag racing’s final frontier.
Two-time Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force has always been known for pushing the limits. Clocking 341.59 mph on a 3.667-second run, she shattered her previous record of 338.94 mph, set in Pomona during her 2022 championship campaign. Her eighth-mile split was equally impressive, hitting 301.00 mph before speeding through the finish line.
After her historic run, Force expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s incredible to be part of something so special and make history for Top Fuel.” Backed by HendrickCars.com, she also acknowledged her crew chief Dave Grubnic and co-crew chief John Collins for their support with the #5 Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster. The two-time champion had 11,000 horsepower at her disposal, making her performance at the 1,000th NHRA Top Fuel race unforgettable.
Brittany Force’s historic pass occurred during an action-packed evening at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, held under the lights at zMAX Dragway. Her incremental times showcased flawless execution, reaching 60 feet in 0.848 seconds, taking 2.111 seconds to reach 330 feet, and completing 660 feet in a blistering 2.959 seconds, hitting 301.00 mph at the eighth-mile marker.
Despite her impressive numbers, Doug Kalitta claimed the provisional No. 1 spot with a 3.646 at 333.74 mph. Shawn Langdon closely followed with a 3.665 at 333.33 mph, while Force’s remarkable 3.667-second, 341.59-mph run placed her in third position. Shawn Reed completed the top four with a time of 3.703 at 329.75 mph.
Kalitta praised teammate Langdon’s effort, highlighting the synergy within the Kalitta Motorsports camp, stating, “We’re all pushing each other to the limit, and it shows in our performances.” Fellow competitor Tony Stewart also posted strong numbers, with a 60-foot time of 0.839 seconds, 2.117 to 330 feet, and 2.976 to 660 feet at 294.24 mph, showcasing the intense competition at the event.
Qualifying for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte resumes on Saturday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. ET. With more fireworks expected, racers will continue to vie for top positions ahead of race day, and fans remain eager to witness what follows in this thrilling chapter of drag racing history.
