IndyCar driver Nolan Siegel witnessed his first NHRA event on Saturday as a guest of Funny Car driver Chris King during the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. Siegel’s reaction to the thunderous start of King’s Funny Car qualifying run captured widespread attention, highlighting the event’s intense speed and power.
Siegel’s Unfiltered Response to the NHRA Funny Car Experience
As Chris King prepared for one of four qualifying sessions, Nolan Siegel stood trackside, filming the moment on his phone. When the Funny Car roared off the line, Siegel instinctively flinched, visibly surprised by the explosive acceleration and noise.
“Oh sh*t,” he said, turning to the camera. “I don’t even know. That was insane.”
—Nolan Siegel, IndyCar Driver
Afterward, Siegel posted the video to his Instagram story, commenting on the overwhelming power of the run.
“Insane. So fast it almost knocked me over,” the 20-year-old wrote.
—Nolan Siegel, IndyCar Driver
Despite this impressive start, Chris King was unable to qualify for the event, posting a time of 4.267 seconds with a speed of 249.72 mph, which fell short of the required cut.
Recent Debate Over Racing Speed Claims Involving IndyCar and NHRA
This NHRA event took place amid ongoing discussions about which motorsport holds the title of the fastest racing in the world. Earlier this year, Funny Car driver Bob Tasca openly criticized FOX Sports for promoting IndyCar as “The Fastest Racing on Earth,” a claim he disputed on behalf of NHRA competitors.
“I want to say it to the fans: I’m very disappointed with FOX Sports,” Tasca asserted. “All winter I got to hear, ‘The fastest motorsports in the world.’ And I looked up and I didn’t see the PPG Mustang. And I didn’t see [Austin] Prock’s car. I saw an IndyCar. And the fact is that we are the fastest motorsport. I think it’s an insult to the drivers and the fans. And truthfully, I didn’t think Fox was the Fake News Network.”
—Bob Tasca, Funny Car Driver
This heated commentary eventually subsided as FOX Sports chose not to respond officially to these allegations.
Changes in Siegel’s McLaren Team With New Race Strategist Appointment
In team developments, Nolan Siegel will start working with Kyle Moyer, former strategist to Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin, starting at the next IndyCar race held at Mid-Ohio. Moyer was released from Penske following controversy at the Indy 500, marking an unexpected shift in the racing landscape.
Discussing the new addition after the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America on June 22, Siegel expressed his anticipation to collaborate with Moyer.
“I’ve never met Kyle, but I’ll meet him this week, try and spend a lot of time with him, get to know him, and I’ve heard nothing but good things,” Siegel told reporter Bob Pockrass. “Obviously, I’ve heard of him, known of him, and I’m very, very excited to get to work with him. That’s a huge pleasure and learning opportunity for me.”
—Nolan Siegel, IndyCar Driver
This strategist transition adds fuel to the ongoing storyline in which Siegel and Scott McLaughlin have clashed on the track, especially after an incident at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 where Siegel openly criticized Team Penske on his radio.
Current Performance and Standing of Nolan Siegel
As a 20-year-old rookie, Siegel has shown promising results this season with two Top 10 finishes across nine races. Heading into the race at Mid-Ohio, Siegel is positioned 20th in the IndyCar standings, aiming to build momentum with his refreshed team dynamics and new strategist guidance.
Significance of Siegel’s NHRA Experience and Team Changes Moving Forward
Nolan Siegel’s encounter with the NHRA Funny Car’s raw power offers valuable insight into the different forms of racing speed, exposing him to new challenges and perspectives beyond IndyCar circuits. His reaction not only humanizes the experience but also bridges the gap between open-wheel racing and drag racing enthusiasts.
The addition of Kyle Moyer to Siegel’s team signals a strategic upgrade that could influence his performance and race outcomes in the remainder of the season. Watching how this partnership develops at Mid-Ohio and subsequent races will be crucial for Siegel’s growth as a competitor within a highly competitive field.
