EPPING, N.H. - Matt Hagan remained hot in NHRA Mellow Yello Drag Racing Series action by winning his second straight Funny Car event of the season at the NHRA New England Nationals.
Hagan drove to victory in front of a sellout crowd for the second consecutive day at New England Dragway.
Other winners on the day included Steve Torrence in Top Fuel and Chris McGaha in Pro Stock.
Hagan powered to the winner’s circle with a run of 4.156 seconds at 292.01 mph to take down Tim Wilkerson’s 4.181 at 287.35. Hagan secured his third win in 2018 as he has now earned victories at New England Dragway in back-to-back years.
“We’ve got a good racecar, we were the No. 1 qualifier and this car just continues to go down the track,” Hagan said. “This car is responding well to what Dickie Venables is asking it to do, and that makes my confidence continue to grow.”
Hagan was the No. 1 qualifier for the weekend and took down Terry Haddock and teammates Tommy Johnson, Jr. and Ron Capps on his way to victory.
Wilkerson qualified ninth and defeated J.R. Todd, Jack Beckman and Shawn Langdon as he reached his first final round of the season.
Torrence notched his fifth Top Fuel victory of the year by beating Antron Brown in the final round with a 3.909 at 320.74 to Brown’s 3.948 at 315.12.
“This was a rough weekend but my team did an excellent job of adjusting to the track prep and the conditions out here,” Torrence said. “Our team is more well-rounded than it has ever been, and that gives me confidence every time I get in this car.”
Torrence entered the day qualified third as he defeated Dan Mercier, Shawn Reed and Tony Schumacher en route to victory.
Brown qualified 12th on the weekend and bested Clay Millican, defending world champion Brittany Force and No. 1 qualifier Leah Pritchett as he reached his first final round of 2018.
McGaha took home the win in the Pro Stock class with a 6.570 at 211.10 during the final round to take down Erica Enders who red-lit.
“We knew we needed to be aggressive in the final round against Erica (Enders), and we were lucky enough to end up winning that one,” McGaha said. “It’s been a very competitive year in this class so we are happy with any wins we can get.”
McGaha qualified ninth and beat Jeg Coughlin, Jr., No. 1 qualifier Greg Anderson and Kenny Delco on his path to victory.
Enders qualified second on the weekend and defeated Alan Prusiensky, Matt Hartford and Vincent Nobile as she took over the category points lead with her fifth runner-up finish of the season.
The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Bandimere Speedway in Denver, Colorado from July 20-22.
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series
New England Dragway – Epping, NH
NHRA New England Nationals – July 8, 2018
Sunday’s Final Results
Top Fuel — Steve Torrence, 3.909 seconds, 320.74 mph def. Antron Brown, 3.948 seconds, 315.12 mph.
Funny Car — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.156, 292.01 def. Tim Wilkerson, Ford Mustang, 4.181, 287.35.
Pro Stock — Chris McGaha, Chevy Camaro, 6.570, 211.10 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.
Point Standings (Top 10)
Top Fuel: 1. Steve Torrence, 1,086; 2. Tony Schumacher, 896; 3. Clay Millican, 881; 4. Leah Pritchett, 820; 5. Doug Kalitta, 801; 6. Antron Brown, 717; 7. Terry McMillen, 679; 8. Brittany Force, 634; 9. Richie Crampton, 522; 10. Mike Salinas, 506.
Funny Car: 1. Courtney Force, 1,069; 2. Matt Hagan, 914; 3. Jack Beckman, 847; 4. Ron Capps, 834; 5. Robert Hight, 829; 6. J.R. Todd, 800; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 692; 8. John Force, 632; 9. Shawn Langdon, 614; 10. Bob Tasca III, 564.
Pro Stock: 1. Erica Enders, 936; 2. Greg Anderson, 920; 3. Tanner Gray, 917; 4. Vincent Nobile, 893; 5. Drew Skillman, 808; 6. Chris McGaha, 803; 7. Jeg Coughlin, 766; 8. Bo Butner, 750; 9. Jason Line, 680; 10. Deric Kramer, 659.
