NHRA Nationals 2025 Recap
Full breakdown of class winners, record passes, and standout teams from the latest NHRA round.
The 2025 NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park lived up to its legendary status as “The Big Go,” delivering a weekend of record-breaking runs, breakout performances, and championship-defining moments. From Pro Stock Motorcycles to Top Fuel, the event was a showcase of elite engineering and driver precision.
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Gaige Herrera’s Reign Continues
Gaige Herrera once again proved why he’s the rider to beat. Piloting the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa, Herrera was flawless from qualifying through the finals. He set a new track record with a blistering 6.738-second pass at 201.16 mph, securing the top qualifying spot.
In eliminations, Herrera defeated Chris Bostick, Angie Smith, and Matt Smith before facing rookie Brayden Davis in the final. Herrera’s 6.834-second run sealed his fifth win of the season and the 26th of his career, along with his third consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle regular-season championship.
“Herrera’s calm under pressure, unmatched reaction times, and technical mastery continue to raise the bar for the sport.”
— SportBikes Inc Magazine
Rising Stars: Brayden Davis and Richard Gadson
Rookie Brayden Davis made headlines by eliminating Richard Gadson in the semifinals, marking a breakout performance that signals a promising future. Gadson, meanwhile, had a strong weekend, qualifying second and winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, earning valuable points and prize money.
With the Countdown to the Championship looming, Herrera leads the standings with 2,110 points, followed closely by Gadson at 2,090, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run.
Top Fuel: Justin Ashley’s Emotional Victory
In Top Fuel, Justin Ashley claimed his first U.S. Nationals win in dramatic fashion, defeating Tony Stewart on a holeshot in the final. Ashley’s 3.839-second pass at 326.16 mph edged out Stewart’s quicker 3.815 at 321.88 mph, thanks to a razor-sharp .027 reaction time.
“When you win Indy, it’s just something that nobody can take away from you.”
— Justin Ashley, on his emotional win shared with his father, Mike Ashley
Ashley’s victory marked his third of the season and 18th career win, solidifying his status as a top contender heading into the Countdown.
Funny Car: Austin Prock’s Dominance
Austin Prock continued his hot streak in Funny Car, sweeping both the All-Star Callout and the U.S. Nationals for the second year in a row. He defeated Jack Beckman in the final with a 3.903-second pass at 332.92 mph, capping a $330,000 weekend and securing his seventh win of the season.
“To win the U.S. Nationals again—it’s surreal. Everything just clicked.”
— Austin Prock
Pro Stock: Erica Enders Hits Milestone
Erica Enders added another accolade to her storied career by earning her 50th national event win in Pro Stock. Her consistency and experience continue to make her a formidable force in the class, and her performance at Indy was a testament to her championship pedigree.
Looking Ahead: Countdown to the Championship
With the regular season wrapped, the NHRA’s six-race Countdown to the Championship begins with momentum on the side of Herrera, Ashley, Prock, and Enders. But with rising stars like Davis and Gadson in the mix, the road to the title is anything but predictable.