The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begin Friday in Brainerd. A rundown of the annual event:
What: The 17th of 24 events in this year's National Hot Rod Association Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
Where: Brainerd International Raceway.
When: Friday-Sunday.
Top story line: The Pro Stock Motorcycle category returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus, good news for Forest Lake native Jim Underdahl. "Just to be able to go there and race with my family and friends there, it's huge," said the 29-year-old, who is fifth in the points standings. "Racing has always been a family sport and I've been doing it with my dad for a while. My family has been there for me since day one and for them to be able to come out and help … we're going to have fun and enjoy ourselves."
Qualifying times: 3 and 5 p.m. Friday, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Finals: Start at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
TV: ESPN2, 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.
2014 winners: Morgan Lucas, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock.
Tickets and information: brainerdraceway.com.
STANDINGS
TOP FUEL
1. Tony Schumacher, 1,289; 2. Antron Brown, 1,202; 3. Larry Dixon, 1,034; 4. Richie Crampton, 969; 5. Doug Kalitta, 944.
FUNNY CAR
1. Matt Hagan, 1,177; 2. Jack Beckman, 1,172; 3. Tommy Johnson Jr., 1,063; 4. John Force, 1,025; 5. Del Worsham, 1,004.
PRO STOCK
1. Greg Anderson, 1,322; 2. Erica Enders, 1,271; 3. Chris McGaha, 1,175; 4. Jason Line, 1,102; 5. Allen Johnson, 951.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
1. Eddie Krawiec, 702; 2. Hector Arana, 596; 3. Andrew Hines, 546; 4. Karen Stoffer, 468; 5. Jim Underdahl, 459.
TRACK RECORDS
TOP FUEL
Time: 3.722 seconds by Doug Kalitta, 2014; speed: 328.54 mph by Richie Crampton, 2014.
FUNNY CAR
Time: 3.998 sec. by Alexis DeJoria, 2014; speed: 320.89 mph by John Force, 2014.
PRO STOCK
Time: 6.542 sec. by Erica Enders, 2012; speed: 210.87 mph by Allen Johnson, 2012.
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE
Time: 6.865 sec. by Andrew Hines, 2012; speed: 196.82 mph by Andrew Hines, 2005.
