Fresh off his first win of the 2025 season, Matt Hagan is heading into wine country with something to prove – and someone to win for.
The four-time Funny Car world champion powered his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge to victory last weekend in Seattle, and now he’s got his eye on Sonoma – one of only two tracks on the NHRA tour where he’s yet to hoist a Wally. If there was ever a time to change that, it’s this weekend.
“Sonoma’s always been a tricky track for us,” Hagan admitted. “But we’ve got some momentum now. Mike Knudsen’s really hitting his stride as crew chief, and I just need to keep doing my job on the tree. If we stay locked in, I like our chances.”
That confidence is hard-earned. Hagan has three runner-up finishes at Sonoma (2012, 2019, 2021) and two No. 1 qualifiers (2009, 2013), but victory has always slipped just out of reach. This weekend could be different – especially with a little extra motivation.
Sonoma is the home track for Jason Johnson and the JHG brand. Johnson, a Vacaville native, will be on hand with his fleet of hot rods and supercars. A win here would be personal – and symbolic.
“I definitely want to get a win for JHG here,” Hagan said. “They got their first win with us in Dallas, and now Jason’s added a whole section at the dealership for trophies. We need to keep filling that case.”
Hagan, currently third in the championship standings, will also compete in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday. He faces Alexis DeJoria in the first round after his semifinal appearance last weekend in Seattle.
As the Countdown to the Championship approaches, Hagan knows the clock is ticking – but he’s not counting himself out.
“There’s a lot of great competition out there,” he said. “We’ve got to keep digging. I’d love to get the wine goblin at the end of this one.”
This story was originally published on July 22, 2025. 
