Antron Brown, driver of the Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, is gearing up for another exciting race at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals. Known for his impressive track record, Brown has made a significant impact at this event over the years.
Brown has secured six event championships at the Brainerd Nationals, showcasing his skill in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories. His victories include Top Fuel wins in 2011 and 2023, and Pro Stock Motorcycle wins in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2006. Additionally, he has been a runner-up four times and has earned the No. 1 qualifier position in 2014 and 2016 for Top Fuel, and in 2001 and 2004 for Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Last year, Brown qualified sixth and went on to win the event by defeating Shawn Langdon, Steve Torrence, Mike Salinas, and Leah Pruett in successive rounds.
In Sonoma, Brown continued his winning streak by qualifying seventh and overcoming tough competition, including Shawn Reed, Steve Torrence, Brittany Force, and Tony Stewart, to win the event.
This season, Brown has secured three national event wins and two specialty race victories.
Throughout his career, Brown has competed in 516 races, achieving 77 wins and 50 No. 1 qualifiers. A highlight of his career at Brainerd was his historic 3.680-second run in 2015, the first sub-3.7-second run in the event’s history.
AB Motorsports’ partner, FMP, and its FVP brand, headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, bring local support to the team. Last year, the AB Motorsports Accelerate program was introduced at Brainerd, with Angelle Sampey earning her Top Alcohol Dragster license. She will compete this weekend in the Michalek Brothers Racing A/Fuel Dragster.
Fans can meet Antron Brown during the Mission #2Fast2Tasty autograph session on Saturday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Mission Foods midway display.
“There’s a lot riding on this race,” says Brown. “We’ve got our partners from FVP coming out, and also it’s the Lucas Oil Nationals so we want to make sure we show out this weekend. With all of the partner support, we’re riding high and we’re coming into the weekend off that big win in Sonoma. We’ve definitely got momentum in our corner, but the plan remains the same. We want to start off with a good qualifying effort, keep our heads down, and see if we can qualify in the top five like our normal game plan. We’re looking forward to having some fun with the fans in the Zoo, and hopefully we’ll finish out our Sunday celebrating with them in the winner’s circle. That’s our game plan, and I’m looking forward to it.”
This story was originally published on August 15, 2024. 
