Funny Car driver and team owner Chris King is set to return to the track for his second NHRA national event of the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 26-29, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
After kicking off his season at his home race, the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK in Chicago, King is eager to build on the valuable data his team collected during that event. While he made multiple strong qualifying passes in his Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car, King made the heartfelt decision to step away before race day to attend his son’s college graduation, a moment the veteran firefighter and father wasn’t going to miss.
“I’m a racer, but I’m a husband and father first,” said King. “We went into Chicago with a clear plan: get good data, shake off the rust, and use it to come out swinging in Norwalk. Now it’s time to put it all together. I have full faith in my crew chief, Bob Peck, and the rest of my crew guys to do what we need to do this weekend.”
King’s return to Norwalk is more than just a date on the schedule; it’s a chance at redemption. Last year, he qualified No. 15 in a competitive field and fell in the first round to J.R. Todd, but the performance served as a springboard for a milestone later that season: qualifying for the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
“We’ve made big strides since Norwalk last year,” said King. “From upgrading equipment – including a new trailer – to getting better data and dialing in our tune-up, everything we’re doing is about taking the next step.”
Running a part-time schedule as both driver and owner, King’s program continues to grow thanks to the loyal support of key partners, Howards Cams and Competition Products, two companies deeply rooted in performance and innovation.
“I wouldn’t be out here without Howards Cams and Competition Products behind me,” said King. “They believe in what we’re building, and their support means the world to this team. I’m just a firefighter out of Chicago chasing this Funny Car dream.”
The NHRA fan favorite also receives support from long-term sponsors NGK, Reid Rockers, Impact, Goodson Tools and Equipment, Gates Belts, and Robert Rohde with H.E.A.T. Hydraulic Energy Application Tech.
“Everyone who contributes to this program is an integral part of our success,” said King. “We are working to improve our on-track performance and doing all the little things like social media, NHRA fanfests, talking to fans from the NHRA stage in the midway to spread the word about our sponsors, their products and programs. I am very proud to have the support and business relationships we have.”
With a fresh outlook, a sharpened combination, and renewed focus, King and his team are aiming to make a strong qualifying effort and go rounds on race day in Norwalk. Fans can catch King charming the crowds on the NHRA Stage with Hannah Rickards on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
“We have some of the best fans out there, who love to see us at the track,” said King. “We’re still scrappy, but they are going to see a more refined version of our team. We’re here to compete, to represent our partners, and to show the heart of an independent racer who’s all in.”
King and his Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, June 27, and then two more qualifying runs on June 28 at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. The 16 quickest Funny Cars after four rounds of qualifying will advance in competition for a chance at a Wally on Sunday, June 29, at 11:00 a.m. ET with the finals on FOX. For tickets or more information on the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on June 24, 2025. 
