Dave Richards and the BlueBird Turf / Versatran Funny Car are ready to showcase the progress of the SCAG Racing-backed team at this weekend’s 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park.
After weather shortened the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, taking away a full day of qualifying chances, Richards and the BlueBird Turf team did not qualify to compete on race day. They sat 17th out of 18 entries for a 16-car field. Despite the results, Richards and the team are optimistic heading into race two of the season.
“It’s a tough start to the season. I really do believe if we had those two qualifying runs on Saturday in Gainesville we would be in a way different spot,” said Richards who is 17th in points. “After testing and seeing the numbers, I know we’ve come a long way from where we were last year. I’m positive we will get it together and start building momentum starting this weekend at the Arizona Nationals.”
At the 2024 event at Firebird Motorsports Park, Richards sat 17th after qualifying, but a lot has changed since they visited the facility. Richards is now in his second full-time season behind the wheel of the BlueBird Turf / Versatran machine, and through testing and the pre-season SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout, they’ve already produced competitive passes in the three-second range, a feat they didn’t meet last year until rave 18 of 20.
Competition at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park kicks off with four qualifying rounds Friday at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Television coverage will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with qualifying shows Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
This story was originally published on March 20, 2025. 
