Dave Richards and the BlueBird Turf / Versatran team head into this weekend’s Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park excited by the opportunity the prestigious race presents.
Knowing they are qualified for the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six race playoffs, because they have competed at every event in the regular season and that the U.S. Nationals is a points-and-a-half race, Richards and the BlueBird Turf team understand they have an opportunity to make some moves in the points standings.
“It’s Indy baby. The Big Go. All the history at this track is special so I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” said Richards who sits 14th in points. “It’s exciting to know this is our chance to creep up on the points. And I feel we are on the right track to really start laying down some good laps. We’re due to start turning on some win lights. This is our time to shine. All the hard work my team has put in is going to pay off.”
Running the full Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule for the first time, Richards and his Bluebird Turf / Versatran team have faced their fair share of challenges: From getting the crew acclimated to front-halving their car, to experiencing wrecks and not having the opportunity to compete on race day. Through it all, Richards and his crew have stayed steadfast.
“It’s been a learning experience, a growing experience. We all know we’re fortunate to be able to be out here,” Richards said. “We love this sport and we’re grateful to Metalcraft of Mayville and SCAG for giving us the opportunity. It’s coming together. I have all the faith that we’re onto something.”
The Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will begin with five rounds of qualifying Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:20 and 4:00 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) at 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations beginning Monday at noon on FS1 and shifting to FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) at 2:00 p.m. ET.
This story was originally published on August 29, 2024. 
