Del Worsham, a standout figure in NHRA history as both a driver and crew chief, has been named the 2025 Legend of Thunder Valley by Bristol Dragway. The two-time NHRA world champion will be formally inducted during pre-race ceremonies at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, held June 6-8.
Worsham’s name joins an elite roster of past honorees, including Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, John Force, and Tony Schumacher. He becomes the 22nd inductee into the track’s prestigious Hall of Fame, with a permanent plaque and signage to be unveiled during the celebration.
A true dual-threat in nitro racing, Worsham is one of only three drivers to earn NHRA world championships in both Top Fuel (2011) and Funny Car (2015). With 33 national event wins—25 in Funny Car and eight in Top Fuel—he also found early success in IHRA competition, including a key victory at Bristol in 1992 that helped clinch the IHRA title.
Worsham’s legacy at Bristol Dragway is especially rich. As a driver, he collected three victories at the Tennessee track and held multiple track records over the years. His performance at Bristol includes low ET honors in 2009 and 2014, top speed awards across multiple seasons, and no. 1 qualifier accolades in 2013 and 2014 with times that stood as official track records.
His influence extends beyond the driver’s seat. As a crew chief, Worsham tuned Alexis DeJoria to a Bristol win in 2021, a runner-up in 2012, and a no. 1 qualifying spot that same year. He also helped guide Shawn Langdon to a strong Funny Car qualifying effort in 2019.
“Del is one of those rare individuals who can do it all in the drag racing arena,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway. “We are thrilled to induct Del into Bristol Dragway’s Legends of Thunder Valley, in recognition of all that he has accomplished over the years at Thunder Valley and in NHRA competition.”
Fans attending the Thunder Valley Nationals can celebrate with Worsham throughout the weekend. He will participate in autograph sessions, including Saturday night’s Fan Fest. Worsham is also entered in the race as team owner and crew chief for Julie Nataas, the reigning Top Alcohol Dragster world champion, who is making her Nitro Funny Car debut.
This story was originally published on June 6, 2025. 
