The margin of victory was .0202 seconds. That’s how close Doug Kalitta was to winning last year’s “Team Kalitta home race.” The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues June 27-29 at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.
If any race on the circuit is a home game for Kalitta, it’s this weekend’s event. At some 120 miles from the Kalitta Motorsports shop, it’s a popular event for non-traveling employees as well as friends and family of those who travel to the races. In addition, Michigan-based Applied Innovation is on Kalitta’s car this weekend, adding another layer of local flavor.
“We all like racing at Norwalk,” Kalitta. “It’s close to Ypsilanti, where our home base is, so we’ll get a few extra people there from the local area down there, so it’ll be fun, and the Bader family does a great job with that facility. We’re real happy to have Applied Innovation on the car this weekend- they do so much for our race team and the airline. It would be cool to thank them for all they do with a race win this weekend.”
One year ago, Kalitta was the No. 1 qualifier but lost to Antron Brown in the final round. His Applied Innovation team, now fourth in points after advancing to its third semifinal in the last four races last weekend, appears to be rounding into excellent form entering the season’s 10th of 20 races.
“I really felt positive about what we had going on going rounds last weekend,” Kalitta said. “I really thought we were going to the final to get a shot at it. It seems like our hot weather tune-up is pretty nice so we’re looking forward to getting to Norwalk and keeping it going. The car felt good, and that’s a great sign. We have a lot of momentum so we’re hoping to go rounds again this weekend and see what we can do. We just need to keep our heads down and get after it.”
This story was originally published on June 24, 2025. 
