The Randy Meyer Racing Team drove a powerful performance at the 42nd annual NHRA Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota after securing the win at Brainerd International Raceway just weeks before. Hunter Green secured the Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) title, marking his second win of the season, while 2023 world champion Julie Nataas continued to shine in her final year competing in TAD. This weekend, the team was proudly supported by John Haley #1 Roofer LLC, a long-time supporter of Randy’s team and former TAD racer, known for providing quality and affordable roofing services in Minnesota.
After both cars qualified in the top half after 2 sessions, Hunter Green from Midland, TX, displayed his competitive edge as he squared off against Nick Spiegel in first round. Despite a strong start by Spiegel, who posted a .049 reaction time, Green’s Bond-Coat dragster powered through with a 5.257-second run at 277.66 mph, overcoming Spiegel’s 5.340-second pass at 267.16 mph. Julie Nataas, piloting her OTG dragster also advanced past round one with a 5.319-second run at 276.92 mph, defeating Shaunda Blinzler’s 8.302 at 268.01 mph.
As the competition intensified in round two, Green maintained his momentum, overcoming Mike Coughlin in a closely contested race. Green clocked in at 5.225 seconds at 278.17 mph, the quickest and fastest pass of the event, outpacing Coughlin’s 5.286-second effort at 271.08 mph. Nataas, also advancing, delivered a 5.272-second pass at 277.83 mph, comfortably beating Greg Hunter’s 9.333-second run.
Round three saw Green continuing his winning streak, as he faced off against rookie Angie Sampey. With another consistent performance, Green posted a 5.268-second run at 277.60 mph, edging out Sampey’s 5.300-second pass at 275.73 mph. Unfortunately, Nataas’s race came to an end in this round as she faced Madison Payne. Despite a strong effort with a 5.328-second pass, she fell short of Payne’s 5.272-second run.
In the final round, Hunter Green showcased the strength of the combined Randy Meyer Racing team, delivering a decisive victory over Madison Payne. Green’s dragster clocked in at 5.251 seconds at 271.90 mph, securing the win against Payne’s 5.264-second run at 276.86 mph. With the fastest time of the weekend at 5.225 seconds and a top speed of 278.17 mph, Green proved his dominance on the track and extends his lead at the top of the national standings while Julie sits 4th.
Reflecting on the win, Green said, “This Randy Meyer Racing Dragster and team were built to go rounds on Sunday and take home the gold. One race at a time. One day at a time. One round at a time. We are getting it done. The competition out here is tough, but we’ve got a winning formula. The dedication of this team, both on and off the track, is what sets us apart. I couldn’t be prouder of how everyone has pulled together this season. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve as we push toward our goals.”
With momentum of going to the final round at their last 10 races, Randy Meyer Racing looks forward to more success as the season progresses in the hopes of another World and Regional Championships.
This story was originally published on August 21, 2024. 
