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Justin Ashley, SCAG Toyota Carrying Momentum Into Virginia NHRA Nationals

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Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster team are geared up for the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, the ninth race of the 20-event 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Coming off a runner-up finish at the Thunder Valley Nationals, Ashley and his SCAG Toyota team, led by crew chiefs Mike Green and Tommy DeLago, are currently sitting fourth in the points standings. With back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Charlotte Four-Wide event and Route 66 Nationals, the SCAG dragster has shown consistent strength leading into this weekend’s two-day event that will feature three qualifying runs on Saturday and race day Sunday.

“Virginia Motorsports Park is a fantastic facility, and we’re excited to race in front of such passionate fans,” said Ashley, the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year. “This race is going to be a unique challenge unlike anything we’ve seen so far this season. It’s a lot of racing in a short period of time and very high temperatures. The teams that usually win events like this are the ones that can go A to B more consistently than the others. That’ll certainly be our goal. But truthfully, it’s the perfect weekend to highlight the importance of having a good crew. They are so important to having success in this sport and this weekend should further highlight that point. I am so grateful to have ours and look forward to watching them go to work.”

Previously at Virginia Motorsports Park, in Top Fuel Ashley has had a pair of first-round exits in 2022 and 2024. He does, however, have a regional event win at the track from 2018 in Top Alcohol Dragster. He’ll be looking for four win-lights on Sunday to tally his first professional event win at the facility.

“We’ve found our rhythm over the last few races and want to ensure that continues for our SCAG Power Equipment Toyota team in Virginia. We’re grateful for the support of SCAG Power Equipment and all our partners,” Ashley added. “This team is championship-caliber, and we’re ready to fight for every round win. Let’s make some noise in Virginia.”

With the runner-up finish, Ashley will also be competing in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge during qualifying session two and three on Saturday. It is the first time in SCAG Racing’s history that Ashley will be joined by both Funny Car teammates Daniel Wilkerson and Dave Richards.

Racing action at the American Rebel Light NHRA Virginia Nationals kicks off with three qualifying rounds on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eliminations begin Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Fans can catch qualifying action on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET and eliminations coverage on FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

This story was originally published on June 19, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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