Matt Hagan, the driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car, is gearing up to compete at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, an event that holds a special place in his heart. Currently sitting third in the Funny Car standings, 181 points behind leader Austin Prock, Hagan is determined to close the gap as the season progresses.
Hagan’s history at the NHRA Northwest Nationals is marked by memorable victories. In 2013, he secured a thrilling win with a 4.171 ET at 294.75 mph, defeating Bob Tasca III, who posted a 5.324 ET at 164.81 mph. Hagan also clinched the No. 1 qualifier spot in 2018, clocking an impressive 3.913 ET at 324.75 mph. These achievements highlight his capability to dominate at Pacific Raceways.
Hagan’s crew chief, Dickie Venables, also shares a special connection with Pacific Raceways. Venables earned his first career victory as a solo crew chief at this venue in 2002. While working with John Force Racing and driver Tony Pedregon, Venables stepped up when the regular crew chief, John Medlen, was sidelined with medical issues. This victory solidified Venables’ reputation as a top-tier crew chief.
This year’s NHRA Northwest Nationals will feature an additional fourth qualifying session, giving fans a unique opportunity to witness nitro Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters make passes under the lights on Friday night. The evening will also include a Power Hour autograph session, allowing fans to meet their favorite drivers from 6:15-7:15 p.m. PDT in the pits.
By advancing to the Semifinals at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Hagan qualified for the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the NHRA Northwest Nationals. This exciting event will see him face off against Ron Capps in a highly anticipated rematch. Fans can also meet Hagan at the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge autograph session on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. PDT at the Mission Foods tent in the pits.
As the NHRA season progresses into the second half, Hagan is focused on dialing in his car and developing consistency. With four races remaining until the Countdown, he shared his short-term and long-term goals.
“I think we need to use these next four races to really get our car dialed in and develop a bit more consistency,” Hagan said. “I’m confident we can do that before the Countdown starts. Once the Countdown gets here, I think you need to win two or three of those six races to be a contender for the championship again. We won two races last year in the Countdown and it still came down to the very last race for all three of us. I think these next couple races are super important to keep us on the path we want to be on. There are still a couple things we’re trying to work through, so hopefully the testing we have coming up will help with that also.”
The four-time NHRA Funny Car world champ is particularly excited about the new Friday night qualifying session, which promises a spectacular show for fans.
“It’s always awesome whenever we get to run under the lights,” he added. “I wish we had more races at night because it makes for great conditions, and it’s an awesome show for our fans. Any time fans get to see six-foot flames coming out of the car at 300 miles per hour, it’s a really neat show.”
As Hagan prepares to compete at the NHRA Northwest Nationals, fans and competitors alike are eager to see if he can replicate his past successes and inch closer to the championship lead.
This story was originally published on July 15, 2024. 
