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Michalek Brothers Racing and Blue Energy Nation Team Up for Second Entry at Night Under Fire and NHRA U.S. Nationals

Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) is doubling down to capture a 4th title at Summit Motorsports Park’s famed “Night Under Fire” event, set for August 1-2 in Norwalk, Ohio. 

After stepping away from driving duties in 2023, Corey Michalek is back behind the wheel, ready to pilot the team’s brand-new Copeland Racecars A/Fuel Dragster for its first of two scheduled events in 2025. Michalek will join teammate Angelle Sampey at what will be the team’s first foray into fielding two entries at the same event at a venue considered MBR’s home track. The duo will also team up again over Labor Day weekend at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Michalek Brothers Racing with Summit Motorsports Park owner Bill Bader in 2022 after their 3rd Night Under Fire victory

Night Under Fire promises two action-packed days of racing, with three qualifying sessions and eliminations on August 1-2. This marquee late-summer event continues to draw in excess of 40,000 fans and is annually one of drag racing’s biggest stages.

“I’m so excited to get back behind the wheel after this past year and a half of being out of the seat,” Corey said. “This new car is unbelievable. Chase Copeland did a tremendous job building it to the specifications that we asked him to, and Kyle and the rest of the team did an incredible job putting it together. Even though we will be starting from scratch with this thing, I am very hopeful that we can make representative runs and have a chance to get it qualified during its first time out.”

The team’s efforts are bolstered by the support of primary sponsor Blue Energy Nation, a longtime supporter of MBR’s journey in the sport. Blue Energy Nation is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating Americans and promoting smart energy choices for the future. Joining them are associate sponsors Michalek Manufacturing, React104, Benjamin Steel, Lincoln Electric, Matco Tools, Run Data+, and Hangsterfer’s Metalworking Lubricants.

“This is an exciting time for Michalek Brothers Racing,” said team co-owner and Crew Chief, Kyle Michalek. “We continue to build our program and the debut of this car is two years in the making. We have a proven team of individuals that will be wrenching on both cars and we expect to compete with this new car.”

Michalek Brothers racing with their 3rd Night Under Fire trophy in 2022

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a newcomer to the sport, the Summit Motorsports Park Night Under Fire is the place to be August 1-2.

This story was originally published on July 2, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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