The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway stayed hot on Friday as the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection rolled into its second day of action. With sunshine, low-80s temperatures, and a festive Halloween atmosphere, both Sportsman and Pro racers delivered a full slate of competition under picture-perfect desert skies.
Sportsman racers continued their class eliminations throughout the day, keeping fans entertained with tight racing and wheels-up launches from morning to late afternoon. Meanwhile, the professional categories completed two rounds of qualifying as championship chases in multiple divisions took shape heading toward Sunday’s eliminations.
Adding to the fun, the pits and staging lanes had a strong Trick-or-Treat vibe throughout the day. Many teams handed out candy to fans and kids, while crew members showed off creative Halloween costumes — even wearing them up to the starting line to back up their drivers after runs. The mix of racing and lighthearted spirit made for one of the most colorful Fridays of the season.
On track, Brittany Force stormed to the top of the Top Fuel qualifying sheet with a 3.697-second blast at 338.85 mph, earning the $3,500 “Ted Wiens Trick or Traction Award.” Her John Force Racing teammate Austin Prock matched the pace in Funny Car, posting a 3.895 at 334.48 mph to take the provisional No. 1 spot and the same $3,500 bonus.
In Pro Stock, Cory Reed delivered one of the strongest runs of the session with a 6.597 at 206.32 mph, earning the $2,000 Trick or Traction Award. Over in Pro Stock Motorcycle, championship contender Gaige Herrera continued his impressive late-season form, leading the class with a 6.800 at 199.17 mph to claim the $1,000 award.
The Top Alcohol categories also impressed, with Jon Bradford leading Top Alcohol Dragster at 5.220 seconds, 280.37 mph, and Sean Bellemeur pacing Top Alcohol Funny Car with a 5.456 at 265.85 mph.
In Congruity NHRA Pro Mod action, Billy Banaka turned in a 5.738 at 249.03 mph to top the field as the championship-deciding weekend continued in Las Vegas.
With the weather ideal and championship tension building, Friday’s sessions at The Strip combined fast runs, fan fun, and Halloween flair — setting up what promises to be a thrilling Saturday as qualifying wraps and eliminations begin at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection.
This story was originally published on November 1, 2025. 
