Saturday qualifying at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway delivered the kind of excitement fans expect from the 25th annual Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection — tight fields, huge speeds, and a packed grandstand under the desert sun.
In Funny Car, Austin Prock continued his march toward the championship fight, lowering his time in the final qualifying session to a stunning 3.885 seconds at 335.23 mph in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. The John Force Racing driver’s crisp pass not only secured the No. 1 spot but also reinforced his status as one of the most consistent and composed drivers in the category this season.
Top Fuel saw Brittany Force remain atop the field thanks to her blistering 3.697-second run at 338.85 mph from Friday night — a track-scorching pass that no one could touch on Saturday. The two-time world champion added another milestone to her résumé, claiming the 58th No. 1 qualifier of her career while chasing her first win of the 2025 season.
The Pro Stock crowd witnessed a familiar face rise to the occasion as Greg Anderson stormed to the top of the ladder with a 6.572 at 206.76 mph in his HendrickCars.com Camaro. The six-time world champion flexed both horsepower and precision as he reminded the field he’s still a major player in the Countdown.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera once again proved untouchable, hanging onto the No. 1 spot with his 6.800 at 199.17 mph pass from Friday. The Vance & Hines Mission Suzuki rider collected his eighth No. 1 qualifier of the year and remains undefeated in qualifying through the Countdown stretch.
The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod ranks were equally intense, as Billy Banaka wheeled his sleek ’68 Camaro to a 5.716 at 250.46 mph, earning top honors in the ultra-competitive class. The Pro Mod division will also decide its series champion on Sunday, adding extra stakes to an already volatile category.
Saturday also marked the opening round for Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, where some of the hardest-hitting Sportsman drivers in the country began their chase for Vegas glory. With sharp side-by-side racing and a strong turnout from fans in the grandstands, The Strip served up the classic mix of speed and spectacle that defines this late-season stop on the NHRA tour.
All eyes now turn to Sunday eliminations, where every class — from nitro to Pro Stock Motorcycle — will race for the coveted Wally trophies and season momentum with only Pomona remaining on the championship calendar.
This story was originally published on November 2, 2025. 
