By: NHRA
CHICAGO (May 14, 2025) – First in points just two races ago, Funny Car standout Jack Beckman is more than ready to get back to that form at this weekend’s 25th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK at Route 66 Raceway.
The former world champion, who is driving for the legendary John Force during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, was riding high after winning the Winternationals in Pomona, putting him in the points lead after three races.
But the standout team suffered back-to-back first-round losses during the two four-wide races in April, paving the way for Beckman’s JFR teammate, reigning world champion Austin Prock, to move into the lead with two straight wins.
Now in fourth, Beckman is eager to get to Chicago in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet SS and put April behind him. A quick rebound at a PEAK-sponsored race would also put the team back on track with plenty of big goals ahead.
“After two uncharacteristic first-round losses, Chicago’s race is one that can’t come soon enough for me,” Beckman said. “I have every reason to think our PEAK Squad will be back to the form that enabled us to win Pomona just three races ago. We will have a special employee-themed design on our Chevy SS, spend time with them at the PEAK headquarters and hopefully culminate our weekend with a ‘PEAK-packed’ winner’s circle.”
In 2024, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all secured victories. This year’s race, which is the sixth of 20 during the 2025 season, will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. ET.
It’s a loaded weekend at Route 66 Raceway with four rounds of qualifying (two each on Friday and Saturday), the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday at the special 25th anniversary event. The weekend also marks Beckman’s first trip to Route 66 Raceway since 2019, adding to the special feeling he’ll have racing in Chicago.
He won at the standout facility in 2016, but a second win won’t be easy against another large and talented Funny Car field. Prock is riding high after a strong April, while other top contenders include Phoenix winner Paul Lee, who is second in points, defending event winner Hagan, Ron Capps, Bob Tasca III and Gainesville winner Chad Green.
If anything, though, the past two races have only motivated Beckman and his team, and all of them are ready to send a message in Chicago.
“I had not lost first round since I came to John Force Racing and now we have back-to-back first round losses. We’re better than this and our car is better than this,” Beckman said. “The good news is we (had) two weeks off and guys can dig deep into the data and come out swinging. We’ll get this Chevy SS back in the winner’s circle soon and I think Sunday in Chicago in PEAK’s backyard might be the day.”
Top Fuel’s Brown will look to win in Chicago for a seventh time, taking on a group that includes points leader Shawn Langdon, racing legend Tony Stewart, Brittany Force, Doug Kalitta and Clay Millican.
Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Matt Smith took over the points lead following his Charlotte win. Reigning champ Herrera won the season opener in Gainesville race and others to watch include Chase Van Sant, Angie Smith, Steve Johnson and Jianna Evaristo.
The race will also feature competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown division, Holley EFI NHRA Factory X and the Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series.
Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.
As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m. CT on Friday, May 16, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m. before eliminations coverage at 2 p.m. ET.
To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance on May 16-18 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2024 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.
