By: Josh Hart Racing
OCALA, FLA. (April 22, 2025) — The Four-Wide Nationals format has been a tricky transition for several teams since it was introduced at zMax Dragway over a decade ago. For Josh Hart, driver and owner of the R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster team, the move from racing one competitor to three opponents at one time has been a positive work in progress. He has raced to the final quad a number of times but has yet to turn on three win lights. This weekend Hart will be looking for his first four-wide win and second win at zMax Dragway when the American Rebel Light Four-Wide Nationals gets underway with two qualifying sessions on Friday, April 25.
“We have had success at zMax Dragway and our R+L Carriers team is moving in the right direction,” said Hart, a multi-time Top Fuel national event winner. “Las Vegas was a hot track and we have seen every kind of track conditions this season. I talked to my crew chiefs after the race and we feel like we have a tune up that can be competitive this weekend. I am looking forward to getting back out there.”
Two weeks ago Hart advanced out of the first quad and then smoked the tires in the second quad. By racing to the quarterfinals he will once again compete in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday during the third and fourth qualifying session. He will match up once again with Shawn Reed, Antron Brown and Clay Millican who is replacing Jasmine Salinas.
“The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge is a lot of fun and great way to start getting focused for race day,” said Hart. “Getting another shot at the drivers from Las Vegas with an extra payout and championship points is an added bonus.”
Hart’s record at zMax Dragway in the four-wide competition is impressive. In three of his previous four appearances, he has raced to the final quad. He has also started from the top half of the field in his first three appearances at the American Rebel Light Four-Wide Nationals. Getting off to a strong start in qualifying has been a focus of the R+L Carriers team as they start the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
“We want to come off the trailer on Friday with a good plan for qualifying and then run some low numbers,” said Hart. “(Crew chiefs) Ron (Douglas), Jason (McCulloch) and Joe (Barlam) have been working really well together. We have seen positive results at every race so far and we just need to keep working hard and we will see positive results.”
While Hart will be busy on the track, Burnyzz Speed Shop, his primary business, will have a display in the manufacturers midway for fans to get up close to some classic cars. Hart will also be spending time in the display talking with fans who are car collectors or might be interested in having their classic cars or trucks rebuilt or modernized by the Burnyzz Speed Shop team of experts. Hart recently announced plans to expand Burnyzz nationally building on the wild popularity and unparalleled customer service he offers at his Ocala, Florida headquarters.
“I am always excited to talk about Burnyzz Speed Shop,” said Hart, who built the company with his wife Brittanie. “Our business has grown every year and we have a great team in Ocala. I want to expand so more people can get the full Burnyzz Speed Shop customer experience. I’ll be over in the booth throughout the weekend.”
Hart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, April 25 and then two more qualifying runs on April 26 at zMAX Dragway. The 16 quickest Top Fuel dragster after four rounds of qualifying will advance to race day on Sunday, April 27 at 12 p.m. ET with the finals live on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals visit nhra.com.
