For the second straight year, the NHRA and officials at Maple Grove Raceway announced a sellout crowd for Saturday’s qualifying action at the 38th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals.

The passionate fanbase again packed the historic facility during the two rounds of qualifying, with the overflow crowd enjoying an action-packed day of racing to kick off the six-race NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

It was also another exciting moment for the Koretsky family, who purchased Maple Grove Raceway last year. They held their first national event as track owners last year, drawing a Saturday sellout. The family has continued to make upgrades and improvements to a track that has hosted NHRA drag racing for almost four decades, welcoming a sold-out crowd on Saturday to the “House of Chaos.”

“This is amazing and this is what it’s all about, seeing all these awesome race fans out here enjoying themselves, having a good time and watching all these cars go down the track,” Kyle Koretsky said. “This is great and what Maple Grove is about, and we’re going to keep making improvements, so all the racers and fans have a great time every time they come.”

It is the seventh sellout crowd for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series during its 2023 season, previously announcing capacity crowds at Gainesville, Phoenix and Denver.

Eliminations for the 38th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals begin at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway.

(Courtesy of NHRA Communications)

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Extreme E have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding setting out a framework to create the first-ever hydrogen off-road racing world championship.

This document is the first step in establishing a pathway for the hydrogen series, Extreme H, to become an FIA Championship from its inaugural season in 2025, with the intention that it will become an FIA World Championship from 2026, should the requisite criteria be met.  

In addition, the pathway outlines that in 2024 Extreme E, currently an FIA International Series, would be recognised as an FIA Championship.

Extreme H would join the company of just seven other official FIA World Championships, which includes ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This planned pathway to FIA World Championship status demonstrates the series’ progression since its inception in 2021 and a strong statement of intent for its growth towards its hydrogen-powered future. Development of the Extreme H series is underway, with plans advanced to have a prototype launched later this year ahead of the first season in 2025.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Establishing alongside the FIA a world-first hydrogen racing world championship will be a momentous milestone for Extreme E and the new Extreme H series. Eventual accreditation as an FIA Championship and then an FIA World Championship means we would be amongst the top tier of global motorsport categories, and Extreme H would be the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind.

“What started as a conversation many years ago about racing in extreme environments, showcasing the incredible performance and innovation of E-SUVs, has now demonstrated enormous growth and further pioneering technical advances as we move forward with the transition to hydrogen and Extreme H – a world-first.

“This announcement is a significant first step in the development of our championship and our ground-breaking transition to hydrogen-powered racing. Sport is the most powerful and effective platform to drive innovation and our commitment to delivering sustainable motorsport championships full of excitement and with a reduced carbon footprint are testament to that.

“Once it achieves FIA World Championship status, Extreme H will continue what Extreme E started as a pioneering motorsport series and we look forward to delivering another spectacular sporting product. I’d like to thank the President and the FIA for their continued support and recognition of our ambition to create a world-first for motor racing. Expect to see yet more exciting racing out on course, as well as further pushing the boundaries of new technologies in the race to tackle climate issues.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, said: “We are excited to continue working with Extreme E on their journey to becoming an FIA World Championship. Using sustainable power sources in motor sport is the key objective of the FIA and part of our long-term strategy, and this series is an ideal showcase for that. Hydrogen is an important part of that mix, and we have developed a set of safety regulations for hydrogen-powered vehicles which is part of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.

“It is encouraging that such a major motor sport entity as Extreme E with its renowned line-up of teams sees the same potential in hydrogen technology. Their approach to equality and diversity matches ours as we push to make motor sport accessible for all.

“Motor sport competition serves as an excellent research and development platform and this new series has great potential. Having the technology tested in the harsh environment of off-road racing in all types of conditions should benefit the whole industry, and in the longer term make mobility more environmentally friendly for everyday users of the road. We are looking forward to working with Extreme E, sharing our know-how and expertise.”

Extreme E boasts legendary motorsport names across its championship, from team owners Sir Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button to motorsport heavyweights McLaren, Andretti and Chip Ganassi – with world champions across multiple disciplines competing in the series since it launched just over two years ago.

The first sport to ever be built out of a social purpose, Extreme E – and Extreme H from 2025 – aims to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference, and taking fans deep into the heart of the most pressing issues facing our planet’s future.
 

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

(Courtesy of NHRA Communications)

Jasmine Salinas has earned her NHRA Top Fuel license after various test sessions throughout the 2023 season. The 31-year-old daughter of NHRA Drag Racing Top Fuel driver, Mike Salinas, will officially make her first start in the Top Fuel ranks racing for her family’s race team, Scrappers Racing when the 2024 season kicks off in Gainesville, Florida in March.

Salinas tested at various facilities beginning with her first pass in a Top Fuel car in March at Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. Her license was signed off on in June at Indianapolis Raceway Park by fellow racers Blake Alexander, Antron Brown, Tripp Tatum and her father, Mike Salinas.

“It’s really hard to put into words what it means to say that I’m now officially a Top Fuel dragster driver,” said Jasmine Salinas. “From my first pass in Arizona where it was all about getting the feel of the launch and the power to my first ‘full pull’ and passes over 313 mph, it’s really been a unique experience. Now it’s time to spend as much time as possible the rest of the 2023 season getting runs and continued testing where possible and ensuring I’m in the best physical and mental condition possible when the 2024 season kicks off.”

Now that Salinas is officially licensed to compete in Top Fuel in 2024, the Scrappers Racing team is focused on obtaining sponsorship for the full season and ultimately contend to make the Countdown in her first full season.

“It’s really an exciting time for Scrappers Racing to be expanding to two Top Fuel dragsters for the 2024 season and especially having Jasmine behind the wheel of one of them,” said Mike Salinas, team owner. “Now that we’ve got Jasmine officially licensed, our focus is sponsorship on the cars for 2024. I know she will make an incredible ambassador for the right partner and I want to make sure she has the best opportunities possible to not only compete at the top level every weekend, but also enhance the sport through her work with the right partners.”

Salinas has competed in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks since 2019 and has earned five victories in her career. She spent the 2023 season competing in select Top Alcohol events, but primarily kept her focus on preparations for the 2024 season by spending time with the Top Fuel team and getting quality test sessions completed whenever possible.

Salinas began racing at the age of 15 in the Junior Dragster division. After college, Salinas began working for her family’s Top Fuel team, Scrappers Racing, as a Floater and Supercharger Assistant. She currently serves as the teams’ General Manager and handles all day-to-day operations of the team.

Announcements pertaining to crew chief and other members of the second Scrappers Racing Top Fuel car will be made at a later date prior to the kickoff to the 2024 season, which is slated to take place March 7 to 10 at Gainesville Raceway.

Championship chases across multiple series will be decided at Portland International Raceway (PIR) this weekend at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, Sept. 1-3. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES title is likely one of them as points leader Alex Palou brings a 74-point lead into the season’s penultimate race in the Rose City. 

With two races remaining, only two NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers are still eligible to win the Astor Cup awarded to the season champion - Palou and his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon. Palou, the pilot of the No. 10 Honda, has won at Portland before, taking the checkered flag at the 2021 Grand Prix of Portland, a victory that propelled him to claim the 2021 INDYCAR title. On Sunday, the 26-year old Spaniard can clinch his second series championship if he holds at least a 55-point advantage in the standings at the conclusion of the 110-lap BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland. 

"We’ve won at Portland before and I also got my first INDYCAR pole there, so it is a special place,” said Palou. “The team is looking good for the championship, and we know that it will stay within the team, which is the most important thing. We have a chance to win it and seal the title there, so hopefully we can bring it home early.”

Even though Palou holds a sizable points lead heading into the weekend, Dixon, a six-time series champion, is making a late-season charge. The legendary veteran, second on the all-time INDYCAR wins list (55 wins), has won two races in a row at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and then at World Wide Technology Raceway outside of St. Louis to keep his championship hopes alive. 

“I think the 10 car (Palou) has had an almost perfect season and kudos to everybody on the 10-car side. They’ve done everything right,” said Dixon. “On the days they may have struggled for pace, they were able to sort that out with strategy in the race. They’ve really just had no bad days. When people have those years, it can be a bit hard to watch for other competitors in the field, but I’ve been in that place where anything you kind of touch just turns to gold or goes in the direction you want it to. I think what is very special is, going into the last two races, to only have a Ganassi driver able to win the championship. It’s very cool and very, very good for this team.”

Though eliminated from title contention, Team Penske teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin will also jockey for position in the standings as the season heads to the finish line. Newgarden, a four-time winner in 2023 including the Indianapolis 500, sits third in the standings, and McLaughlin, the defending Portland race winner, comes in at fifth. Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, currently in fourth position, is looking for his first victory of the year. 

“I would like to have some of the luck he (Palou) has had. If he could rub some of that off on me, that would be fantastic,” said McLaughlin. “He gets the opportunities, and he takes them. You can’t be angry about that. You’ve just got to work harder and be better.”

Drivers from the three top open-wheel development series that feed into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will also be battling for championships at PIR on Labor Day weekend. With three races left, INDY NXT by Firestone points leader Christian Rasmussen takes a 50-point advantage over Andretti Autosport’s Hunter McElrea. Champions will be crowned and scholarship funds awarded in USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires and USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires as both series conclude their seasons with tripleheader races across the weekend. The U.S. Touring Car Championship will also add exciting sports car action to the weekend lineup.

Prior to the race weekend, fans are welcome to attend the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland Kickoff Party on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 5-7:30 p.m. PT at Kenton Station Restaurant & Pub (8303 N. Denver Ave., Portland 97217). The Portland sports talk radio show “Primetime with Isaac & Suke” from 1080 AM The Fan will broadcast live from the party until 7 p.m., and INDYCAR drivers Agustin Canapino, Callum Ilott, Benjamin Pedersen, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, plus additional drivers from support series will be on site at select times to sign autographs and mingle with fans.

Ticket prices start as low as $25 for Single Day General Admission and $70 for Single Day Grandstand seats. Three-day tickets remain available for purchase and offer the best fan value. General Admission for the entire weekend is just $70, and a 3-Day Grandstand reserved seat starts at $85 which includes gate admission.

Children 12 and under receive free general admission to the event. This also includes complimentary access to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock throughout the weekend when accompanied by a ticketed adult. To enhance their experience further, the youngest fans can participate in the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland Rookie Racers. This immersive program, offering unique experiences throughout the race weekend, is on sale at raceportland.com for a nominal fee.   

For all ticket pricing, grandstand locations and additional festival information, visit raceportland.com. Stay up to speed on the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland on social media all year long by following #PortlandGP.

NAPA isn't only Chase Elliott's sponsor. They are also one of the best automotive supply stores out there. This Labor Day, they have a sale you have to see to believe. No matter your end of summer plans, NAPA has you covered with special deals and discounts.  

NAPA has three amazing sales through September 10 to get you ready for fall! Savings include:  

·         Up to 30% on Tailgating Favorites  

o    Truck Bed Extender 

o    Maxi Trac Backpack Cooler 

o    Maxi Trac Single Tier Round Folding Table 

·         Up to 35% on Road Trip Essentials 

o    1400A Jump Start 

o    Mobil 1 High Mileage Motor Oil  

o    NAPA European Blue Antifreeze + Coolant 

·         Up to 50% on Camping Equipment 

o    NAPA Vehicle Awning 

o    Maxi Trac Tri-Folding Steel Ramps 

o    Cargo Net 

So, if you're a Chase fan or not, be sure to check out the Fall Sale today at http://NAPAonline.com/fall-sale! 

• Energy: Technologies and systems to facilitate the energy transition, hydrogen economy, grid balancing, energy management, smart charging, and vehicle-to-grid energy transfers
• Circular Economy: Technologies and systems to enable the recovery, recycling, and reuse of vehicles and batteries
• Carbon Neutrality: Technologies and systems helping companies and society reduce carbon emissions, and digitalisation to enable transparent life cycle assessment
• Smart Communities: New business models and solutions to develop and support smart communities through vehicle sharing, subscriptions, and mobility hubs
• Mobility for All: Fair-value solutions to overcome mobility barriers, strengthen mobility systems and mobilize low-carbon communities, addressing the needs of an aging society and devising universal designs for all users

At 74 years old, John is still a contender for the NHRA title. He’s raced for over 50 years. He’s won 16 NHRA Funny Car championships in 23 seasons, including 11 straight victories between 1993 and 2004. That is one of those sports records that will probably never be broken. And he has no plans on slowing down.

Automoblog was able to sit down with John and talk about his thoughts on his career, how racing has changed over the years, and where he thinks the sport is headed. Currently, all members of John Force Racing are still in contention in their respective divisions.

Be sure to follow John Force and all the other NHRA competitors as they compete this weekend at the US Nationals.