CONCORD, N.C. (April 23, 2025) – Dave Richards, driver of the BlueBird Turf / Versatran Funny Car for SCAG Racing, is gearing up for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, just outside of Charlotte. Coming off a strong performance in Las Vegas, Richards is eager to maintain his momentum and chase crucial points in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
Richards and the BlueBird team reached the final quad of the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas finishing the weekend with semifinal points for the first time in Richards’ career.
“I’m really excited to get to Charlotte,” Richards said. “After Vegas, reaching the final quad, we’re all just hoping to keep the momentum going; get more round wins, chip away at the points and really just stay consistent and focused. It’s working, it’s coming together.”
Last year at zMAX Dragway, Richards made it to the second round of the 4-Wide Nationals earning quarterfinal points and in 2023, at the fall event, Richards had another quarterfinal finish at the venue.
“Charlotte, zMAX Dragway is one of my favorite tracks,” said Richards. “We have run pretty good there before, so I have high expectations for us going into the weekend. Going rounds at that track before and then having success in Vegas, I don’t think anyone has any doubt that we’ll do good.”
This weekend’s event also marks Richards’ debut in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, a unique competition during Saturday qualifying that pits top performers from the previous race against each other for a rematch to earn championship bonus points and a cash prize.
“Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge is new to me. It should be fun and it feels good to be racing in that club. Even if we weren’t coming off a four-wide event, our performance from Vegas, a semifinal finish, would have gotten us in. That’s something to celebrate and something we could get used to.”
The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals kicks off with qualifying rounds on Friday at 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m., followed by eliminations on Sunday at noon. Fans can catch the action on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) Saturday at 10:00 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET with eliminations Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET and on the NHRA.TV streaming platform.
