CONCORD, N.C. (September 17, 2025) – Dave Richards and the BlueBird Turf / Versatran Ford Mustang Funny Car team are primed for redemption as they head to zMAX Dragway for the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals, the second of six races in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Marking a historic first, this event introduces the four-wide format to the playoffs, setting the stage for Richards to make a bold move in the Funny Car standings.
Following a tough outing at the recent Reading event, Richards, a seasoned competitor, is eager to reignite his playoff campaign. Currently sitting 13th in the Funny Car points with Richards and the BlueBird Turf team are focused on capitalizing on their strong track record at zMAX Dragway to climb toward their season goal of a top 10 finish.
“It’s the first time four-wide has been in the Countdown. That’s pretty exciting for this BlueBird / Versatran team. We’ve had success at zMAX Dragway before, it’s been good to us, and we’re looking to quickly rebound from last weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania,” Richards said. “There’s still time to pull through and make this a successful season. Our goal of a top 10 finish is still in sight, but we need to make some moves now. With it being four-wide, I like our chances.”
Richards, who qualified 15th and earned quarterfinal points at the spring four-wide event at zMAX Dragway, has previously performed well at Four-Wide Nationals. At The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in April, Richards earned semifinal points, appearing in the final quad. During last year’s Four-Wide Nationals in North Carolina, Richards was the 14th qualifier and made his way to the second quad for quarterfinal points. Richards continues to have unwavering confidence in his BlueBird Turf / Versatran team’s ability to chase crucial playoff points and shake up the Funny Car standings.
Competition at the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals begins with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 4 and 6:15 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET and eliminants at noon ET.
