ENNIS, Texas (October 8, 2025) – Defending Top Fuel winner Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel team arrive at Texas Motorplex this weekend with eyes set on defending their 2024 victory at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, a critical stop in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Sitting second in the Top Fuel points standings with just three races remaining in the six-event postseason, Ashley knows every pass at this high-stakes event could reshape the championship battle. As the points chase tightens, Ashley emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in Dallas, a venue known for delivering dramatic shifts in the standings.
“Dallas is a pivotal race. It can shake up the points in a hurry,” Ashley said. “We have to ensure that we are on the right side of that shake up at the end of the weekend. The best way to do that is by staying within ourselves. There’ll be sixteen other Top Fuel cars on the property ready for battle. The intensity level will be at an all-time high. But there’s no reason to get caught up in that. Our attention will be centered on our process because that’s all we can control. We’ve had a lot of success here in the past and I have the utmost confidence we can do it again.”
Ashley’s momentum stems from four victories this season. The SCAG Toyota team picked up back-to-back victories at the Virginia Nationals and the national event in Ohio in the middle of summer before Ashley won the U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend for the first time, 18 years after his father won in Funny Car, and, most recently, a Four-Wide victory at the NHRA Carolina Nationals just a few weeks ago.
“There were so many positives during the first few races of the Countdown that we can lean on moving forward,” Ashley added. “I love the position we put ourselves in and I am very proud to be a part of this SCAG Racing organization and to work with our awesome team.”
The Texas Motorplex has been good to Ashley in the past. In addition to his 2024 victory where he doubled-up with SCAG Racing teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. who won in Pro Stock, Ashley won back-to-back in 2021 and 2022 and in 2023, Ashley raced to his career best elapsed time (3.661 seconds) and speed (338.40 mph). The added fanfare of JEGS Friday night under the lights and the battle for the saddle add to the excitement of the FallNationals.
“I have a lot of respect and admiration for the Meyer Family,” said Ashley. “They’ve turned the Texas Motorplex into one of the premier entertainment venues in all of motorsports. We are all very appreciative for their commitment to the fans, race teams, and sport of NHRA Drag Racing.”
Competition at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex begins with four qualifying sessions Friday at 4:15 and 7 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 2:30 p.m. Eliminations are slated for a 10 a.m. start on Sunday. Television coverage of the event will begin on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show Sunday at 10 a.m. ET and continue with eliminations shows on FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
