MADISON, Ill. (September 24, 2025) – Fresh off a commanding victory at the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals, Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster team are charging into this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway with momentum and focus.
Ashley’s fourth win of the season propelled him from fourth to second in the NHRA Top Fuel points standings, he now sits just 38 points behind leader Doug Kalitta with just four races left in the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six race playoffs.
“This weekend is going to be a battle,” Ashley said. “Every team in Top Fuel is dangerous. They’re all ready to pounce at any opportunity that comes their way. That high level of competition is what brings out the best in all of us. It’ll make for an outstanding show.”
Ashley’s recent success underscores the strength and consistency of his SCAG Power Equipment team, led by crew chiefs Mike Green, Tommy DeLago, and Dustin Davis. The SCAG Toyota team picked up back-to-back victories at the Virginia Nationals and the national event in Ohio before Ashley won the U.S. Nationals for the first time, 18 years after his father won in Funny Car. The late season success isn’t going to Ashley’s head though.
“We have to be diligent about our process,” Ashley stated. “A big win is special, and it’s incredibly important to enjoy that. But we must remain focused on the task at hand. Right now, that task is the Midwest Nationals. Mike, Tommy, Dustin, and everyone on our SCAG team is pumped about getting to St. Louis. We’ll be ready to put our best foot forward.”
With the NHRA Countdown to the Championship heating up, Ashley and his team are poised to capitalize on their momentum and continue their pursuit of the Top Fuel title. They’ll be looking for a slew of firsts at World Wide Technology Raceway, first No. 1 qualifier, first final round appearance and, most importantly, first win.
Competition at this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals starts with four rounds of qualifying, Friday at 5 and 7 p.m. and Saturday at 12:15 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are slated for Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET and eliminations show to follow at 3 p.m. ET.
