CONCORD, N.C. (September 17, 2025) – Momentum is building for Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster team as they roll into zMAX Dragway for the NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals, marking race two of six in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs. For the first time in Countdown history, this event introduces four-wide racing to the postseason, adding a layer of intensity to the chase for the world title.
Coming off a dominant victory at the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals – Ashley’s first win at “The Big Go” and his third of the 2025 season – Ashley enters the weekend after a No. 2 qualifying position and second round exit at last week’s NHRA Reading Nationals. Sitting fourth in the Top Fuel points standings with five races remaining in the Countdown, Ashley and his team are laser-focused on maximizing every opportunity to climb the standings and contend for the title.
“This is the first time we’ll be racing four-wide in the Countdown so it’ll certainly add a twist to things,” Ashley said. “But I think that’s good. If it’s beneficial for the sport, then I’m all for it. Right now, our focus is on ourselves. We have the utmost confidence in our SCAG Power Equipment team. We know how to operate at a high-level and feel grateful for the opportunity to show that in front of all the great fans, our SCAG Dealers and distributors and all our partners, especially RCN Capital who will be hanging out with us again this weekend. There’s five races left, and we want to take advantage of every point available.”
Ashley, who has shown prowess in four-wide formats earlier this season – including a final quad appearance at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and a runner-up finish at zMAX Dragway in the spring Four-Wide Nationals – is eager to adapt the format’s unique challenges to the playoffs.
Ashley’s SCAG Power Equipment Toyota team had six final-round appearances in the first 14 regular-season events laying the groundwork for their playoff push, and the U.S. Nationals victory has only amplified their confidence. Special guests from title sponsor SCAG Power Equipment, along with key partners like RCN Capital, will be on hand to cheer them on, highlighting the strong support network behind the team’s success.
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.
