KENT, Wash. (July 23, 2026) — SCAG Racing heads to Pacific Raceways this weekend for the 37th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals, looking to carry the momentum from Sonoma into the second half of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Western Swing.
Fresh off a runner-up finish at Sonoma Raceway, Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car team enter the weekend with confidence after advancing to the final round in two of the last three events. Wilkerson’s Sonoma performance also earned him a spot in Saturday’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, where he’ll race during qualifying for bonus points and prize money.
“We’ve definitely got some momentum on our side right now,” said Wilkerson. “Making the final in two of the last three races says a lot about what this team is capable of. We’ve been making better runs and figuring this race car out. Seattle has always been a place where Tim has had a lot of success, so hopefully we can keep this thing rolling, have some fun in the Mission Challenge on Saturday, and give our SCAG dealers what we all want on Sunday.”
Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel team continue searching for the consistency for a breakthrough performance in eliminations.
“I am happy we’re going straight from Sonoma to Seattle,” said Ashley. “The results from last weekend don’t necessarily show improvement, but there was significant progress. We just need more runs. The four qualifying passes in Seattle are going to give us valuable information. Our goal is to take that and a good qualifying position into race day with a chance to win. All of SCAG Nation, Metalcraft of Mayville, and our partners deserve a winner. We want to bring that to them.”
Will Smith will make his first career start at Pacific Raceways as he continues his inaugural full-time NHRA campaign piloting the Bluebird Turf dragster.
“I’m excited to head to Seattle this weekend for the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals,” said Smith. “It’ll be my first time racing at Pacific Raceways, so that’s something I’ve really been looking forward to. Every new track is a great opportunity to learn, and our BlueBird Turf team continues to make progress every time we hit the track. We’re focused on building on what we have been working on the past few weeks and putting together a strong weekend.
“One of my favorite parts of every race weekend is spending time with our SCAG dealers and customers. Their support means so much to our entire team, and it’s always a pleasure to meet the people who believe in and represent our brands. We’re looking forward to a great weekend in Seattle both on and off the racetrack.”
Dave Richards and the Bluebird Turf Funny Car team are also eager to capitalize on the opportunities the Western Swing provides as they continue chasing stronger performances.
“Seattle is one of those races where you can really build some momentum,” said Richards. “This BlueBird Turf team has continued to put in the work, and we’re seeing improvements every weekend. Pacific Raceways is a great track, and we’re looking forward to putting together four solid qualifying runs, getting ourselves in a good position for Sunday, and hopefully making some noise on race day for all of our dealers and Pace.”
Qualifying for the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals begins Friday with nitro sessions at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT. Saturday features two more qualifying sessions at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. PT for Top Fuel and 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. PT for Funny Car, with the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge contested during qualifying. Eliminations begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PT.
Television coverage begins with qualifying Friday from 10:00-11:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), followed by final qualifying Sunday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET on FS1. Eliminations will air Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
