SONOMA, Calif. (July 16, 2026) — SCAG Racing heads west this weekend for the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, looking to continue its momentum as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series enters a pivotal stretch of the regular season. With four nitro entries, the team will look to build on experience while continuing to showcase its patriotic “Simply The Brave” military-tribute race cars.
The Sonoma Nationals marks the second race featuring SCAG Racing’s “Simply The Brave” military tribute wraps, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Throughout the weekend, active-duty military members and veterans are invited to stop by the SCAG Racing pit areas to sign the race cars.
Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel team enter Sonoma after productive testing sessions aimed at preparing for the critical final stretch before the Countdown to the Championship.
“This is a critical four-race stretch,” said Ashley. “Sonoma is where things really start to heat up as teams try to position themselves well heading into the countdown. That’s why we have to make sure we’re operating at a high level. We’ve tested twice since Norwalk and learned a lot we can apply this weekend. Sonoma is generally a very good racetrack. The Friday night session specifically is usually one of the fastest ones we’ll see all season. The goal is to run well in Q1 so we can try to take advantage of those conditions in Q2. It’s time to put our SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel dragster back in the winners’ circle for all the hard-working dealers, distributors, users, and owners all across the country.”
Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car team are looking to capitalize on recent momentum following a runner-up finish.
“This team is hungry for wins, and our recent runner-up did not satiate us,” said Wilkerson. “With Tim’s crew chief success at both Sonoma and Seattle, we cannot wait to head west and hopefully win some rounds with our friends from Pace.”
Will Smith continues to reach new levels in his rookie season behind the wheel of the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel dragster as he prepares to compete at Sonoma Raceway for the first time.
“We’re excited to get to Sonoma and continue building on the momentum we’ve been creating,” said Smith. “Every race and every test session has helped us learn more about this Bluebird Turf/SCAG Racing Top Fuel dragster, and we’re making steady progress. Our team has been working incredibly hard, and we’re looking forward to putting what we’ve learned to work in Sonoma.
“We’re also proud to continue carrying the ‘Simply the Brave’ military livery,” Smith continued. “It’s a privilege to honor the men and women who have served our country, and we encourage all active-duty military members and veterans to stop by our pit area and sign our race cars throughout the weekend.
“This will be my first time racing at Sonoma, so I’m really looking forward to the experience. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the facility and the fans, and I’m excited to get on track, meet everyone, and hopefully put together a strong weekend for the team, our dealers and distributors, all of our customers, and everyone supporting SCAG Racing.”
Dave Richards and the Bluebird Turf Funny Car team will also be looking to make a strong statement on one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA schedule.
“Sonoma has always been one of those races that I look forward to a little extra,” said Richards. “It’s a beautiful facility, the fans are incredible, and the conditions usually produce some of the quickest runs of the season. Our Bluebird Turf team has continued making gains, and we’re eager to put together four solid runs in qualifying before making a push on Sunday. It’s also an honor to continue representing the ‘Simply The Brave’ campaign. Being able to recognize our veterans and active-duty military while racing for our dealers, distributors, and everyone who supports SCAG Racing makes this weekend even more meaningful.”
Competition at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway kicks off with four rounds of qualifying Friday at 5:30 and 8:10 p.m. PST and Saturday at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. PST. Eliminations will begin Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. ET and eliminations airing at 10:00 p.m. ET.
