Plenty of storylines set for NHRA Summit Nationals

Jun. 22—NORWALK — From start-to-finish, Antron Brown enjoyed the best weekend of his NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season just days ago, leaving the three-time Top Fuel world champ eager to get back in action.

Luckily for the popular Brown, he won't have to wait long as he will look to earn second career win at Summit Motorsports Park as part of this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk.

Brown advanced to the semifinals last Sunday in Bristol, matching his best finish of 2022 in his Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel dragster. He also qualified a season-best fourth.

That tells the first-year team owner that things are on the right track after some early-season struggles. Brown, who has 68 career wins, is ready for a breakout performance in Norwalk as the 2022 season nears the halfway mark.

"It was a good race weekend (in Bristol) and we're definitely making strides moving forward," said Brown, who moved up to 10th in points. "That's what we're working hard to do is keep pushing forward, and I like the direction we're going.

"I'm looking forward to getting to Norwalk, keeping our head down and getting after it. It's going to be a hot race, but we know how to navigate those conditions. It's going to be tricky, but they always have a great track surface in Norwalk. I believe we'll run well, and we'll see what we can do this weekend."

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the 2021 event, and this year's race will be broadcast on both the FOX broadcast network and Fox Sports 1 (FS1).

The stop in Norwalk is the 10th of 22 races during the 2022 season.

Brown knows a win at one of the finest facilities on the NHRA tour would be meaningful for the Top Fuel star. But it won't be easy.

Brown will have to duel with points leader Brittany Force, who has three wins this season, Bristol winner Justin Ashley, Mike Salinas, who also has three wins in 2022, four-time defending world champ and defending event winner Steve Torrence, Tony Schumacher, Doug Kalitta, Austin Prock, Clay Millican and Leah Pruett. Still, Brown likes the path his team is headed.

"This team is pulling hard together," Brown said. "We went some rounds (in Bristol) and the one thing about that is, when you're going rounds, you're always improving and the more laps you get, the better you get. We're headed in the right direction."

Funny Car's Tim Wilkerson also has strong momentum to build on heading into this weekend's race. The popular veteran advanced to the final round in Bristol before falling to defending world champ Ron Capps, but like Brown, it was also his best showing of the season, giving him confidence heading into a busy stretch of the season.

Getting a win would be perfect timing for Wilkerson, who is ninth in the points standings.

But the longtime standout will have hands full against a field that also includes points leader Matt Hagan, Robert Hight, who has three wins in 2022, Capps, 16-time world champ John Force, Alexis DeJoria, defending event winner Pedregon, Bob Tasca III and J.R. Todd.

"We are excited to be representing Trick Flow Specialties this weekend at Norwalk," said Wilkerson, who has 47 career Funny Car final round appearances. "We have a great relationship with Summit Racing Equipment and Trick Flow Specialties is a great partner. This weekend will be a huge event and we will be looking to go some rounds and get back into the winner's circle at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park."

In Pro Stock, Enders earned her second career win in Norwalk a year ago, getting past Greg Anderson in the finals. Enders had her three-race win streak snapped last weekend by teammate Aaron Stanfield in Bristol, but she'll look to keep rolling against a field that also includes Dallas Glenn, rookie Camrie Caruso and Kyle Koretsky.

Smith won a thrilling duel with Steve Johnson in the Pro Stock Motorcycle final round a year ago in Norwalk, adding to their rivalry. He'll look for back-to-back wins against a tough lineup also featuring Bristol winner Jerry Savoie, Angie Smith, three-time world champ Angelle Sampey, Eddie Krawiec and Joey Gladstone.

The event also will feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which has some of the sport's top drivers, as well as the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

After nitro qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, fans can enjoy a fireworks display that has been the perfect capper to night qualifying over the years.

The Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock Association will be making exhibition runs throughout the weekend as well. The race also features the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League shootout, with eight young drivers competing for the win. The final round will take place on Sunday and will be featured during the FOX broadcast.

For autograph-seeking fans, they can attend one featuring riders in Pro Stock Motorcycle at the Suzuki Display at 3 p.m. on Friday, while an autograph session featuring Toyota drivers will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Toyota Display.

On Saturday, fans can also attend Nitro School to learn more about how the cars operate and reach their high speeds.

Fans in attendance can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday, which includes the fan favorite "Track Walk." The final experience is the winner's circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals event winners.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass in Norwalk. This unique opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more.

Fans can also visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors have interactive displays, simulated competitions, food and merchandise.

The new Pep Boys midway display will include tire change challenges, oil change challenges, a slot car track and more.

After Friday's action, the final two rounds of qualifying will be at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and then eliminations at 3 p.m. on FOX on Sunday.