NHRA Insider Podcast
the NHRA Insider Podcast Presented by Speedmaster is an inside look at the world of the NHRA and all things drag racing. Hosted by Brian Lohnes. https://www.speedmaster79.com/
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8.25 Insiders Talk Sonoma, A Half Season Down Plus Dylan Winefsky
07/14/2026
8.25 Insiders Talk Sonoma, A Half Season Down Plus Dylan Winefsky
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join the show to talk about the upcoming Denso Sonoma Nationals presented by Power Edge and young Funny Car racer Dylan Winefsky talks about the development of his family's privateer flopper effort. Pedregon, McKenna and Lohnes get down into the weeds about the first half of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and break down the people and performances that have defined it as well as those that need to happen to move teams forward toward championship level success. Lots of interesting insights here. Dylan Winefsky makes his NHRA Insider debut to talk about his evolution from Junior Dragsters to Nitro Funny Car, how operating a humble family team requires a true love of the sport, and how success is how you measure it week in and week out. All that and a monologue you don't want to miss!
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8.24 Rob Flynn and Aaron Stanfield Share Incredible Stories From Norwalk
07/01/2026
8.24 Rob Flynn and Aaron Stanfield Share Incredible Stories From Norwalk
On this post Summit Racing Equipment Nationals episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Carlyle Tools Top Fuel crew chief Rob Flynn joins the show along with Pro Stock winner Aaron Stanfield. The two share their awesome stories of victory on one of the most memorable NHRA Sundays in years. Rob Flynn explains the team's first round drama, the tuning decisions he made during the day, and the ace driving job his rookie pilot Maddi Gordon executed, carrying them to victory. It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Aaron Stanfield won his second race of the season and did so in incredible fashion, driving like a man possessed in his Elite Motorsports fielded Camaro. He shares the details of how he was able to execute on a superhuman level to win. All this and more on a wall-to-wall killer episode of the Insider!
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8.23 Norwalk Talk With the Insiders: From Thunder Valley to Corn Country
06/23/2026
8.23 Norwalk Talk With the Insiders: From Thunder Valley to Corn Country
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by the insiders themselves, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna. The guys break down Bristol results, some of the overarching stories that have been a part of each category leading up to Norwalk and the teams that are trying to change their position over this last run of the regular season. The conversation is snappy, informative, and insightful. There are some crazy numbers shared, some hot takes, and plenty of the good stuff that will get you fired up for a big weekend of drag racing in Ohio.
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8.22 The Runner Ups: Langdon and Dan Wilkerson Talk Bristol
06/16/2026
8.22 The Runner Ups: Langdon and Dan Wilkerson Talk Bristol
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Top Fuel runner up Shawn Langdon and Funny Car runner up Dan Wilkerson. They both have amazing stories to share about their weekends in Thunder Valley. For Langdon, it was escaping two harrowing rounds where mechanical issues reared their heads at the last second, and his team was able to remedy them both with legendary action. He made his sixth straight final, seemingly against all odds. Dan Wilkerson's weekend was the best of his season. The Scag Power Equipment Jackal made its first final of the year and turned a mechanical corner that they had been working to fix all year long. Two high energy, in-depth conversations with racers who made headlines in Bristol!
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8.21 The Insiders Dig Into The Eastern Swing, Preview Bristol
06/09/2026
8.21 The Insiders Dig Into The Eastern Swing, Preview Bristol
On this rollicking episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join the show to talk about the first two races of the NHRA three race Eastern Swing, how they have gone, the stories they have produced, and what's to come at the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol. The Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals will feature a new track surface, the weather delayed Funny Car and Top Fuel finals from Epping on Friday night, and all the action that one of the most breathtaking venues in the country can provide. The show opens with a monologue from Lohnes about the New England Nationals, the impact they have on the area, and more. Get informed before this culmination of the three back-to-back NHRA races begins on Friday!
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8.20 Masters of Maryland: Angie Smith and Thomas Prock Spill The Beans
06/02/2026
8.20 Masters of Maryland: Angie Smith and Thomas Prock Spill The Beans
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Thomas Prock and Angie Smith join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their winning weekends at the first ever NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. For Thomas Prock, this victory was the validation of a decision he and his family made to leave John Force Racing and take over the on-track operations at Tasca Racing. Prock details the process, the struggles, the highs and the lows, that have brought them back into winning form. This is a story of big brains and hard work. Angie Smith's win at MIR was historic, marking the 200th professional class female triumph, an amazing milestone. IT was also as wild and hard fought as any she has had before or ever will in the future. Listening to her tell the tale of Matt being hospitalized, deciding last minute to run the motorcycles, qualifying number one, and running the table on Sunday is astonishing. A show you'll dig from end to end.
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8.19 The Insiders Preview The Potomac Nationals and Chris King Chats Chicago
05/26/2026
8.19 The Insiders Preview The Potomac Nationals and Chris King Chats Chicago
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna and Tony Pedregon join to talk about the upcoming NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by Jegs and privateer Funny Car racer Chris King joins to talk about his first 2026 race at his home track in Chicago. The Potomac Nationals kick off a three-in-a- row rip for NHRA drag racers that will take them up the eastern seaboard and then into Tennessee at three of the most historic facilities on the tour. McKennna and Pedregon breakdown what we saw in Chicago and then look forward into what will be a very busy month for racers on the tour. An exciting and interesting conversation. Chris King, the Funny Car racing Chicago fireman joins the show to talk about how his team performed in Chicago, how his program is evolving, and what his plans are for the rest of 2026. Insight into the wild world of firefighting and drag racing. All that and more on this show!
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8.18 Matt Smith and Chad Green Detail Windy City Wins
05/21/2026
8.18 Matt Smith and Chad Green Detail Windy City Wins
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Chicago winners Matt Smith and Chad Green join the show to talk about how they navigated the track, the wind, and the competition to victory. For Matt Smith, it was a harrowing experience picking up a second consecutive win on the NHRA tour. The crosswinds tested his bravery and ability on the drag strip. He goes in-depth about what they did to navigate it, his close call, and the final round that didn't go the way anyone expected it to. Chad Green is having a career season in Funny Car. For the first time he has multiple wins in the same campaign and he has done it twice in six races. Green talks about pedaling around Ron Capps, the consistency of his people, new sponsors, and the team that he calls the best of his career. This is a great episode with two chats that define two very different winning experiences!
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8.17 - The Insiders Talk Chicago - Mendy Fry Talks Titles, Her New Doc, and More
05/12/2026
8.17 - The Insiders Talk Chicago - Mendy Fry Talks Titles, Her New Doc, and More
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join the show to talk all things SGMP and Gerber Collision and Glass Rt 66 Nationals presented by Peak, plus, two-time NHRA Heritage Series Top Fuel Champion Mendy Fry joins to talk about a new documentary she is the subject of; "Time Trials: A Drag Strip Requiem". Pedregon and McKenna get into the meat and potatoes of what we have seen so far this season, land some pretty hot-take opinions, and delve into the numbers across the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour to give the kind of insight that you can't really get at surface level. The conversation is wide ranging and will definitely get your ears perked up when the boys get rolling. Mendy Fry has had an incredible career and life inside the world of drag racing rising to become a two-time Top Fuel Champion in the NHRA Heritage Series wheeling front engine nitro dragsters. Her life and career are the subject of a new documentary that drag racing fans need to see. In this conversation that talks about life, the film, her career, highs and lows, and more, you'll begin to understand the compelling nature of Mendy and her drag racing journey.
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8.16 Brian Husen and Chris Cunningham Break Down Georgia Records and Wins
05/06/2026
8.16 Brian Husen and Chris Cunningham Break Down Georgia Records and Wins
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Brian Husen the Crew Chief for the record setting and Southern Nationals winning Kalitta Air dragster and Chris Cunningham, the crew chief for the winning Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet Funny Car join host Brian Lohnes to break down their memorable wins on a wild and challenging Georgia weekend. Great insights from these tuners who have spent their lives in the sport of drag racing to grow and perfect their craft are shared into the tuning approach, the team nature of the sport, and how it all came together for them on a sunny Sunday at South Georgia Motorsports Park. A fun listen from two top tier tuners in the NHRA!
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8.15 The Four Wide Frenzy and A Southern Nationals Preview
04/29/2026
8.15 The Four Wide Frenzy and A Southern Nationals Preview
On this monologue style episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster host Brian Lohnes talks about the highs and lows of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax and previews the return of this weekend's Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Get up to speed on the inside stories from the four-wides, on top of the teams and individual racers that surprised the NHRA world both good and bad, the interesting position that some racers hold in the points standings, and a whole lot more. After that Lohnes talks about South Georgia Motorsports Park, a vastly different venue than zMax, what kinds of performances and experiences can be expected this weekend, and a whole lot more. Insight, some interesting takes, and all the news to have you primed up for the first ever NHRA National Event in South Georgia!
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8.14 Hagan Talks Pomona Win, McKenna and Pedregon Preview Charlotte
04/22/2026
8.14 Hagan Talks Pomona Win, McKenna and Pedregon Preview Charlotte
On this three-wide episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster dropped on Charlott Four-Wide Nationals week, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Tony Pedregon, Kevin McKennna, and Matt Hagan. Pedregon and McKenna join first to look back on an epic Pomona race day and then look forward at the names and news makers that will be attacking this four wide format at Charlotte for the only time this season. The discussion ranges from paid drivers looking like professionals, the return of Pro Stock Motorcycles, another potential KB runway Pro Stock season, and more. Matt Hagan joins the show next for a rollicking conversation that looks over not only his Pomona win, but the strength of his established team that is already in a championship form. Hagan covers lots of ground here, has interesting takes, and delivers on his larger-than-life personality. A big show leading into a big two race stretch for the NHRA!
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8.13 Conquering Pomona: Greg Anderson and Mike Green Break It Down
04/14/2026
8.13 Conquering Pomona: Greg Anderson and Mike Green Break It Down
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster Pomona winners Greg Anderson and Mike Green join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their weekends, their early seasons, and a whole lot more. The Lucas Oil Winternationals were historic in its denotation of the 1,000th Funny Car race, challenging in its weather and track conditions, and ultimately epic in its ending. Both of these guys were able to navigate all of it in their respective roles. Anderson as a driver and tuner, Green as the Crew Chief for Tony Stewart in Top Fuel. Both guys break down the weekend, the season, and their awesome respective stories that saw them to the winner's circle in Pomona.
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8.12 The Insiders Get Fired Up For A Fast Pomona
04/07/2026
8.12 The Insiders Get Fired Up For A Fast Pomona
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster Kevin McKenna and Tony Pedregon join the show to talk about the lessons learned over the first two races and how the game will totally change in Pomona. With temperatures expected to be more than 40 degrees cooler than Phoenix, this will be the fastest, highest performing race of the early 2026 season so far. In this episode of NHRA Insiders, the guys break down who is in the best position to take advantage of the horsepower that will be available. The panel talks about the early season surprises for some teams and those that need to really establish themselves at the Lucas Oil Winternationals. Everyone has been chomping at the bit for this race, and by the time you are done listening to this show, you'll have your own predictions to make regarding who's favored to win and just how quick everyone will have to go. Hot takes and great insight from the crew abound.
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8.11 Freeman Talks Pro Stock Changes, Van Sant on Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Burgess on History and More!
03/31/2026
8.11 Freeman Talks Pro Stock Changes, Van Sant on Pro Stock Motorcycle, and Burgess on History and More!
On this jam packed episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, three big guests join host Brian Lohnes to talk all things NHRA. First up is Richard Freeman. Richard talks all about the new Elite Top Fuel Team, their early success, the evolution of the program, and how it will grow in the future. He also talks about major transformative changes to Pro Stock in 2027 with a new look, new rules, and more. Chase Van Sant is the second guest. Chase talks about his outlook for 2026, the work his team has done to get faster, the increase in participation by Trick Tools, and how it is all coming together to make a more competitive campaign this year. Finally, National Dragster Editorial Director Phil Burgess joins to talk about the early stories of 2026, the 75th NHRA season, 55 years of rear engine Top Fuel winners, the major stories for the Lucas OIl Winternationals, and a whole lot more. This is a banger of a show!
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8.10 Crew Chiefs Guido Antonelli and Neal Strausbaugh Tell Their Hot Phoenix Tales
03/24/2026
8.10 Crew Chiefs Guido Antonelli and Neal Strausbaugh Tell Their Hot Phoenix Tales
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, winning Funny Car Crew Chief Dean "Guido" Antonelli and runner-up Top Fuel Crew Chief Neal Strausbaugh talk about navigating the heat of Phoenix and collecting win lights along the way. The show opens with an in-depth race monologue by host Brian Lohnes. Antonelli's path to the winner's circle was tumultuous, having a solid running car explode during a second-round victory which kicked off an amazing thrash to get it prepared for the semi-finals. Their recovery, performance, and precision in that round propelled them to a final round success for the ages. Get the inside story of this incredible win from the man who led the effort. Neal Strausbaugh weaved his Top Fuel tune up to a near victory at the Arizona Nationals. Get his perspective on the event, the track, the challenges, and how the TSR and Elite Top Fuel teams are working with and learning from each other in 2026. The inside stories of the hottest race in years on this episode of The NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster.
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8.9 The Insiders Talk Gainesville and Phoenix, Hartford Breaks Down His Win
03/17/2026
8.9 The Insiders Talk Gainesville and Phoenix, Hartford Breaks Down His Win
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Matt Hartford joins the show to talk about his hard-fought Pro Stock victory in Gainesville, Tony Pedregon and Kevin McKenna join to recap the Gatornationals, and a whole lot more. Pedregon and McKenna open the show with a freewheeling discussion about all the big stories that came out of the Gators both on and off the track. The dramatic wins, the dramatic DNQs, the energized crowd, and what it all seems to mean for the season to come. The guys talk about how teams will deal with the challenging conditions of a red-hot Phoenix weekend on the horizon and many other topics. A truly rollicking chat. Matt Hartford's win at the Gators was a long time coming. After making four final rounds in the 2025 season and winning none of them, he won the first final he appeared in to start 2026. Matt talks about the team's approach, their strategy, and how sometimes letting it all hang out is the best way to do business in Pro Stock. Hartford is candid, interesting, and provides valuable insight into his home track of Firebird Motorsports Park where the action will take place for race two of 2026. An episode you'll want to hear every moment of this week!
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8.8 Crew Chiefs Serena and Flynn talk Gainesville, Maddi Mania, More
03/10/2026
8.8 Crew Chiefs Serena and Flynn talk Gainesville, Maddi Mania, More
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Joe Serena and Rob Flynn join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their experiences at the Amalie Oil Gatornationals. Serena and Dean Marinis tuned Chad Green to a second straight win in Gainesville and Rob Flynn oversaw the semi-final finish of Maddi Gordon much to the delight of the crowd. The conversation with Serena is enlightening and interesting, a window into what goes into the building, training, and drilling of a new team to start a new season. He talks about the decisions and execution that carried the team to victory, his own growth in drag racing, and more. A fascinating chat. Rob Flynn is the crew chief for the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel Dragster with additional support from Monster Energy. Flynn talks about how Gordon has come a long way in a short time in a Top Fuel car, how he has approached this season with a new driver and how that approach changed with her skillset, and his front row seat to Maddi Mania which exploded onto the scene in Gainesville. To start the show Lohnes has a monologue about the event and how significant and wildly positive things happened during the weekend which will reverberate for a long time to come.
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8.7 The Insiders Take A Deep Dive Into the 2026 Gatornationals
03/04/2026
8.7 The Insiders Take A Deep Dive Into the 2026 Gatornationals
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna of National Dragster and Tony Pedregon of the NHRAonFOX join host Brian Lohnes to talk all things Gatornationals and beyond in 2026. This conversation covers a wide array of subjects, people, rumors, speculation, and more leading into the first race of the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule. The personnel, driver, equipment, and sponsor changes we'll see are gone over, broken down, and evaluated. The variables that no one can predict are approached, and beyond that, the guys all lend their considerable insights into what will be a Gatornationals unlike any we have seen in many, many years. Race one of 2026 promises to be a contest for the ages, attended by legends that span the history of the NHRA. Let this episode get you fired up for it!
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8.6 Langdon Talks 345 mph, Vandergriff Spills the Rookie Beans
02/23/2026
8.6 Langdon Talks 345 mph, Vandergriff Spills the Rookie Beans
On this high-speed episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, Shawn Langdon talks about his historic week of testing at Gainesville Raceway and Jordan Vandergriff talks about a breakout rookie week earning his stripes as a Funny Car driver. For Langdon, Gainesville was not a test session but a continuation of a global drag racing journey he'd been on since November. Langdon ran 3.621, which is the unofficial quickest of all time, and then the next day went 345.62, the unofficial fastest of all time. He breaks down these runs, his globe-trotting odyssey, and more in this insightful interview. Vandergriff has massive shoes to fill at John Force Racing. He knows it, the world knows it. He had an amazing week, gaining a Funny Car license, running 3.80s, and putting the world on notice that he can do the job. Vandergriff tells all about his new status as a Funny Car driver, his new crew chiefs, and his new crew in this chat. This and some more testing and cool news on the show!
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8.5 Pro Mod Legend Von Smith, Blake Bowser On The March Meet and More!
02/11/2026
8.5 Pro Mod Legend Von Smith, Blake Bowser On The March Meet and More!
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster, NHRA Pro Mod legend Von Smith and the March Meet's Blake Bowser join host Brian Lohnes to tell stories, recount history, and explore all that's coming at the 2026 March Meet at historic Famoso Drag Strip in Bakersfield. 2010 NHRA Pro Mod champion Von Smith is the first guest on the show and he talks about his incredible career, transitioning from Funny Car to Pro Mod, winning championships, being among the first to race internationally more than a decade ago, and the kind of inside racer stories we love. Learn about the health battles he overcame, his memorable 2010 season title, and how the world of five second 250mph door slammer racing has evolved and how he himself helped evolve it. Blake Bowser is the second guest on the show. A man with multiple generations of history at Famoso Drag Strip, he now oversees the operation of the famed Good Vibrations March Meet and the California Hot Rod Reunion. Get the inside scoop on what's happening in 2026, the incredible history of the event, and why it continues to be one of the great drag races on the planet from the guy who knows it best. All that and more including news and rumors, right here!
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8.4 Josh Hart and Mike Knudsen Talk 2026 Preparation, Expectations, More
02/03/2026
8.4 Josh Hart and Mike Knudsen Talk 2026 Preparation, Expectations, More
On this episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Josh Hart and Mike Knudsen join host Brian Lohnes to talk about the off-season, preparing for 2026, what they are looking forward to, and how this next season will show off the evolution of their respective careers. Josh Hart goes into depth about his experience so far at John Force Racing, his new sponsorship with Speedmaster, and how the team is working to craft the most precisely tailored Top Fuel dragster he has ever piloted. He talks about the shift in pressure from being an owner/driver to a dedicated driver, what David Grubnic and John Collins are doing and how fired up he is for Gainesville. Mike Knudsen heads into the 2026 season with something virtually no other Funny Car Crew Chief has, the same team. The growth they showed in 2025 along with the stability they bring into 2026 means that the car which finished second last season is expected to challenge for a title once again. Mike talks approach, new tracks, how the tuners will navigate them and what he learned from last year. Some awesome deep insight from these two guys who will star prominently in the 2026 nitro fueled war that will be NHRA competition.
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8.3 Maddi Gordon Talks 2026 Top Fuel, Prock News, Bristol News, More
01/20/2026
8.3 Maddi Gordon Talks 2026 Top Fuel, Prock News, Bristol News, More
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster Maddi Gordon joins host Brian Lohnes to talk about the final preparations for her Top Fuel debut in 2026, moving into the role of being a professional full-time driver, her goals for this career evolution, and a whole lot more. Add into that the huge Prock family news, massive facility upgrades being made across the sport, especially at Bristol Dragway, and a whole lot more and you have a quick and quick moving episode of the Insider. Maddi's move to the Top Fuel world has been very public in its announcements and gradual forward moving steps but now the time has come to truly prepare for the season. Lean about outlook, process, and all the behind the scenes work happening in the Ron Capps Motorsports race shop. It's a great conversation with Top Fuel's newest driver.
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8.2 Headline Makers and Writers: Will Smith, Buddy Hill, and Kevin McKenna
01/13/2026
8.2 Headline Makers and Writers: Will Smith, Buddy Hill, and Kevin McKenna
On this super-sized, three-guest episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast Powered by Speedmaster, National Dragster's Kevin McKenna, Bluebird Turf Top Fuel driver Will Smith, and Funny Car stalwart Buddy Hull join the show to talk 2026 in all forms and fashions. McKenna and host Brian Lohnes dive into a range of 2026 season topics, break down some of the recent news, speculate on some of the happenings still in the wings, and explore the radical door slammer fun to come in both Congruity HR Pro Mod and the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street series presented by Xpel. A great chat with lots of insight. Smith is living a dream. Recently named the driver of the new addition to the Scag Power Equipment factory team, he will be competing full time in Top Fuel. Smith shares his story, his outlook, and his awesome persona here. A real-deal drag racer speaks from the heart. Hull made big news a few weeks back, announcing that he would be fielding his own Funny Car operation in 2026. Get the inside scoop on who is tuning, what lessons he learned over a hard 2025 season, and what the strategy is for 2026. One of the biggest personalities in the class goes into success, failure, and the effort of doing it his own way in the coming year.
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8.1 Burgess and Pedregon Kick Off 2026, New Mystery Dragster, 75th and More!
01/06/2026
8.1 Burgess and Pedregon Kick Off 2026, New Mystery Dragster, 75th and More!
On this 2026 kick off episode of the NHRA Insider powered by Speedmaster, Phil Burgess, Editorial Director for the NHRA and NHRAonFox's Tony Pedregon come on to talk about the off-season craziness, rumors, a new mystery dragster on the way to Top Fuel, 75th Anniversary content and celebrations, and more with Brian Lohnes. In the first half of the show Pedregon and Lohnes dive into the wildness of the off-season, the personnel changes, who won, who lost, and who is in a better position than they were last year. They talk about the off season work, the importance of adapting to new tracks, and how some new crew chief pairings are perhaps a little strange but potentially great. International Drag Racing Hall of Fame member and NHRA Editorial Director Phil Burgess joins the show as the second guest. He and Lohnes visit some of the same off season content and then they dive into the incredible array of 75th Anniversary content Phil and his people have been working on and are releasing. This season is going to rock and this show will get you fired up for it!
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7.46 Jordan Vandergriff Speaks, PRI News, Views, and More
12/16/2025
7.46 Jordan Vandergriff Speaks, PRI News, Views, and More
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes is joined by Jordan Vandergriff who was revealed to be the new driver of the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet for the 2026 season at John Force Racing. Vandergriff talks about gaining the shot, the challenges ahead, how he is preparing, and the natural rivalry he'll share with Austin Prock when the season dawns at Gainesville. The conversation is open, honest, and full of the kind of insights only a professional driver on the doorstep of living a dream can share. Lohnes talks PRI, the recent announcement of a new NHRA National event at US 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan, breaking news and more. This one's got something for everyone.
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7.45 The Insiders Talk Crew Chief Chaos, More Changes, and 2026
12/09/2025
7.45 The Insiders Talk Crew Chief Chaos, More Changes, and 2026
On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Tony Pedregon joins Brian Lohnes to talk about the chaos of crew chiefs in the NHRA nitro ranks right now, fresh news about a Top Fuel team, landing places for the experienced leaders currently standing as free agents, and a whole lot more. Why did this happen, how did this happen, and how all these moves will reshape the nitro landscape in 2026. This is an interesting episode that takes you to ground zero where all the news is radiating out of and helps to perhaps sort some of the craziness out.
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7.44 Gadson and Glenn Talk Titles - Crew Chief Breaking News Revealed
12/02/2025
7.44 Gadson and Glenn Talk Titles - Crew Chief Breaking News Revealed
On this in-depth episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Richard Gadson and Dallas Glenn join host Brian Lohnes to talk about their first championships in the world of NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing. The two hardcore racers take you deep into their championship seasons, talk about behind the scenes moments you've never heard them talk about, analyze their approaches, their successes, failures, and the moments that brought them the sport's ultimate glory. For Richard Gadson, it was a season of intense conversations, learning, and ultimately self-realization that he was not only capable of winning a title but deserving of it as well. Gadson takes us into an intense meeting with Terry Vance after a loss in Chicago that changed his mentality and ultimately set him on a path to the pages of drag racing history forever. His breakdown of the semi-final in Las Vegas against Gaige Herrera, his discussion of the team dynamic when Brayden Davis came on for the Countdown, and more are revelatory. Dallas Glenn had one of the most statistically amazing seasons in modern Pro Stock history and he breaks it down, sometimes to the thousandth of a second in this interview. The depth of desire and the will to win and keep winning are fascinating points of this conversation. You'll fully understand his championship mindset after listening. These conversations as well as deep insider breaking crew chief news will have you glued to this show from end to end!
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7.43 The Insiders Dive Into The Procks, JFR, Rumors, Speculation and More
11/25/2025
7.43 The Insiders Dive Into The Procks, JFR, Rumors, Speculation and More
This is the show you wanted and so it's the show you're going to get. On this episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Kevin McKenna joins Brian Lohnes for a comprehensive dive into one of the biggest NHRA stories in years; the departure of the Prock family from John Force Racing. They look at it from all sides, squash some rumors, examine others, consider the future for all involved and a whole lot more. A story of this size will have ripple effects for months and maybe longer so that keeps the conversation interesting and engaging. Where are they going? Why are they going there? Who will fill the Prock seat? Who will tune the car? This and so, so much more are discussed and pondered. There's more than just the Prock story as well. Loads of other hirings, firings, and 2026 moves are either revealed or hinted at. Every second of this one is worth the listen.
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7.42 Rain, Heartbreak, and Bad Takes: An Insider Recounts the In-N-Out Burger Finals
11/21/2025
7.42 Rain, Heartbreak, and Bad Takes: An Insider Recounts the In-N-Out Burger Finals
On this monologue episode of the NHRA Insider Podcast powered by Speedmaster, Brian Lohnes takes you through his manic experience at the In-N-Out Burger Finals in Pomona. From a breakdown of the weekend as only an Insider can to the logistics and thought process behind how the race was ended and why, this is a must listen for any fan looking for the real story from a guy who was there. Lohnes also systematically breaks down why the race was cancelled and not moved or rescheduled with insight that goes far deeper than what has been reported. There's some breaking crew chief news, some team speculation, a breakdown of the champions, awards night, and more. This is an interesting, candid, and insightful breakdown of a weekend that will forever live in the lore of NHRA drag racing for reasons both awesome and crummy.
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