The Elite Motorsports Pro Stock contingent is preparing for a major showing at this weekend’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. With defending champions, multi-time world titleholders, and a deep roster of contenders, the powerhouse team has its sights set on drag racing’s most prestigious event.

Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepower Garage / Melling Performance / Janac Brothers Racing Chevrolet, returns as the reigning U.S. Nationals champion. In 2023, Stanfield accomplished a rare feat by winning both Pro Stock and Factory X at the same event. Currently fifth in points, the younger Stanfield carries momentum from a string of semifinal finishes and a runner-up showing in Sonoma.

“Indy is a special race, it’s the Big Go, one of the biggest races in drag racing with so much history and prestige,” Stanfield said. “It carries a little extra for me this year. Coming in being the defending champ, knowing I won in two categories last year, it’s kind of surreal. Hopefully, that good mojo from last year is still out there for us.”

Six-time world champion Erica Enders is also chasing history. Driving the JHG / Melling / SCAG Power Equipment car, Enders is aiming for her 50th career win and a fourth U.S. Nationals victory, which would make her the winningest female driver in event history. A finalist earlier this year in New England and a semifinalist at Brainerd, Enders will also compete in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.

“I feel like we turned a corner in Brainerd, and the work and testing hasn’t stopped,” Enders said. “They can’t keep us down forever, and I promise there is a fire lit under my teammates and me. If we can get within striking distance, they are in trouble. Regardless of the final outcome of this rough season, I’m proud of what we are doing together, as a group. We have been through stuff that would crush others, and we just keep swinging.”

Veteran Jeg Coughlin Jr., in the SCAG Power Equipment / Outlaw Light Beer entry, brings a wealth of Indy experience. The five-time Pro Stock champion has three U.S. Nationals wins to his credit and sits seventh in the standings after a strong start to the season. Greg Stanfield, Aaron’s father and driver of the Janac Brothers Racing / The Rod Shop machine, is also a past U.S. Nationals winner. He picked up a win this season by defeating his son in Sonoma and enters the event eighth in points.

Rounding out the Elite lineup are Troy Coughlin Jr. in the JEGS.com car, currently 13th in the standings, Stephen Bell in the 1320 LLC entry, and the Cuadra brothers: Fernando Jr., Cristian, and David, who continue to campaign their Corral Tequila / Corral Belts Pro Stock machines.

With multiple past winners and a mix of rising stars, Elite Motorsports heads to Indy with momentum and depth, all looking to add to the team’s legacy at the most prestigious race in NHRA Pro Stock competition.