Each team in the SCAG Power Equipment camp is going to have a different approach to the NHRA Carolina Nationals. With goals of world titles and top-10 finishes on the line, this is an important event. The drivers and teams are locked in with a laser focus on being victorious at zMax during the four-wide chaos this weekend.

Justin Ashley Aiming To Make Noise in Four-Wide Countdown Debut

Momentum is a dangerous weapon in the Countdown, and Justin Ashley is carrying plenty of it into Charlotte. Fresh off his first U.S. Nationals win and three victories on the season, Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster are locked in for the second stop of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship: the Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

This weekend marks a first in playoff history, a four-wide race in the Countdown. That means the pressure is already turned up to 11, and Ashley knows the unique format can either make or break a championship push.

“This is the first time we’ll be racing four-wide in the Countdown, so it’ll certainly add a twist to things,” Ashley said. “But I think that’s good. If it’s beneficial for the sport, then I’m all for it. Right now, our focus is on ourselves. We have the utmost confidence in our SCAG Power Equipment team. We know how to operate at a high level and feel grateful for the opportunity to show that in front of all the great fans, our SCAG Dealers and distributors, and all our partners, especially RCN Capital, who will be hanging out with us again this weekend. There are five races left, and we want to take advantage of every point available.”

Ashley rolled into Reading after his U.S. Nationals triumph and qualified second, but bowed out in the second round. Even so, he sits just outside the top three in points with five races to go, well within striking distance of the leaders.

And if anyone knows how to handle the chaos of four-wide, it’s Ashley. He made the final quad in Vegas earlier this year and came up runner-up in Charlotte at the spring Four-Wide Nationals. That track record proves he’s got the reaction times and race-day savvy to thrive in the format.

With the Countdown heating up, Ashley isn’t looking to survive this weekend; he’s aiming to strike.

Dave Richards Is Looking For A Four-Wide Rebound at zMAX

The Countdown to the Championship doesn’t leave much room for error, and Dave Richards knows it. After a rough outing at Reading, the BlueBird Turf / Versatran Ford Mustang Funny Car team is rolling into zMAX Dragway with redemption on their minds. The four-wide twist could be exactly what Richards needs to shake up the standings this weekend.

Richards sits 13th in Funny Car points, but he’s not out of the fight. A top-10 finish is still within reach if the team can string together some strong runs in the back half of the season. The veteran knows Charlotte has been kind to him before, and he’s banking on that track record to keep his Countdown alive.

“It’s the first time four-wide has been in the Countdown. That’s pretty exciting for this BlueBird / Versatran team. We’ve had success at zMAX Dragway before, it’s been good to us, and we’re looking to quickly rebound from last weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania,” Richards said. “There’s still time to pull through and make this a successful season. Our goal of a top 10 finish is still in sight, but we need to make some moves now. With it being four-wide, I like our chances.”

Richards has proven he can handle the chaos of four-wide. Earlier this year, he qualified 15th in Charlotte and raced to the quarterfinals, while in Las Vegas, he made the final quad to earn semifinal points. Last year at the Carolina Four-Wide, Richards fought his way out of the first quad as the 14th qualifier.

With history showing he can rise to the occasion in this unique format, Richards and his BlueBird Turf / Versatran team have every reason to believe they can make some noise at zMAX and keep their top-10 mission alive.

Daniel Wilkerson Ready For First-Ever Four-Wide Playoff Race

The Countdown is officially in high gear, and Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car team are rolling into zMAX Dragway with something to prove. This weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals isn’t just another playoff stop, it’s history in the making.

Wilkerson comes into Charlotte sitting 10th in the Funny Car standings. His season has had flashes of brilliance. A runner-up at the Winternationals, a pair of Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins, and multiple semifinal appearances, but now is the time to turn those highlights into momentum. Backed by his father and veteran tuner Tim Wilkerson, Daniel knows what it takes to make a run at zMAX.

“I’m excited to run four-wide this weekend at zMAX Dragway. Excited to get back in the seat of my SCAG Ford Mustang,” Wilkerson said. “This team has been working hard, and it would be nice to finally be able to show it on the track. Tim has an excellent history running four-wide in Charlotte, and we need a good weekend to stay relevant. So, here’s hoping we get some win lights and maybe even end up in the winners’ circle.”

Tim Wilkerson’s record at zMAX speaks for itself. A four-wide win in 2021 and a fall victory back in 2016, plus another four-wide win in Las Vegas. That kind of experience could be the edge Daniel needs as he navigates his first playoff four-wide race.

For a young driver trying to climb the Funny Car ladder, there’s no better place to make a statement than Charlotte in the Countdown. And if the Wilkersons can put the pieces together, the SCAG Mustang might just be the car everyone’s talking about by Sunday night.