As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series enters race eight of the 20-event season, Elite Motorsports heads to the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, with confidence growing across both its Pro Stock and Top Fuel programs. The event marks the second stop of a critical three-race Eastern Swing, and recent performances suggest Elite Motorsports may be finding its stride at the perfect time.
The timing couldn’t be better.
New England Dragway has become one of the most successful venues on the schedule for Elite Motorsports. In the last four NHRA New England Nationals featuring Pro Stock competition, an Elite Motorsports driver has appeared in the final round every single time.
Erica Enders led the charge with a runner-up finish in 2025, while Troy Coughlin Jr. claimed the Wally in 2024. Aaron Stanfield delivered a victory in 2021, and Enders added another New England Nationals win in 2022, further cementing the team’s success at the New Hampshire facility.
Tony Stewart Looking To Turn Consistency Into Victory
The newest addition to Elite Motorsports’ Top Fuel program has quickly established itself as a contender.
Tony Stewart enters the New England Nationals fourth in the Top Fuel points standings thanks to a victory at the NHRA Winternationals, multiple semifinal appearances, and consistent qualifying performances. The motorsports icon has qualified outside the top seven only once through seven races, an impressive achievement for a program still in its infancy.
Stewart is eager to capitalize on the team’s strong foundation and improve on last season’s runner-up finish at New England Dragway.
“I feel good coming into Epping. I appreciate these back-to-back weekends. When you’re struggling, it’s a chance to bounce back quickly, and when you’re doing well, it’s a chance to keep the momentum going,” Stewart said. “I’m ready to go racing. Hopefully this year the New England Nationals ends with another final round appearance but this time with a win light and a celebration in the winner’s circle.”
While recent race-day results haven’t matched the team’s early-season pace, Stewart remains confident in the direction of the R+L Carriers Top Fuel operation.
“The last few races haven’t gone our way on race day. It happens, that’s racing. This is a young team, we’re only seven events and eight or nine months into this. We’re all still learning. That’s why we have 20 races in a season,” Stewart said. “Mike Green and Joe Barlam will have this R+L team back on top. We know what we’re capable of and I have all the confidence in these R+L crew guys.”
Pro Stock Program Showing Signs Of A Breakthrough
While Stewart continues to establish Elite’s Top Fuel presence, the organization’s Pro Stock program appears to be regaining the dominant form that made it one of NHRA’s benchmark teams. Over the past two events, Elite Motorsports drivers have secured both No. 1 qualifying positions and Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victories, a clear indication that the extensive work being done behind the scenes is beginning to pay dividends.
At the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, Greg Stanfield earned his first No. 1 qualifier since 2009, while son Aaron Stanfield captured the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory. Two weeks earlier in Chicago, Erica Enders returned to the top of the qualifying sheets with her first No. 1 qualifier since St. Louis in 2024 and followed it up with a #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win.
The weekend was capped by Aaron Stanfield’s first national event victory since the 2024 Nevada Nationals, delivering Elite Motorsports its first Pro Stock win since the 2025 U.S. Nationals.
Troy Coughlin Jr. Climbing Back Into Contention
Few drivers within the Elite Motorsports camp have experienced a more dramatic turnaround than Troy Coughlin Jr.
After enduring a frustrating stretch that included six consecutive first-round losses dating back to the 2025 Texas FallNationals, Coughlin and the JEGS Pro Stock team have steadily reversed course.
The turnaround began with a runner-up finish at the inaugural NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. The team followed with its best qualifying effort of the season at Route 66 Raceway before advancing to the semifinals at the Potomac Nationals.
The recent surge has vaulted Coughlin from 13th to ninth in the Pro Stock standings and restored confidence throughout the JEGS camp.
“The JEGS Pro Stock machine is coming into Epping with a positive mindset. The boys have this car as prepared as possible for the upcoming conditions of New England Dragway,” Coughlin said.
“Epping is a really cool place to race with its throwback feel and great fans. We’re hoping to put on a good show. All we can do is keep grinding and keep putting in the effort. Elite is one of the hardest-working teams in drag racing, and that shows. I just have to keep trying to be the best I can for these boys, and we’ll get the job done.”
The NHRA New England Nationals have historically treated Elite Motorsports well, and this year’s event arrives at a time when the entire organization appears to be trending upward.
Stewart’s Top Fuel team continues to gain valuable experience and consistency. Aaron Stanfield is back in the winner’s circle. Enders has returned to the top of qualifying sheets. Greg Stanfield is enjoying one of his strongest stretches in years. Coughlin has reignited his season.
For a team accustomed to winning championships, the signs are encouraging. Now the challenge becomes turning recent momentum into another successful weekend at one of Elite Motorsports’ most productive tracks on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule.
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