Veteran NHRA Funny Car driver Blake Alexander is back behind the wheel this weekend as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to Route 66 Raceway for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. Alexander will pilot the Pronto Auto Services Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car for Chad Green Motorsports as the team looks to capitalize on recent performance gains and return to championship form in Joliet, Illinois.
Alexander, a four-time NHRA national event winner, has built a reputation as one of the most experienced and adaptable Funny Car drivers in the category. Now, with Chad Green Motorsports continuing to evolve its nitro program during the 2026 NHRA season, Alexander believes the team is poised for a breakout performance at one of the premier tracks on the NHRA tour.
Chad Green Motorsports Building Momentum In NHRA Funny Car
The Chad Green Motorsports operation has shown flashes of elite-level performance throughout the opening portion of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Team owner and driver Chad Green currently sits fourth in the Funny Car points standings after opening the season with a victory at the NHRA Gatornationals.
Green’s Bond-Coat/bproauto Ford Mustang Funny Car has consistently qualified near the top of the field, showcasing the team’s horsepower and tuning improvements. However, clutch-related issues have prevented the team from fully maximizing its potential on race day.
Now, heading into the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, both Green and Alexander believe the team has made the necessary adjustments to turn strong qualifying performances into race day success.
Blake Alexander Excited About New Funny Car Setup
Alexander will once again share driving duties in the Pronto Auto Services Dodge//SRT Hellcat with Hunter Green during the 2026 season. The veteran driver says recent updates to the car have significantly improved the program’s outlook entering Chicago.
“The team has changed several items with the car, and Hunter showed that in recent races, including a semifinal showing at the Georgia race,” said Alexander. “I’m excited to get back in the Pronto Dodge this weekend with the new stuff in the race car. We’ll be ready.”
The Charlotte-based driver believes the improvements made to the Funny Car’s clutch program could play a major role at Route 66 Raceway, a facility known for producing fast elapsed times and strong side-by-side racing.
“Chad’s car has been running some strong qualifying times, and we believe our car can do the same at Joliet,” Alexander explained. “We have new clutch discs that could really improve our qualifying times. I’m anxious to get on the track on Friday and get to work.”
Route 66 Raceway Provides Opportunity For Big Runs
Few tracks on the NHRA circuit are as well-known for performance as Route 66 Raceway. The Chicago-area facility has historically delivered excellent racing conditions, especially for nitro categories like Funny Car and Top Fuel. That environment could provide the perfect opportunity for Chad Green Motorsports to continue refining its combination while also making a push toward another victory.
Green remains optimistic the team’s recent issues are behind them as they enter one of the most important stretches of the season.
“We have suffered some clutch issues in recent races despite qualifying pretty well,” said Green. “Our team has been working very hard to prepare for the Joliet, and I’m confident that those issues have been solved.”
Green’s confidence stems from the steady progress the team has made since its Gainesville victory earlier this season. With Alexander back in the seat and Hunter Green continuing to gain experience, the organization continues building valuable data with each event.
Chad Green Looking For Another NHRA Wally Trophy
The Route 66 NHRA Nationals also gives Chad Green another opportunity to compete in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, rewarding semifinalists from the previous event with bonus points and cash.
For Green, the goal is simple: return to the winner’s circle and continue climbing the Funny Car standings.
“I know Blake is excited to run at Joliet, and I am too,” Green said. “We would love to put our car back in the winner’s circle for any silver ‘Wally’ trophy like at the Gatornationals.”
As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season moves deeper into the summer stretch, Chad Green Motorsports appears positioned to become an even bigger factor in the loaded Funny Car category.
You might also like
Matt Hagan And Leah Pruett Lead Tony Stewart Racing Charge In Joliet
Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett are ready for Route 66 Raceway. The TSR team is locked in for a big weekend at the Route 66 NHRA 'Nats
