Josh Hart is no stranger to success at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, and this year the Huntington, Indiana, native is aiming to expand on his record at drag racing’s most prestigious event. Hart, who earned U.S. Nationals victories in Top Alcohol Dragster in 2018 and 2019, will pursue wins in two categories at this weekend’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals: Top Fuel and the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.

Now a multi-time Top Fuel national event winner, Hart will pilot the R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster while also competing in the Burnyzz Speed Shop Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. The opportunity to race in his home state on drag racing’s biggest stage carries special meaning.

“I’m originally from Indiana, and that was my first national event win on the largest stage in drag racing when I won in Top Alcohol Dragster,” said Hart. “I absolutely think it’s monumental. There’s no bigger race. Obviously, every win is super significant, but Indianapolis and the Top Fuel class are the top. It’s the cream of the crop. It kind of marks you forever with the NHRA.”

Hart enters the weekend eighth in the Top Fuel standings but could climb as high as sixth with a strong showing before the Countdown to the Championship playoffs begin. With five qualifying sessions in Top Fuel and four in the Factory Stock Showdown, Hart expects to log significant track time ahead of eliminations.

“We’ve been fighting for position all year, so it’s obviously extremely important,” said Hart. “We’re grateful for Mission Foods making a regular season championship. We’re just going to keep scraping and clawing and trying to get as high as we can.”

For Hart, the U.S. Nationals offers not only a chance to compete for another Wally trophy but also an opportunity to continue building momentum for the six-race playoff stretch.

“I think you have to be preparing for this race and the playoffs all season,” said Hart. “You start preparing for the end of the regular season, and you know that no matter where you’re at, you still have a shot when you go in there with points and a half, so you just mentally prepare, knowing that everything from that race forward will dictate the season.”

Hart plans on using the extra seat time to stay sharp and in race mode during the U.S. Nationals, so it won’t be a drain on his battery at all. Being able to pull off a double-up win is big, but if Hart can do it during the U.S. Nationals, that will make him a true legend in the drag racing world.