NHRA Adds Bonus Points To U.S. Nationals: Good Move?

Fans of NHRA professional drag racing have for years urged the idea of bringing some true on-track incentive to the the sports crown jewel race, the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Well finally, series officials have made that very move, announcing today a once-a-year bonus points program for all professional categories at the annual Labor Day weekend event that just celebrated its 60th anniversary in September.

Competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete on a point-and-a-half scale at the U.S. Nationals, with the winner in each class claiming 150 points, the runners-up 120, semifinalists 90, quarterfinalists 60, and first-round loser 30 points. With that, a maximum of 208 points will be made available in total to a racer though show-up, qualifying bonus points, and potential national elapsed time record bonuses.

The Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is already one of the most pressure-packed events on the circuit and we expect that level of excitement to increase significantly with this points increase. – Graham Light

These extra bonuses break down to 15 points for making a qualifying attempt, 20 points for a national record, eight points for earning the No. 1 qualifying position, and a maximum of 15 points for earning three points during each of the five qualifying sessions (one, two, and three points are awarded to the three quickest runs in each session at all national events).

As the final race for professional drivers to qualify for the exclusive NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdow to the Championship, the points-and-a-half system will add another dimension to the last-minute drama of soloing for the top ten who will move on to the six-race playoff.

“With more points up for grabs we certainly expect to see a lot of movement throughout the top 10s in each of the Mello Yello Series classes on the final day of the regular season,” said Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president of racing operations. “The Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is already one of the most pressure-packed events on the circuit and we expect that level of excitement to increase significantly with this points increase.”

Image courtesy NHRA/National