Justin Ashley’s First St. Louis Win Shines at NHRA Midwest Nationals

Justin Ashley targets another vital result at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis, the Countdown midpoint at World Wide Technology Raceway.

The Scag Power Equipment driver arrives off wins at the U.S. Nationals and Charlotte. He has never won in St. Louis, yet form and execution indicate a live challenge.

Ashley stresses process over points. “We just need to keep doing what we’re doing. Our approach is one race at a time,” he said, referencing lessons carried over from Charlotte.

Doug Kalitta heads the standings by 38 points over Ashley, with Shawn Langdon 59 back. At round 17, every early-round swing carries outsized playoff significance.

The field is deep. Tony Stewart sits fourth, with Clay Millican and reigning champion Antron Brown in the mix. Brittany Force contests her final St. Louis start before retiring from full-time racing.

Ashley’s strength remains his start-line precision. Sharp reaction times have underpinned recent progress, complementing a package that emphasizes consistency across changing conditions.

Experience informs the approach. “You can’t buy experience,” Ashley said, noting guidance from teammates and veterans who have navigated Countdown pressure.

Translating Charlotte’s data to St. Louis means disciplined setup calls and measured aggression. Ashley avoids scoreboard watching, protecting rhythm and round-by-round momentum.

Last year’s St. Louis winners were Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car, Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock, and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Support categories add depth, including the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and Pro Mod. Factory Stock Showdown and Mountain Motor Pro Stock conclude their seasons amid the sport’s most potent motorsports machines.

Speed brings elevated risk, keeping focus on equipment and driver safety as teams chase performance without compromising protection.

FS1 airs the 2025 NHRA Midwest Nationals live on Sunday, reflecting broader industry trends toward event-long storytelling and accessible playoff narratives.

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Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.