BROWNSBURG, Ind. — The NHRA U.S. Nationals celebrated its 70th year of drag racing on the west side of Indianapolis.
Clay Millican claimed the Top Fuel title at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, beating Steve Torrence by covering the drag strip in 3.792 seconds — a speed of nearly 328 miles an hour. Torrence had eliminated Columbus, Indiana, native Tony Stewart in the semifinals.
Millican was all smiles after the race, clutching his "Wally" — the winner's trophy named in honor of NHRA founder Wally Parks, who designed the award.
"Winning the U.S. Nationals is like a career-defining kind of thing. I have driven Top Fuel cars for 26, years and it's nice to add this to the Wally collection," Millican said.
In other events, Austin Prock defeated Ron Capps in Funny Car, with a 3.885-second pass to secure his fifth win of the season.
"It's still surreal. I don't think it's really hit in yet, but this is a big win," Prock said. "A lot of people dream of winning Indy and, you know, I never really though I'd get the opportunity and we absolutely dominated today."
Gaige Herrera beat Angie Smith in the finals of the Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, recording a 198.70 mph run in 6.763 seconds, and Aaron Stanfield topped the Pro Stock field with a 6.561-second pass to defeat Jeg Coughlin Jr.
"It's a great day. This race track has so much history, and it feels good to add my name to that. It's Indy, so there's nothing better than this win right here," Stansfield said.