Western Swing kicks off with changes throughout the sport
Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.comThe Western Swing is often crucial to title hopes in the NHRA. Add shorter races for Top Fuel and Funny Car as well as tight battles in Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle and there's more drama than ever, writes Bill Stephens.
Story | Conversation | July 10, 2008High expectations meet high drama in Pro Stock title chase
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comIf 2007 proved anything in the NHRA Pro Stock title chase, it's this: It ain't over 'til it's over. Jeg Coughlin prevailed in last year's dramatic Countdown finale. And this year's all-star assault should produce a similar finish, writes Bill Stephens.
Story | Conversation | February 01, 2008Coming back for more
Bill Stephens, ESPNFor a handful of well-known racers who've been out for a bit, the U.S. Nationals is a sort of homecoming.
Story | Conversation | September 03, 2004Gray to drive car to aid championship quest
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comOn Wednesday, Schumacher announced that when his Top Fuel team arrives at the 50th U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Labor Day weekend, his Funny Car garage will be stuffed with a third fuel coupe.
Story | Conversation | August 11, 2004Burkart scores Funny Car win at Vegas
Bill Stephens, ESPNPhil Burkart has driven for plenty of teams, but he's making the most of what is perhaps his best opportunity.
Story | Conversation | April 04, 2004Wilkerson finds way to win
Bill Stephens, ESPNTim Wilkerson doesn't have the notoriety of other Funny Car drivers. But now he's got a U.S. Nationals win.
Story | Conversation | September 08, 2003Big changes coming in Funny Car
Bill Stephens, ESPNGary Densham will leave John Force's Funny Car effort to start his own team next year.
Story | Conversation | August 24, 2003Pedregon back on course
Bill Stephens, ESPNCruz Pedregon is a former NHRA champ who's got himself back on the fast track.
Story | Conversation | July 25, 2003Many frustrated with runs at Atlanta
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comFor every winner at Atlanta, there was a tough-luck loser, writes Bill Stephens.
Story | Conversation | May 05, 2003Force off to slow start
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comJohn Force has uncharacteristically struggled in the 2003 season's first two races.
Story | Conversation | March 01, 2003Trends already exist in 2003
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comWith just one NHRA event down in 2003, it is already possible to detect a few trends.
Story | Conversation | February 21, 2003Reflections of the opening event
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comSeveral key observations can be made following last week's season-opening Winternationals.
Story | Conversation | February 16, 2003Title chases set to get underway
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comThe Winternationals, the first event of the 2003 NHRA season, begins Thursday at Pomona, Calif.
Story | Conversation | February 04, 2003Force got familiar results in Indy
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comJohn Force used an amazing combination of skill and luck to win his fourth career U.S. Nationals title.
Story | Conversation | September 07, 2002Russell aiming to sweep the Swing
Bill Stephens, ESPN.comDarrell Russell is now grabbing some headlines after getting his sophomore season back on track.
Story | Conversation | August 02, 2002TOP SEARCHES IN NOVEMBER
Bowl Projections tops ESPN.com searches in November. Did "johnny gray" make the list?