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Countdown hopefuls have to overcome pressures of Indy

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Forgive NHRA officials for wearing the silly grins. Having numerous Countdown playoff spots still available with just one race to go is a dream scenario, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | August 21, 2008

Neff's inclusion in Countdown gives JFR four cars in POWERade playoffs

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Mike Neff can cross one goal off his to-do list: advancing to the NHRA's Countdown to 1. Can his first victory -- and perhaps even a Funny Car title -- be too far behind?

Story | Conversation | August 19, 2008

Beckman secures Countdown spot with special win at Maple Grove

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Jack Beckman earned the victory in Pennsylvania only a week after blowing the final in Minnesota. It was a special win against a special opponent -- Frank Hawley -- to secure a spot in the Countdown, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | August 18, 2008

Warren Johnson trying to stay Pro Stock's grand master

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Warren Johnson dominated Pro stock for two decades, but hasn't won a title since 2001. You can bet he's working feverishly to rectify that, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | August 12, 2008

Playoff picture taking shape as POWERade Series moves to Brainerd

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Countdown contenders are running out of time in the NHRA POWERade Series. One driver who doesn't have to worry is Tony Schumacher, who has won eight of 15 national events in the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster.

Story | Conversation | August 08, 2008

Arend 'honored' to drive Scott Kalitta's Funny Car at Indy

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Kalitta Motorsports will honor the memory of Scott Kalitta by reactivating the DHL Funny Car for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indy. Driver Jeff Arend just hopes to do the Kalitta family proud, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | August 06, 2008

Lucas and Tasca teetering on wrong side of Countdown cutoff

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Morgan Lucas and Bob Tasca are running out of time. The Countdown to One looms, and both Lucas and Tasca are on the outside looking in, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | July 31, 2008

Connolly inches into top 10 after holeshot win at Sonoma

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Dave Connolly missed the first five races because he didn't have a sponsor. Look at him now. After beating teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. on a holeshot in Sunday's Pro Stock final, Connolly is back in a big way, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | July 29, 2008

Western Swing kicks off with changes throughout the sport

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

The 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, 2008

Bernstein ready to put winless first half behind him

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Brandon Bernstein has never had a winless season in Top Fuel, but he's halfway there now. With the Western Swing on the horizon and the days getting hotter, it's like just a matter of time before Bernstein heats up himself, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | July 02, 2008

Norwalk highlights will remain in memories a long time

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

For a sport still in mourning over the death of Scott Kalitta, the NHRA event at Norwalk, Ohio, put the focus back on the track. And what a memorable event it was, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | June 30, 2008

Drivers expect to fight through their grief in Norwalk

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Less than a week after losing one of their own in a fiery qualifying accident, NHRA competitors will put on their game faces and get back to work in Norwalk, Ohio, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | June 26, 2008

Holeshot wins the order of the day at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Faster is not always better. Tony Schumacher and others proved that statement Sunday with holeshot victories at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

Story | Conversation | June 23, 2008

Midseason tailspin has Funny Car driver Worsham in grumpy mood

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

Del Worsham is hoping he didn't peak too soon in 2008. Worsham won the Funny Car title at Houston in March, but he's limping in at 13th in the standings after four DNQs and three first-round defeats, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | June 10, 2008

It could be another battle against the elements in Joliet

Bill Stephens, Special to ESPN.com

The NHRA POWERade series is gearing up for its summer stretch, but all the competitors will keep a wary eye on the skies and thermometer as the weekend in Joliet, Ill., gets under way, writes Bill Stephens.

Story | Conversation | June 06, 2008