Story By: SARA SLAUGHTER / JOHN FORCE RACING – CONCORD, NC – Austin Prock is the only active John Force Racing driver without a win in the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, a distinction he hopes to shed this weekend at the wheel of the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster at zMAX Dragway just outside of Charlotte.
Prock started the 2023 season with two quarterfinal finishes at the Gatornationals and Arizona Nationals before having a runner-up performance at the Winternationals, his third consecutive final-round appearance at the event in Pomona, California. The Montana Brand / RMT dragster is currently sitting seventh in points after a first quad exit at the most recent event, the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas.
“This Montana Brand / RMT team is ready to get back at in Charlotte. I think what we learned in Vegas will us up nicely in the first qualifying session to make a clean run,” Prock said. “Being able to drop the door and make a good hit right off the trailer really sets you up for the weekend and I know we’re capable of that. Hoping for some sunshine and win lights this weekend.”
Although he’s made only 53 career starts in Top Fuel, Prock already has advanced to seven final rounds with three wins including two in last year’s Countdown to the Championship in which he improved by a record-equaling nine positions, finishing third overall. His first win came at Seattle in 2019.
The Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway starts with qualifying Friday at 4:45 and 7:45 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 4:35 p.m. Sunday eliminations are slated to begin at noon. Television coverage of the event begins with qualifying shows Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will begin on FS1 Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET.