Story By: SARA SLAUGHTER / ELITE MOTORSPORTS – BRAINERD, MN – The three Cuadra brothers, Fernando Jr. and twins Cristian and David, made history on Sunday afternoon when they all three raced their Corral Boots / Cuadra / Columbia Impex hot rods to first-round wins at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.
While it was the first time the three Cuadra brothers had all made it out of the first round together, it was also the first time in NHRA history that three brothers all had first-round victories in a professional category. Their father, Fernando Cuadra Sr., who retired from Pro Stock racing after running the four-wide with his family in Charlotte earlier this season, was onsite to witness his sons’ best weekend of racing.
“The first time ever they’ve all gotten to the quarterfinals together. I’ve been dreaming about it. They’ve made some history, the first time it’s been done in the history of the U.S. in a pro category. I have to say thank you to Elite Motorsports and everyone who put in so much effort on these race cars,” Fernando Sr. said. “Richard [Freeman] said let’s change the springs and oil because it’s going to be a long day, and it was a long day. Unfortunately, luck was against us in the semifinals, but we have cars that are going to be very competitive for the rest of the season. There are no easy rounds anymore and whoever cuts the better light is going to win. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
The Cuadra’s impressive weekend started in qualifying. Fernando Jr. led the trio in the No. 4 spot after a stout 6.619 at 205.35. Cristian followed in the No. 5 spot going 6.625 at 206.54 and David landed in the No. 9 position with a 6.638 at 206.54.
Fernando Jr. would make the most of his race day with a semifinal finish. He started Sunday with a first-round victory against teammate Troy Coughlin Jr. in the JEGS.com / White Castle car. Fernando Jr. would go 6.610 seconds at 206.42 mph to better Troy Jr.’s 6.640 at 206.29. In the quarterfinal round, Fernando Jr. would end his brother, Cristian’s day. Fernando Jr. would lay down a 6.632 pass at 206.42 to better Cristian’s 6.680 at 198.03.
“Well, I’m very excited about how we ran this weekend, even in Rock Falls last weekend when we tested. The car is on a trend of getting better and better and better. It’s the right time of the season to be doing it,” Fernando Jr. said. “Heading to Indy next, I’m hopeful the win is coming. I was in the semifinals two years ago and runner-up last year. With the way the car is running, maybe I can seal the deal there.”
The quarterfinal win landed Fernando Jr. a spot in the last Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the season to be competed at the U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend. In the semifinals, Fernando Jr.’s 6.849 pass at 206.13 mph wouldn’t be enough for Mason McGaha’s 6.672 at 206.51.
Before coming up short to Fernando Jr., Cristian would defeat Matt Hartford in the first round on a holeshot. Cristian left the starting line first at .024 seconds with a 6.651-second pass at 206.01 mph to Hartford’s .042 reaction time and 6.636 pass at 206.57.
“We’re really excited. It’s all a process. We understand that you need to win rounds then you can start winning events so you can fight for a championship. Right now, we are getting to the point where we’re going to start going more rounds more often. So, it’s exciting,” said Cristian who reached the final round of the season-opening Gatornationals in March. “All three cars are running really fast, and my brothers and I are becoming better drivers, we’re learning a lot. I know it’s going to take time to get a Wally, but I’m excited, it’s going to happen.”
David started off his day lined up against Deric Kramer in the first round. He’d get the better of Kramer with a 6.645-second run at 206.45 mph taking down Kramer who struggled to a 7.114 at 194.72. David had a quarterfinal finish after finding himself on the wrong end of a holeshot against Mason McGaha. David left the start line in .037 seconds and had a 6.652 run at 206.48 while McGaha would have a .028 light and 6.655 pass at 207.69.
“I’m feeling really confident after this weekend. I’m excited to go to Indy because I’m still getting used to this car and so far, I’m liking it,” said David who made history as the first citizen of Mexico to win an NHRA national event when he claimed a Top Sportsman victory in 2023. “I’m proud of the whole family, Junior is making good runs, he is going really fast, and Cristian too. We all have competitive race cars and good chances to get the first Cuadra family win before the season is over.”
The Cuadras and their Elite Motorsports teammates will next head to the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park Aug. 30- Sept. 2 where they’ll have the chance to earn points and a half before the points reset for the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s six race playoffs.