Doug Kalitta and his Mac Tools Race Car team are facing a challenging uphill battle in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Despite a strong start to the season, recent performance setbacks have left the team needing a significant turnaround at the upcoming NHRA Ford Performance Nationals in Las Vegas.
The first four Countdown races saw Kalitta securing only two round wins—a stark contrast to his earlier successes, which included three race victories, six final-round appearances, and twelve top-four qualifying positions. Currently seventh in the NHRA Mission Foods Top Fuel point standings, Kalitta trails sixth-place Clay Millican by 19 points and leader Justin Ashley by a substantial 133 points. With only two races remaining, including the final race with points and a half, the Mac Tools team is under immense pressure to close the gap. First-round losses in three of the last four races underscore the urgency for improved performance.
Despite the recent struggles, Kalitta remains optimistic. The team has meticulously reviewed their performance since the Dallas race, identifying and addressing a persistent issue that has hampered their progress. They believe these adjustments will significantly improve the Mac Tools race car’s performance in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway holds positive memories for Kalitta, including his first four-wide victory earlier this season—his third win in eight final rounds at the venue. He acknowledges the track’s favorable history and the enthusiastic fan base as motivating factors. Kalitta emphasizes the importance of accumulating as many points as possible in these final races, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the championship chase. He remains confident in his team and car’s ability to compete at the highest level.
The team’s strategy focuses on consistent round wins. Kalitta believes that if the Mac Tools race car performs optimally, they can outpace the competition. He approaches each race with unwavering confidence, knowing he has the car and team capable of winning.
Event Details: NHRA Ford Performance Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas.
Television Coverage (Eastern Time):
- Qualifying: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 on FS1
- Finals: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 on FS1
2023 Event Recap: Qualified No. 4; defeated T.J. Zizzo; lost to Josh Hart.
Doug Kalitta Career Statistics: 605 events, 55 wins, 62 runner-up finishes, 794 round wins, 58 No. 1 qualifiers.
The Mac Tools race car team is determined to regain their winning form in Las Vegas. The upcoming race will be crucial in determining their chances of securing the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championship.
