At the 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on September 26, 2024, all eyes are on Jack Beckman as he steps into the driver’s seat for legendary drag racer John Force following Force’s dramatic crash in June. Beckman is not just seeking a win in the race but is also enjoying what he describes as a real challenge. Sitting behind the wheel of the 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS, Beckman currently stands third in points in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This race in St. Louis is crucial as it is part of the Countdown to the Championship that will determine if Beckman can translate his strong playoff performance into a victory.
Beckman acknowledges the tough competition he faces, particularly from Austin Prock, the current points leader who has had a dominant season streak. Prock’s impressive performance has put a target on his back, making him the one to beat. Bob Tasca III, sitting second in points, also poses a challenge just seven points ahead of Beckman. The St. Louis track has historically been a battleground for racing titans like Matt Hagan, who won the Funny Car class last year and is another fierce contender that Beckman must outpace. Beckman himself has a strong record at this track, with two victories to his name.
The competition at this year’s NHRA Midwest Nationals includes a mix of seasoned champions and up-and-coming talent such as reigning world champ Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, and rookie Daniel Wilkerson. In other categories, Top Fuel sees Clay Millican aiming for consecutive wins while Antron Brown, the points leader, has dominated the first two playoff races. Pro Stock features Greg Anderson vying for another win to stay competitive, with competitors like Dallas Glenn and Erica Enders in the mix. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ also promise a variety of races for fans.
Aside from the thrilling on-track competitions, fans can expect an engaging weekend with opportunities for fan interactions, including meet and greets in Nitro Alley, pre-race ceremonies, and open winner’s circle celebrations. Beckman expressed confidence in his PEAK Chevy team’s performance, noting their consistency in earning bonus points in qualifying runs, which he believes will eventually translate into race wins. The ultimate goal for Beckman and Team Force is to win a race and secure the championship for John Force, but they face stiff competition from other top drivers and teams aiming for the same goal.
As the NHRA Midwest Nationals kick off in St. Louis, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among competitors, fans, and industry insiders alike. With Beckman stepping into the driver’s seat for John Force and the competition heating up in every category, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of drag racing talent. As Beckman and his fellow drivers gear up for the races ahead, the stakes are high, and the chase for the championship intensifies. The fans can expect a weekend filled with adrenaline-pumping action, as the best in the sport battle it out for supremacy on the track.
