According to two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Brittany Force, the Pep Boys NHRA All-Star Callout brings drama to drag racing.
By featuring a format that requires drivers to “call out” their opponents, the specialty event seems to create rivalries like no other race on the NHRA schedule.
And this year, Force will have first pick of who she wants to battle on the drag strip as she is the No. 1 seed for the March 11 event.
The bonus race-within-a-race that boasts a $80,000 winner’s check is returning for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing calendar after a successful first run last year, though there are a few minimal changes to note.
One, there are a few new characters who will appear in the eight-car field.
First-timers Austin Prock, Clay Millican and Josh Hart will join Force, Steve Torrence, Mike Salinas, Justin Ashley and Doug Kalitta for the All-Star Callout during the upcoming AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Florida’s Gainesville Raceway.
Each driver was selected based on last season’s qualifying performances.
Second, as the Gatornationals open the NHRA season, the All-Star Callout will run two rounds earlier than it did in 2022.
The specialty race was held at round three last year, although rain delayed the event’s conclusion to round 16 during the NHRA U.S. Nationals where Torrence scored the coveted $80,000 prize.
However, most drivers are looking forward to starting the season off with the All-Star Callout, despite certain disadvantages.
Brittany Force, defending Top Fuel champion
“Since it’s the first race of the season, you’re jumping right into it. It would be nice to have a couple races to find your footing before getting into it, but again, it just adds drama, it pulls in a crowd and it’ll put fans in the stands.
“That’s what the sport needs and that’s what we want at the end of the day.”
Justin Ashley, All-Star Callout semifinalist
“It’s different because it is the first race of the year. In terms of picking who you’re going to race, ultimately, it’s going to be a team decision. But we have no background. At least last year, it was the third race of the year and we had some background on how certain people were running.
“But this time, you’re getting right into it. You could maybe base it off of testing, but I think it’ll more so just be taking an educated guess.
“There’s no good person to choose anyways. You haven’t made any real laps, and the competition hasn’t either. It’s great to be able to open the season up with some excitement, but it’s definitely going to be tricky.”
Austin Prock, All-Star Callout rookie
“I personally like that it’s at the first race of the year. It’s going to bring some excitement and, in my opinion, it’s going to show who did their homework the best over the offseason. In my opinion, races are won in the race shop. That’s where you do all your magic.
“It’s going to show who’s going to be the most competitive, and for the drivers, everyone’s going to have some cobwebs and be a little rusty, so you’re going to see who studied up on drilling that Christmas tree the best.”
Clay Millican, All-Star Callout rookie
“I’m just proud to be a part of it. I don’t care if it’s first race, last race, just let me jump on that pedal. I’m sure it’s going to be exciting no matter what, because I know when I put my helmet on, I have a blast — win, lose or draw.”