Pre-Race Report
Event 14: NHRA Mile-High Nationals
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo.
July 20-22
Event 14: NHRA Mile-High Nationals
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo.
July 20-22
Denver Highlights: One win (2010); Four finals (2009, 2003, 2001, 1999); Two no.1 qualifiers (2006, 2002)
Last Event Recap (NHRA New England Nationals): Qualified ninth; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Terry McMillen in the first round, lost to Leah Pritchett in the quarterfinals)
2017 NHRA Mile High Nationals Recap: Qualified second; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Greg Carrillo in the first round, lost to Antron Brown in the quarterfinals)
Quotable: “I am excited to get on the road for the Western Swing. The Mac Tools team is working hard and we are looking for some great performance this weekend.”
Career Stats: 471 starts; 641 round wins (ninth all-time); 44 wins (Fifth all-time in Top Fuel); 93 finals; 49 no.1 qualifiers (tied 14th all-time)
2018 Season: One Win (Pomona-I); Three finals (Pomona I, Charlotte I, Richmond); 18 round wins; fifth in the standings
Noteworthy: Next no.1 qualifier is 50th of his career; Kalitta is one of four drivers to win in Top Fuel for Connie Kalitta (Doug, Connie & Scott Kalitta and J.R. Todd)
Last Event Recap (NHRA New England Nationals): Qualified 10th; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Scott Palmer in the first round, lost to Tony Schumacher in the quarterfinals)
2017 NHRA Mile High Nationals Recap: Did not compete
Quotable: “I feel that it is go time for Kalitta Air Toyota team. We are coming off two solid outings and are making our way deeper into the top 10. We are looking to have a strong Western Swing beginning with Denver.”
Career Stats: 91 starts; 84 round wins; Eight wins; 10 finals; Five no.1 qualifiers
2018 Season: One win (Gainesville); Nine round wins; Ninth in the standings
Last Event Recap (NHRA New England Nationals): Qualified third; Semifinalist (Defeated Jim Campbell in the first round and John Force in the quarterfinals, lost to Tim Wilkerson in the first round)
2017 NHRA Mile High Nationals Recap: Qualified fifth; First round loss (Lost to Terry Haddock in the first round)
Quotable: “I haven’t had too much success in Denver, but it is one of my favorite stops on tour with great fans. It is a great way to start the Western Swing. The Global Electronic Technology team has been working hard to prepare for this race with the changes that it requires, so we are ready. It is a fun unique race in a beautiful setting. The Bandimere family does a great job, and I am excited to be headed to Denver.”
Career Stats: 218 starts; 257 round wins; 14 wins; 30 finals; 18 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 13 starts; 10 round wins)
2018 Season: 13 starts; 10 round wins; ninth in the standings
Noteworthy: Langdon claimed the 14-year old Junior Dragster championship at Bandimere Speedway in 1997.
Denver Highlights: Two wins (2014, 2006)
Last Event Recap (NHRA New England Nationals): Qualified seventh; First round loss (Lost to Tim Wilkerson in the first round)
2017 NHRA Mile High Nationals Recap: Qualified eighth; Quarterfinalist (Defeated Tim Wilkerson in the first round, lost to Jim Campbell in the quarterfinals)
Quotable: “I am excited about the Western Swing as it is one of my favorite times of the year. Racing on the mountain is a major challenge and I’d love to add a Funny Car win there.”
Career Stats: 185 starts; 184 round wins; 13 wins; 23 finals; 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 37 starts; Four wins (2017: Sonoma, Indianapolis, 2018: Las Vegas-I, Houston); Five finals (2017: Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis, 2018: Las Vegas-I, Houston); 35 round wins)
2018 Season: Two wins (Las Vegas-I, Houston); 17 round wins; sixth in the point standings
Noteworthy: Todd will match his entire round win total from the 2018 season (18 round wins) with a first round win on Sunday; Todd scored both his first career win (2006) and first win for Kalitta Motorsports (2014) at Bandimere; Todd is also the only pro driver to have a win on the Western Swing the last four seasons (2014: Denver, 2015: Seattle, 2016: Sonoma, 2017: Sonoma)
All photos are courtesy of Gary Nastase Photography.
