NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

After a tough regular season, six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders is ready to face the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, which begin this weekend at the 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish at Maple Grove Raceway.

Two weeks ago, at the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Enders secured her 50th NHRA win, ending a 30-race winless streak dating back to the season-opener in 2024. With momentum on her side and now eighth in points, Enders is looking forward to Reading and hopes to continue to move up the points standings in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car.

“I’m thrilled to have finally gotten the monkey off our back by winning number 50,” said Enders. “Now we can move on and get to work trying to turn this season around. Throughout winning our six championships, we have had seasons where we dominated from the start. We have also had seasons where we really relied on the Countdown and that’s just how this year has played out.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Prock (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claimed wins in their respective categories at Maple Grove Raceway a year ago, with Brown and Prock finishing the season as world champions. The race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Enders has seen tremendous success throughout her career in Pro Stock, but before Indy, the 2025 season was not one she was accustomed to throughout her tenure with Elite Motorsports. A rough start included six first-round losses and a DNQ, but the team has worked hard to get back to championship form. Enders advanced to the semifinals in Brainerd, following it with her historic Indy victory, giving the team – and driver – some much-needed momentum.

The Pro Stock season has been dominated by Elite Motorsports’ rival KB Titan Racing with reigning world champion Greg Anderson and 2025 regular season champion Dallas Glenn. Anderson and Glenn have tallied nine wins this season between them, but Enders is ready to take on the KB Titan duo when she arrives in Reading.

“I believe it’s really important to start the final six races out on the right foot,” Enders said. “I absolutely love racing in Reading. The Koretsky family has done a fantastic job with the facility and they most definitely know how to put on a race. We know we have a lot to improve on at this race, but my guys have been working incredibly hard and I’m excited to play with all the heart we have.”

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2:30 and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 12 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday on FS1, and eliminations at 2 p.m. Sunday on FS1.

To purchase tickets to the 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish at Maple Grove Raceway, fans can visit www.maplegroveraceway.com. All children 12 and under are admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.nhra.com.