All eyes will be on Jack Beckman at the NHRA Midwest Nationals this year as he takes over for John Force after the veteran drag racer’s catastrophic June disaster. As Beckman gets ready for the 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals on September 26, 2024, at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, he’s not just looking to win; he’s also relishing what he calls a “real challenge.”
Beckman will be sitting behind the wheel of the 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS which currently stands third in points in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The race in St. Louis marks the 17th of 20 races this season and is a crucial part of the Countdown to the Championship. This stretch will determine if Beckman can transform his strong playoff performance, with finals in Reading and semifinals in Charlotte, into a victory.
“Our goal is to win a race and the way Austin is running, it’s going to be tough on all of us,” Beckman said via Motorsports News Wire.
Austin Prock, the current points leader and a standout performer with a dominant season streak, has seen an unprecedented run that has put a target on his back.
“Austin is the one carrying a target on his back, and their performance this year has been outstanding. Their actions are unparalleled.
Bob Tasca III, 129 points behind Prock but only seven points ahead of Beckman in second place, adds to the fierce fight.
Historically, the St. Louis track has been a battleground for racing titans such as Matt Hagan, who won the Funny Car class last year and is another fierce contender that Beckman has to outpace. Beckman has his own record here, however, with two victories to his name.
This year’s competition breathes new life into the sport with a mix of seasoned champions and up-and-coming talent, including reigning world champ Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, and rookie Daniel Wilkerson. The stakes are equally high across other categories. In Top Fuel, Clay Millican aims for consecutive wins in St. Louis, while Antron Brown, the points leader, has dominated the first two playoff races. Pro Stock sees Greg Anderson vying for another win to stay competitive, with heavyweights like Dallas Glenn and Erica Enders in the fray.
Besides the heated competitions, fans can expect an engaging weekend with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, and more, promising a variety of races. Fan interactions including meet and greets in Nitro Alley, pre-race ceremonies, and open winner’s circle celebrations add to the event’s allure.
“All of us are up for the challenge and (we’re) planning to showcase that this weekend in St. Louis,” Beckman stated. “It is unique that this PEAK Chevy squad has received bonus points in 11 of the last 13 qualifying runs, as well as eight straight. That kind of reliability will undoubtedly result in racing victories soon.”
It remains to be seen if Beckman can secure a racing victory and possibly the championship for John Force.
“There are so many amazing cars available right now. To win a race is our objective, Beckman restated. “But we want Team Force Nos. 1 and No. 2 at the conclusion of the year. Our goal, which is to win the title for John Force, is starting to take shape.”
