The zMAX Dragway event was already a spectacle, with its unique four-wide racing format adding an extra layer of intensity. Fans in the stands felt the ground shake as the nitro-powered dragsters roared to life, each one packing over 11,000 horsepower. The zMAX Dragway, lovingly nicknamed the ‘Bellagio of drag strips,’ was packed with spectators who felt the buzz.

Brittany Force, daughter of 75-year-old NHRA icon John Force, climbed into her HendrickCars.com Top Fuel dragster and was ready to take on the second session of the night.  Two-time Top Fuel World Champion Brittany was never a walkover opponent, but what she went on to do left the sport stunned. She revved up her 12,000-horsepower rocket and blasted down the 1,000-foot track, sending everyone into shock as the numbers flashed on the scoreboard. Brittany herself has described the experience of driving a Top Fuel dragster as unlike anything else. The intensity is what makes drag racing so thrilling, and Brittany’s record run took it to another level.

The NHRA’s official X post captured the moment perfectly: “341.59!!! @BrittanyForce makes the FASTEST pass in Top Fuel history!! @AmericanRebel99 #4WideNats.” Indeed, you heard that correctly—341.59 miles per hour. Brittany not only shattered the Top Fuel speed record but annihilated it, as well as being the first driver ever to officially break through the 340-mph Top Fuel barrier in a Top Fuel dragster.

Her previous national record, set in 2022 at Pomona with a speed of 338.94 mph, was already a monumental achievement, but this run pushed the limits even further. To put it into perspective, that’s faster than a commercial jet at takeoff, all packed into a four-second sprint down the drag strip. “We’re off to a great start,” beamed the 2016 Charlotte 4-Wide winner. “In Q2, this HendrickCars.com dragster went 3.667 and 341.59 mph. I didn’t know until I was mid-interview (with the FOX TV crew) at the top end that we ran that kind of mile per hour and it’s just something really exciting for every single one of these guys on this HendrickCars.com team.

Brittany’s emotions were raw as she stepped out of her dragster, her helmet still on as she processed what she’d just accomplished. “They work so hard,” she said with a wide smile, her voice full of pride and gratitude. “My crew chiefs, David Grubnic and John Collins, and every member of this crew, and for us to be able to accomplish that together and hold on to that, I hope we hold it for a long time. It’s pretty special.” You could hear the joy in her words—she knew this wasn’t just a personal victory but a defining moment for her entire team and the sport itself.

This wasn’t just a win for Brittany; it was a massive moment for John Force Racing (JFR). The team celebrated the fact that they now hold both NHRA speed records—Brittany’s 341.59 mph in Top Fuel and another record in Funny Car. JFR also boasted with pride that they’re the first team in NHRA history with runs more than 340 mph officially, solidifying their place as one of the greatest forces ever in drag racing. Brittany’s father, John Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion with a career spanning decades and a history of controversy, could only have been proud as he watched his daughter bring the family name to new levels.

Brittany’s motivated by more than speed—she’s racing for her family, her team, and the fans who’ve stood behind her so far. In the build-up to the race, she explained how significant the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals were going to be. “Our team made history when we won the 900th NHRA Top Fuel race” she shared in an interview with Drag Illustrated. “So winning this weekend and taking home the trophy from the 1000th race, especially at the Bellagio of dragstrips, ZMAX Dragway, would be a great milestone and a great highlight for the season.” She wasn’t just chasing a record; she was aiming for a milestone victory that would etch her name even deeper into the sport’s history.

As the weekend continued, Brittany had two more qualifying rounds on Saturday, April 26, to improve her position and chase the top spot. But no matter what happened next, one thing was clear: on that Friday night under the lights, Brittany Force made history. She didn’t just break a record—she redefined what’s possible in NHRA Top Fuel racing. For fans, for her team, and for the legacy of the Force family, this was a moment to celebrate. What an incredible ride!

HendrickCars.com fuels NHRA champs at Charlotte

Brittany Force is back after a year away, ready to roar in her 11,000-horsepower dragster. Jack Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car champ, is also joining the HendrickCars.com crew, driving for Tony Stewart Racing. “I cannot wait to get the HendrickCars.com Funny Car out there in Charlotte,” said Beckman, winner of John Force Racing’s 300th Funny Car victory in Pomona. “I had a great conversation with Rick Hendrick after we won Pomona. First off, I was so impressed that he took the time to call and congratulate the team and me for our win. Secondly, we’re both car guys.”

Greg Anderson, a five-time Pro Stock champ, completes the trio. HendrickCars.com has backed him since 2022, and he’s pumped for Charlotte. HendrickCars.com, part of Hendrick Automotive Group, isn’t just sponsoring—they’re all in, with fan activations and a display at zMAX Dragway. “Excited to have HendrickCars.com back on board as a major sponsor in Charlotte,” added 16-time Funny Car world champion and team owner John Force. “Rick Hendrick is a good man, and he loves his racing.”

Charlotte’s going to be electric. Three champs, one sponsor, and a whole lot of heart. Who else is feeling the buzz?