Celebrating 75 years of speed, power, and the world's fastest motorsport

2009

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2009 FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT HIGHT

  • Won title from 10th place, biggest comeback in history
  • Scored wins in three of six Countdown to the Championship playoff events
  • Edged teammate Ashley Force Hood to claim championship
  • Finished in second place in 2006 and 2007
  • Former mechanic was 2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year

Top Fuel world champion
Tony Schumacher

Funny Car world champion
Robert Hight

Pro Stock world champion
Mike Edwards

Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion
Hector Arana

Top Alcohol Dragster world champion
Bill Reichert

Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion
Frank Manzo

Comp eliminator world champion
Bruno Massel Jr.

Super Stock world champion
Jimmy DeFrank

Stock eliminator world champion
Edmond Richardson

Super Comp world champion
Jim Perry

Super Gas world champion
Ray Connolly

2009

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

NHRA BATTLES RECESSION

In the face of a global recession, NHRA introduced a fan-relief ticket program at NHRA-owned tracks, including reduce-priced general admission tickets, free admittance for children 12 and under, and a military-appreciation offer.

SCHUMACHER EKES OUT TITLE

Tony Schumacher earned his sixth consecutive Top Fuel world championship title and seventh overall; winning by two points over rival Larry Dixon, the closest Top Fuel points finish in NHRA history.

NHRA GETS SOCIAL

In March, NHRA entered the social networking arena with pages on Facebook and Twitter, allowing it to communicate and interact with fans on a real-time basis. Within a year, the Facebook page had 100,000 friends.

RINGING THE BELL

Led by NHRA President Tom Compton, representatives from Coca-Cola and IMG and a large group of racers took part in the prestigious ringing of The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange June 10.

2009

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

2009 rookie

Spencer Massey

Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey raced to two victories in five final rounds in his Don “the Snake” Prudhomme-owned U.S. Smokeless dragster. He finished sixth in the final Top Fuel championship standings. His season highlights included wins in Chicago and Las Vegas and runner-up finishes in Atlanta, Reading, Pa., and Pomona.

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