KALITTA, HAGAN, ANDERSON AND HERRERA WIN NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS
Last Updated on September 28, 2025 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (Sept. 28, 2025) – Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Greg Anderson and Gaige Herrera come out victorious in front of a near sellout crowd at the NAPA Auto Parts Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sept. 28.
This race was a great milestone for Ida Zetterstrom who made it to her second ever semifinal after a perfect reaction time in the first round of eliminations against Tony Stewart and went onto beat Kyle Wurtzel to make it to semifinals. In the semifinals, it was a battle between Zetterstrom and five-time Midwest Nationals winner Antron Brown, but it was Zetterstrom who propelled herself to her first finals with a run of 3.925 at 292.08 to face No. 1 qualifier Kalitta.
In the final Top Fuel pass of the weekend, Kalitta put in a stellar run with a 3.796 at 327.98 to conclude a stellar weekend. Kalitta push ahead of Zetterstrom to take home the coveted Wally. This race solidified Kalitta’s lead in the points and extending his lead ahead of Justin Ashley.
“It’s just a huge relief, you know, because you’re in the countdown races trying to do your best. And, they’re giving me a car that’s going down the track like that,” said Kalitta. “So real special, for sure.”
The John Force Racing duo of Jack Beckman and No. 1 qualifier Austin Prock went head-to-head in the quarter finals where the 2024 NHRA Midwest Nationals winner Beckman advanced ahead of Prock with a run of 4.018 at 318.02. However, it was Beckman and Chad Green who faced off in the semifinals where Beckman’s run of .014 at 322.73 propelled him to the finals where he was challenged by Hagan for the final win.
“I’ve been able to accomplish everything I’ve ever set out to do here in the sport,” said Hagan. “This is 54 races, and we’ve had four championships and set a lot of world records. And, you know, I’ve got a group of guys right now that it’s fun to come to work with.”
This win has solidified Hagan’s place in the standings behind Prock, narrowing the gap to just 20 points behind the reining Funny Car champion.
Reigning Pro Stock World Champion Anderson showed just why he holds that title as he put his car ahead of Matt Hartford in the class finals. Anderson has a history of wins in St. Louis, with three recorded and his last being in 2023.
“After yesterday. I probably didn’t come in with the most confidence in anybody on the grounds today, but what a recovery my guys made with my race car,” said Anderson. “Was just not happy and qualifying, and that’s not normal for us. There was just something we were doing wrong or something it didn’t like about this racetrack. But they figured it out overnight, and I made four very high-quality runs today and had the light I needed to get each time. You know, timing is everything.”
No.1 qualifier Eric Latino faced a first-round exit when Troy Coughlin Jr. put in a run with a 6.581 at 208.88 to get him to the quarterfinals where he beat Fernando Cuadra Jr. Coughlin Jr. squared off against Matt Hartford in the semifinals where Hartford’s run was enough to get him to the finals with Anderson, who beat Matt Latino in the semis.
Herrera solidified his third consecutive win at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals after rookie Brayden Davis red lit during his first finals. This win propelled Herrera up to second in standings behind his teammate Richard Gadson.
“It means a lot, you know, moving from fourth to second in points. It’s awesome, you know,” said Herrera. “So now I’m still the hunter or chaser. I gotta chase my teammate. You know, Brayden did me a little favor there in the semis, and then Matt did me a big favor in the finals. I mean, that’s like a best birthday present ever going out early. But, yeah, it’s, it keeps it makes it interesting, and that’s the best part.”
In the quarterfinals for Pro Stock Motorcycle, championship leader Richard Gadson put out a holeshot win against Steve Johnson to push ahead to battle Brayden Davis in the semifinals. Herrera and Angie Smith battled it out in the semifinals, but it was ultimately Herrera who pushed ahead to the finals after Smith red lit.
Fans at the 2025 NAPA Auto Parts Midwest Nationals can bring their NHRA national event ticket stub back for free admission to any day of the Lucas Oil Regional event at WWT Raceway Oct. 1-4.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
