Doug Kalitta and Mac Tools Looking for Repeat U.S. Nationals Win

Photo Credit Kalitta Motorsports

One year ago Doug Kalitta won the biggest race of this career. After 25 years the veteran driver and perennial championship contender got four win lights at the NHRA U.S. Nationals and won the prestigious race for the first time. It was a hard fought win that saw him defeat some of the toughest drivers in the category. This weekend Kalitta and his Mac Tools Top Fuel team will be looking to do something that hasn’t happened in over a decade, win back-to-back Top Fuel titles at the biggest race of the year.

“That win last year was big. We were having a good season but getting that U.S. Nationals win gave us a boost and we made a serious run at the championship,” said Kalitta. “It was great to share that win with (team owner) Connie (Kalitta) and the boys. I am looking forward to trying to do it again.”

This season Kalitta has held the Mello Yello points lead from the first race of the season with a win at the Winternationals. He has raced to two more final rounds and continued to be one of the most dominant drivers on the tour. Heading into the U.S. Nationals after three previous races in Indianapolis Kalitta is a laser focused as ever on the task at hand.

“You can’t take a round off when you are racing,” said Kalitta. “If you aren’t at the top of your game you are going to have a short day. This Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster has been running great all season and I just have to do my job when I get behind the wheel. We are seeing more fans at the races, which is good and we want to put on a good show.”

The NHRA has been working with local officials to ensure racing can continue and with each race since the restart of the 2020 season more fans have been in attendance at each national event. The build up to the U.S. Nationals has been growing and interest in the sport continues to expand. The fan interest and business support is something a veteran like Kalitta can appreciate.

“We have brought on new partners this season and had to get creative to keep them engaged and give them exposure,” said Kalitta. “Now we are back on the track and we want to show off for all the people that supported us over the summer. Mac Tools, Toyota, Mobil1 and NGK Spark Plugs have done a ton for our team over the years and the new sponsors have made a huge impact. We also have guys like Osborn and Revchem Composites who are helping us back at the shop and on the race car every race. Those are the people we want to turn on win lights for and get them some added TV time on FOX.”

As the season makes a turn to the homestretch Kalitta knows as the Mello Yello point leader he will get more attention from his competitors as well as the fans. He doesn’t feel any extra pressure but does want to perform at the highest level.

“I just try and do my job the same every run. With the new qualifying format you have one day to get it right in qualifying. This race we will get one shot on Friday night but I am not sure how much that will help you on race day. The pressure comes from inside I think. I want to get the wins and do my best. I know everyone on this Mac Tools team is ready to get after this weekend and we will just have to see what happens,” added Kalitta.

Last Event Recap (2020 NHRA Indy3 Nationals): Qual. No. 12; Beat Cory McClenathan, Clay Millican; Lost to Terry McMillen

2019 US Nationals Recap: Qual. No. 8; WINNER; Beat Clay Millican, Brittany Force, Austin Prock and Billy Torrence

Quotable:  Doug Kalitta on racing four races in a row in Indianapolis: “This may be the fourth race in a row in Indianapolis but this is still the U.S. Nationals. It won’t feel the same. There will be a lot more cars. There will be more fans. This is the race you think about winning all season. I want to do my best to win it again.”  

Career Stats: 518 events, 511 starts, 703 round wins, 48 wins, 104 finals, 50 No. 1 qualifiers

2020 Season:
Winternationals: Qual. No. 5; WINNER; Beat Brandon Welch, Justin Ashley, Brittany Force and Austin Prock
Arizona Nationals: Qual. No. 8; RUNNER-UP; Beat Shawn Reed, Brittany Force and Antron Brown; Lost to Steve Torrence
Indy1 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 2; RUNNER-UP; Beat Lex Joon, Leah Pruett and Antron Brown; Lost to Billy Torrence
Indy2 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 6; Beat Doug Foley; Lost to Justin Ashley
Indy3 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 12; Beat Cory McClenathan, Clay Millican; Lost to Terry McMillen

Kalitta Motorsports PR

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