The DHL Kalitta Air Top Fuel team and Shawn Langdon will be getting the famed Western Swing started this weekend at Bandimere Speedway’s NHRA Mile-High Nationals. Kalitta Motorsports has a long history of success on the mountain with Langdon’s crew chief, NHRA icon Connie Kalitta, winning the event twice in the mid-1980s. Langdon’s Top Fuel teammate Doug Kalitta has six final round appearances and a win in 2010 to his credit. The three races in a row will have a new look for 2021 with the run kicking off in Denver, then moving to Sonoma and in a historic switch the inclusion of the postponed Winternational at Pomona capping the swing.
“We are looking forward to heading out there and doing well,” said Langdon. “You are looking at the last couple of races of the regular season and hopefully we can do well. We want to end the regular season on a high note to get the car ready for the Countdown. To win three races is a great feat and we would be very proud to sweep the swing.”
The last time Langdon raced Bandimere Speedway he was piloting an 11,000 horsepower Funny Car. In 2019 he was the No. 2 qualifier and raced to the quarterfinals. In 2020 Langdon moved back to Top Fuel and into the DHL Top Fuel dragster. The swap paid dividends with a U.S. Nationals victory last season and then strong start to the 2021 season and a runner-up finish at the Gatornationals.
Two weeks ago the NHRA Camping World Drag racing Series was in Norwalk, Ohio, at the fan-friendly Norwalk Nationals and with the move to Bandimere Speedway, another well promoted event will treat NHRA fans record setting racing action.
“The Bandimere family is a great family and they do a fantastic job of promoting their race,” said Langdon. “I always get excited to go there because of how much they put into the sport. It is a great race and they have a great relationship with the NHRA.”
Two night time qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday will precede a full day of eliminations on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. local time. The event will be broadcast on FS1 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET.
2019 NHRA Mile High Nationals Highlights (event not contested in 2020): In Funny Car, Qual. No. 2; Beat Terry Haddock; Lost to John Force
Last Event Recap (2021 NHRA Norwalk Nationals): Qual. No. 16; Lost to Steve Torrence
Career Stats: 274 events, 271 starts, 305 round wins, 17 wins, 35 finals, 19 No. 1 qualifiers; in Top Fuel: 226 events, 223 starts, 15 wins, 32 finals, 266 round wins, 19 No. 1 qualifiers
2021 Season:
Gatornationals: RUNNER-UP; Qual. No. 6; Beat Doug Foley, Leah Pruett, Antron Brown; Lost to Josh Hart
Las Vegas1: Qual. No. 6; Beat Troy Buff and Rob Passey; Lost to Doug Kalitta and Steve Torrence
Atlanta: Qual. No. 11; Beat Leah Pruett, Mike Salinas; Lost to Steve Torrence
Charlotte1: Qual. No. 11; Lost to Antron Brown and Krista Baldwin
Houston: Qual. No. 7; Beat Josh Hart, Justin Ashley; Lost to Doug Kalitta
Epping: Qual. No. 8; Lost to Doug Kalitta
Norwalk: Qual. No. 16; Lost to Steve Torrence
Kalitta Motorsports PR
