Ryan Horan’s victory at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in the Legends Nitro Funny Car Series showcased not only his talent but also the enduring Horan family legacy that continues to make waves in the world of drag racing. In a thrilling competition, Horan and his team ran consistently in the 4.70s, a performance that demonstrated both precision and power. But beyond the numbers, it was the deep-rooted bond between father and son, as well as the experience of his legendary mentor, Dan Horan, that helped propel Ryan to the top of the podium.
After three qualifying sessions, the Infinity Plumbing Designs NFC placed in the no. 3 position, facing Tim Boychuk in the first round of Eliminations. With a quick turnaround, a matchup against Shane Westerfield was in the books, an opponent Horan has faced time and time again but had already outperformed earlier in the weekend during qualifying. A close 4.70 vs Westerfield’s 4.71 took the Horan team to the final round.
In the finals, Horan faced off against Bobby Cottrell, a seasoned world champion in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, piloting the Speed Sport NFC. Cottrell, known for his quick reaction times, got the jump off the line with a solid .049 vs. Ryan’s .099, giving him the early advantage. Despite Cottrell’s strong start, Horan’s machine outpaced him to the finish line, posting a 4.70 at 240 mph, while Cottrell crossed the line at 4.82 at 235 mph.
This victory marks a major milestone in Ryan’s promising career as a third-generation driver, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the sport. With Dan Horan tuning the car, Ryan had the perfect combination of horsepower, diligence, and support to overcome the competition. Their unique partnership allowed Ryan to hit his marks with confidence and make the most of the Infinity Plumbing Designs machine.
While his first win at a national event was a significant achievement, Ryan’s ambitions are far from over. The 2025 season is just beginning, and Ryan is already making moves for the future. After parking the Legends Series Car in the winner’s circle, Ryan immediately shifted focus to his next major challenge: licensing in a Pro Nitro Funny Car. With the help of Jeff Diehl’s “Nitro Surfer” – a machine that promises to challenge Ryan like never before – Ryan is looking forward to the next step in his journey and is eager to gain more experience in the higher echelons of the sport.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the season,” Ryan said with excitement. “Our win at the Arizona Nationals was the perfect way to kick things off, and I’m grateful to my dad and the entire team for their hard work and dedication. This victory is just the beginning. Now it’s time to focus on the next steps, and I’m excited to begin licensing in a Pro Nitro Funny Car.”
As Ryan and his team celebrate their success, they’re also turning their attention to the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, March 28-30. After such a strong performance in
Arizona, the team is confident they can bring home another win and continue their upward trajectory in the Legends Nitro Series. Fans and competitors alike are sure to keep a close eye on the young driver as he shows what the next generation of drag racers are capable of.
You can tune in to watch the Pomona Winternationals from home! Find more info on the NHRA website – www.nhra.com
Follow along on social media: @Horan.Racing
For more information about the Horan Racing Nitro Funny Car, including marketing and business opportunities, please contact Livia – livia@shotbyrambo.com
For more information about the series, including marketing and business opportunities and information for participants, Legends Nitro Series can be contacted at
americanracingagency@gmail.com
To learn more about Legends Nitro Series presented by Extreme Steel Inc., visit www.LegendsNitroSeries.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @LegendsNitroSeries
This story was originally published on March 26, 2025. 
The post Ryan Horan Claims Arizona Nationals Victory, Sets Sights on Pro Nitro Funny Car Future first appeared on Drag Illustrated.