Greg Stanfield enters this weekend’s 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway as the NHRA Pro Stock points leader following his win last week. After a strong showing in Rockingham, Stanfield now has his eye on a third win of the season at the halfway point of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Stanfield drives the Janac Brothers Racing race car for Pro Stock juggernaut Elite Motorsports, which has enjoyed a stellar rebound during the Countdown with back-to-back playoff wins. Troy Coughlin Jr. earned the win at Martin and Stanfield won in Rockingham, giving the veteran a 31-point lead heading into the pivotal Countdown race in St. Louis.
“Any time you get a Wally, it’s a great day,” Stanfield after his Rockingham victory. “So what’s going to happen this week in St. Louis? I can’t predict it. We’re just going to try to work hard, work smart and, if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. It also includes eliminations coverage on FOX on Sunday.
The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.
The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals is the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 season and third race of the Countdown. With only 16 rounds of competition left this year, Stanfield and the rest of the Pro Stock field know the importance of every point and every round.
Stanfield will once again have stiff competition within the Pro Stock ranks. Matt Hartford is currently second in points after earning wins in Gainesville, Charlotte and Bristol. KB Titan Racing teammates reigning world champ Dallas Glenn and six-time world champ Anderson are third and fourth. Just 66 points separate points leader Stanfield and Anderson in fourth, setting up a tight championship battle with four races remaining.
“Anybody can win in this class right now,” said Stanfield. “I mean, it is incredible how tight it is, so the points battle is going to go all the way to the end. I feel like it’s going to be that way. So, if we can just survive, keep surviving, try to close it out. It’s going to come down to who makes a good run at the right time.”
Friday opens with two qualifying sessions, including a spectacular night session that includes the inaugural “Top Dog” competition presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, as NHRA’s quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money. That leads into Saturday’s two sessions and final eliminations on Sunday at the key playoff race.
Kalitta will try to keep pace with Top Fuel teammate Shawn Langdon, who is riding another three-race winning streak into St. Louis. The likes of Tony Stewart, Antron Brown, Leah Pruett and Maddi Gordon will also look to stop Langdon’s hot streak.
Jordan Vandergriff opened the playoffs with a win in Martin and will try to track down points leader Hagan, who won in Rockingham. The Funny Car field also features former world champs Ron Capps and J.R. Todd, as well as back-to-back champ Austin Prock.
Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.
The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.
Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.
As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.
NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.
The post Pro Stock Points Leader Greg Stanfield Looks to Continue Countdown Momentum in St. Louis first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
