Randy Meyer Racing (RMR) continued their stellar 2024 season at the NHRA Carolina Nationals this past weekend, making it to their 14th final round of the year and securing their 6th runner-up finish. Julie Nataas, the defending event champion, and Hunter Green both put up an impressive fight at the historic zMAX Dragway, where RMR has previously claimed victory seven times.
Julie Nataas, racing in her final season with Randy Meyer Racing and her last appearance at Charlotte with the team, delivered an outstanding performance and her best this year. She qualified in the No. 1 position with a blistering 5.161-second pass at 268.06 MPH, the quickest elapsed time of the entire event. Hunter Green was close behind, earning the No. 2 qualifying spot with a 5.186-second run at 277.54 MPH, setting the stage for a strong showing from the team for eliminations.
In the first round, Nataas received a bye due to the 15 entries for the 16-car field, advancing her directly to the second round. Green faced off against former world champion Joey Severance, cutting an incredible .021-second reaction time and taking the win with a 5.236-second pass at 279.38 MPH, the top speed of the event, to Severance’s 5.629 at 231.44 MPH.
However, Green’s momentum was halted in the second round by Joe Maynard, as a slower reaction time ended his day. Green ran a 5.252 at 278.00 MPH, just shy of Maynard’s 5.239 at 272.94 MPH.
Nataas, meanwhile, took down Mike Coughlin in the second round, posting a 5.290-second pass at 267.80 MPH to Coughlin’s 5.433 at 270.70 MPH. In Sunday’s semifinal round, Nataas smoked the tires but caught a lucky break when Angelle Sampey red-lighted, giving Nataas the win and advancing her to the finals.
In the final round, Nataas faced Joe Maynard, unfortunately, traction troubles struck again, and Maynard took the win, leaving RMR just shy of victory at the Carolina Nationals.
Despite the runner-up finish, Randy Meyer Racing leaves Charlotte with heads held high, proud of their consistent performance throughout the season. Nataas secured Low ET in Top Alcohol Dragster at 5.161 seconds, while Green took Top Speed honors with 279.38 MPH.
Randy Meyer Racing will look to build on their momentum as the season continues, with Julie Nataas’ farewell tour providing even more motivation for the team to finish strong.
This story was originally published on September 24, 2024.
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