Antron Brown wants drag racers to let their inner “gladiator” out more often—especially behind the microphone—and his remarks in a recently published op-ed by Susan Wade on SpeedSport.com have reignited the conversation about whether the NHRA could use a little more smack talk. The four-time and reigning Top Fuel champion’s point is simple: show the fans you really want to win.
“We need to really stop being Mr. or Mrs. Nice Person,” Brown said in Wade’s article. “That’s what people resonate with. That’s why they like watching UFC, a boxing match—Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. When we put our race helmets on, we need to bring in our competitive nature and show it.”
He invoked a prime example in rival Brittany Force, praising her fierce nature on the starting line while noting that fans rarely see just how “monster” her approach can be.
“If We Don’t See You Care…”
On The Wes Buck Show (Episode 378), Drag Illustrated Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck applauded Brown’s sentiment, clarifying that it’s less about manufactured drama and more about letting real passion shine through.
“I think what Antron is calling for is more overt energy and emotion—good, bad, or otherwise,” Buck said. “We don’t necessarily need everybody cussing each other out. But if we don’t see you care, how can we be expected to care?”
Buck referenced the days when John Force and Tony Pedregon would confront each other at top end, or Warren Johnson would sling strong words at Darrell Alderman—moments that still draw YouTube clicks decades later.
“There’s this weird stigma around ‘trash talk,’” Buck continued. “But it’s not about being disrespectful or throwing punches. It’s about letting people see you’re invested. Show that emotion. It’s why we watch sports in the first place—to see who wants it the most.”
Brown’s argument that the NHRA is “too squeaky clean for its own good” echoes an older sentiment in drag racing, including the late Shirley Muldowney’s no-nonsense approach: “I’m not going to get out of the car and say something nice about somebody who just beat me. They took money out of my pocket.”
Mike Carpenter: “Get the Raw Reactions”
Co-host Mike Carpenter doubled down on the benefits of capturing genuine emotions, arguing that NHRA’s recent efforts to interview round losers on the top end is a step in the right direction.
“When someone’s mad or crushed after a first-round exit, that’s real,” Carpenter said. “Fans feed on that—knowing how much you wanted it and how bad it hurts if you don’t get it. That’s what forms a connection.”
Paul Lee: Gamesmanship Is Part of the Show
Funny Car winner Paul Lee chimed in, sharing that he’s not bothered by staging duels or psychological warfare if it means drivers are hungry to win.
“I don’t mind if a guy wants to double-bulb me or burn me down,” Lee said. “That’s part of the game. We’re all grown-ups out here trying to beat each other, and I don’t see the harm in showing you’re fired up to do it.”
Lee added that it’s only a problem if it crosses into personal animosity, but a little tension can be a good thing.
“Don’t Be Afraid to Show It”
Buck circled back to the core of Brown’s message, pointing out that drag racing’s best rivalries and biggest stars built their legends on memorable moments—often captured in the heat of the moment.
“When Antron Brown says we need more smack talk,” Buck explained, “he’s really just saying, ‘Don’t hide your passion.’ We’re in a sport where we strap into these crazy machines that are difficult and dangerous to drive. Bring an energy that matches what we’re doing. We work ourselves to death to go drag racing, spend ourselves silly – show us how much it means to you. If you’re frustrated, if you’re elated—whatever it is—don’t be afraid to let us know. To own it and lean into it.”
For a sport that prides itself on community and family-friendly vibes, that might sound off-note. But both Brown and Buck believe there’s room for both camaraderie and intense competition. Buck likened it to a major stick-and-ball rivalry:
“After the race, we can still be friends,” he said. “But from the time you pull into the water box until the win light comes on, let’s see that fight in your eyes. Because, honestly, that’s why people buy tickets and tune in. If we don’t embrace these things, if we don’t accept that we’re putting on a show at these major drag racing events, trying to sell tickets and garner attention, we certainly can’t complain when nothing changes.”
This story was originally published on March 28, 2025.
The post Wes Buck Weighs In on Antron Brown’s Call for More Smack Talk in Drag Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated.