BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — After a brief hiatus due to a lightning delay, which paused the event for about an hour on Sunday, the skies cleared, allowing the 29th annual Thunder Valley Super Grip Nationals at Bristol Dragway to proceed with its exciting championship races.
In the Top Fuel category, Antron Brown secured his very first Bristol Diamond Wally, triumphing over Shawn Langdon in the final showdown. Brown completed the race with an impressive time of 3.778 seconds at a speed of 331.61 mph. Following the race, Langdon shared that his drive to win matched his enthusiasm for a hearty meal.
“Today, we clinched victory in style,” Brown remarked. “It’s essential to maintain humility and hunger. And let me tell you, after the Super Grip Nationals, I could go for a cheesesteak and some pizza because I’m starving. Truly, I’m hungry.”
In the Nitro Funny Car division, Matt Hagan claimed his second Thunder Valley Diamond Wally by defeating Dan Wilkerson. Hagan finished the race in 4.125 seconds at a speed of 310 mph, celebrating the win at what he considers among his home tracks.
“I often mention that Bristol is my home track, along with Charlotte, Rockingham, and Richmond,” Hagan said. “I have quite a few home tracks, you know? It’s a blessing to be here.”
The Pro Stock final featured one of Bristol’s most successful drivers, Greg Anderson, against Matt Hartford. Anderson spun the tires off the starting line, allowing Hartford to cruise to victory with a run of 6.672 seconds at 205 mph for his first Bristol Diamond Wally.
“To win at Bristol is something. I’ve raced here since the very early 2000s. I’ve never been able to actually win Bristol; it’s an awesome feeling.” Hartford said. “We had a great car all weekend.”
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, reigning event champion Richard Gadson faced teammate Gaige Herrera in a rematch of last year’s final. Herrera avenged his 2025 runner-up finish by posting a winning run of 6.838 seconds at 198 mph to claim the Diamond Wally.
Track officials also announced plans to honor legendary Funny Car driver John Force during next year’s event.