Funny Car Fireworks Expected at IHRA Triple Crown

MOHNTON, Pa. — With huge purses on the line, some of the biggest names in all of drag racing will be competing in the Nitro Funny Car class at the IHRA Triple Crown event at Maple Grove Raceway on May 21-24.

Drivers will be racing for record-breaking purses with $150,000 for each win at the Triple Crown races. If a driver can sweep all three races, which includes later events at Columbus and Memphis, he or she will earn a whopping $1 million bonus.

Three-time World Champion Ron Capps, who leads all active Nitro Funny Car racers with 78 career wins, headlines the group of racers in the class. While Capps is always someone to be reckoned with behind the wheel of the famous NAPA Toyota, the guys who have been competing in the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series will be ready to protect the “home turf.” 

First among these is former IHRA World Champion Del Worsham, who leads all drivers with four wins since the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series was formed in 2025. Dan Hix, who won the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series race at Darana Raceway — Hebron last September is another serious contender who won’t back down.

Don’t think for a minute this trio are the only ones capable of going home with the big money. Names like Bobby Bode, Jeff Diehl, Paul Lee, Phil Burkhart and Terrence Haddock add more star power to an already packed lineup. There are 13 top racers currently entered to compete for eight elimination spots.

The main goal is to go home with the big prize money, the opportunity for much bigger bonus and the prestige of the IHRA Ironman trophy, a symbol of beating the best drag racers in the world at the iconic drag strip. 

Recent announcements have added even more value to this event. There’s the Triple Crown Pit Party on Thursday, May 21 where fans have the chance to meet the drivers and get autographs. Besides the thrills of fire-breathing, 12,000-horsepower racing machines, there’s other classes of tremendous racing action, along with great music.

Country music superstars Dwight Yoakam and Jake Owen will perform on Sunday, May 24 after three days of pit parties and nitro action to cap off the weekend. Don’t miss out, click here to get your tickets for the IHRA Triple Crown race at Maple Grove Raceway.