Day: April 24, 2026

My Thoughts On The Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge

By David G. Firestone

So the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season is progressing well. The racing has been good, and I’m enjoying it. I don’t always get around to watching the qualifying sessions. I watched some back DVR recordings last night, and I’ve noticed something.

Is the Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge Challenge really needed? I get that drag racing can be one note, but the the Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge isn’t as needed as the NHRA might think. Is it moving ticket sales? Are people buying more tickets to watch the the the Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge? If so, then fine, but I don’t see this as the ticket and rating mover that others think it is.

Truth is, while I get what they are trying to do, it does NOT need to be used as often as it is. The Dash 4 Cash in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is a similar thing, but it’s only four races in a season. The Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge Challenge is used in 13 of 20 races of the season. 13 races out of 20 races…why? Is there really that much demand?

If the NHRA needs something like the Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenge, why not come up with a few different ideas, a few different gimmicks, and switch it up at different events? A few less Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty Challenges, and a few more callouts. Also, using the areas around tracks to come up with a gimmick wouldn’t hurt ether.

I’ve even got a good idea for the NHRA Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis. Call it the Mission Foods #1 Qualifier Challenge. It would work like this:

All four of the pro categories would have all of their #1 qualifiers race each other. Their ladders would be determined by their regular season points. It’s a standard bracket, and the winner receives $50,000, with another $50,000 being donated to a charity of the driver’s choice.

I’m not opposed to a gimmick, but only if used in moderation. It can be done well, but one gimmick used across 65% of races isn’t the way to go. Variety is the spice of life, and I hope the NHRA follows.