NHRA Awards Banquet 2023, Winners List, Venue, Date and More
by Preethi
Updated Nov 16, 2023
NHRA Awards Banquet 2023
The NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 was a special event where outstanding drag racing achievers were honored for their remarkable performances during the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.
Held at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in scenic Southern California Wine Country on November 13, the ceremony celebrated the champions of various categories. The event recognized the incredible accomplishments of drivers such as Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Erica Enders, and Gaige Herrera, who were crowned champions in their respective divisions.
Additionally, a new award for NHRA Crew of the Year was introduced in each category, highlighting the crucial role of the teams in the success of the drivers. The ceremony provided a platform to acknowledge the excellence and dedication displayed by these drag racing stars throughout the thrilling Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
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NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 Venue
The NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 took place at the renowned Pechanga Resort and Casino in scenic Southern California Wine Country. The event occurred on November 13, 2023, providing a fitting conclusion to the exhilarating NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. The Pechanga Resort and Casino, known for its luxurious amenities, served as an elegant backdrop for the ceremony.
The prestigious banquet featured a warm and celebratory atmosphere, bringing together drag racing enthusiasts, participants, and teams to recognize and honor the champions of the 2023 season. The location's scenic surroundings and top-notch facilities made it an ideal setting for the NHRA awards ceremony, creating lasting memories for the attendees. The event's hosts facilitated an engaging evening, and the location in Southern California Wine Country added an extra layer of charm to the festivities.
NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 Categories
Top Fuel World Champion
Funny Car World Champion
Pro Stock World Champion
Pro Stock Motorcycle World Champion
NHRA Crew of the Year (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle)
NHRA Rookie of the Year (Pro Stock Motorcycle)
NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 Winners
Top Fuel World Champion:
After 26 years, Doug Kalitta secures his first Top Fuel world championship with a remarkable Countdown to the Championship run.
Funny Car World Champion:
Matt Hagan claims his fourth Funny Car title, joining legends John Force, Don Prudhomme, and Kenny Bernstein in the elite club.
Pro Stock World Champion:
Erica Enders adds another Pro Stock championship to her legacy, earning her sixth world title and tying with Warren Johnson.
Pro Stock Motorcycle World Champion:
Gaige Herrera dominates the Pro Stock Motorcycle category with a record-breaking season, clinching the championship in his first full season.
NHRA Crew of the Year:
Top Fuel: Capco Contractors racing team of Steve Torrence
Funny Car: Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) team of Matt Hagan
Pro Stock: RAD Torque Systems team of Dallas Glenn
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Vance & Hines team for Gaige Herrera
NHRA Rookie of the Year (Pro Stock Motorcycle):
Chase Van Sant makes a strong debut, advancing to the semifinals four times and finishing ninth in points.
The NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 winners were officially recognized at the ceremony held on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.
National Hot Rod Association
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is like the boss of drag racing in the United States and Canada. Think of them as the rule-makers and event organizers for a super cool sport where fast cars race in a straight line for a short distance. Started in 1951 by a guy named Wally Parks, the NHRA's job is to make sure everyone plays fair and to put on awesome races.
They have a big series called the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, kind of like the superstar league of drag racing, where top racers from all over North America and the world compete. Winners get a special trophy known as "The Wally," named after the NHRA's founder.
The NHRA is all about celebrating speed and skill. Each year, they organize exciting races, including the famous NHRA U.S. Nationals, where the fastest drag racers gather to show off their cars and see who's the quickest. With over 40,000 drivers, the NHRA is like the big family that makes sure drag racing stays thrilling and fair for everyone who loves the roar of powerful engines and the smell of burning rubber.
NHRA Awards Banquet 2023 - FAQs
It's an event celebrating drag racing achievers for their 2023 performances in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.
It happened at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Southern California Wine Country on November 13, 2023.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock), Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, NHRA Crew of the Year, and NHRA Rookie of the Year (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
NHRA is the governing body for drag racing in the U.S. and Canada, ensuring fair play and organizing top events like the NHRA U.S. Nationals.