Written by Adrian Beecher
As the engines roar to life, the zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, braces itself for the high-octane drama of the 2024 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals this April 26-28. This weekend, Team Chevy is not just participating; they are defending champions, fueled by the echoes of last year’s double victory and driven by a legacy of speed.
Austin Prock, behind the wheel of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, returns as last year’s standout performer. Reflecting on his previous success, Prock is optimistic about the upcoming challenge: “I think everybody will be a little bit better going into the Four-Wide, especially on the starting line just because they got all their tendencies out the way [last week at Las Vegas]. In the first one [Four-Wide of the season], it always seems like everyone struggles a little bit more. But I’ve had personal success there [at Charlotte]. This race car that I’m driving has had a lot of success there, so I’m looking forward to it. Last time in the spring last year, my Top Fuel dragster and this Funny Car right here doubled-up together. Maybe we can double up with Brittany [Force] this year. That’d be pretty special.”
Brittany Force, driving the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, enters the fray with a storied record and high hopes: “Our team is looking forward to Charlotte, the second Four-Wide of the season. We have had success in the past at zMAX [Dragway], and would love to get our first win of the season.” As a two-time champion and record-holder, Brittany’s aim is not just to compete, but to dominate, continuing her pursuit of a third championship with a machine built for breaking limits.
John Force, the seasoned veteran of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, brings his wealth of experience and a record of four wins at this very event. Force’s enthusiasm for the format is palpable: “Bruton Smith built the Four-Wides at Charlotte and at Vegas, and it has created a lot of excitement with the fans. It is tough on the crew chiefs and the drivers. There is a lot going on there when you talk about each lane having over 10,000 horsepower. That’s 40,000 horsepower, and I think that is more than an entire NASCAR field, but I love it.”
As the teams prepare, a sense of anticipation builds. With a major partnership announcement on the horizon, the stakes are as high as the horsepower. As Prock reflects on his meteoric rise and the journey ahead, his focus is clear: “It still really hasn’t hit me. I’m living a fairy tale right now. I think it’s a good thing that it hasn’t hit me. I think we just need to keep our head down and keep focused and keep doing the job we’re doing because it’s been working. So don’t get too high, too low, but we’ve definitely got to celebrate the year we’ve had.”
As the 2024 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals approach, the stage is set for a weekend of intense competition and potential history-making performances. With Team Chevy’s stars aligned, all that remains is for the lights to go out and the races to begin. The engines are ready—are you?
Image Credit: Chevy Racing
