Daily Driver

The Competition Eliminator championship chase might be the most compelling story in sportsman drag racing right now.
Joe Carnasciale has put together a nearly perfect season with seven wins, one runner-up, and 659 points -  a résumé that would normally have a World Championship all but locked up. But five-time and reigning World Champion Jeff Taylor still has a path.
In this NERD OUT, I'm breaking down the points, why round counts matter so much in Comp, and what Taylor needs to accomplish over the remaining National Events to potentially chase down Carnasciale.
Seven wins versus a five-time World Champion chasing number six. This one could get wild.

The NERD OUT is changing gears as we enter the final stretch of the 2026 NHRA Lucas Oil season. With fewer races remaining, I’m taking a weekly look at the biggest movers, shakers, and championship developments from the weekend.
This week, we’re recapping St. Louis and the impact it had on Stock, Super Stock, and Super Gas - from Jimmy Hidalgo Jr.’s late-season charge to several new names entering the championship conversation. The races are running out, and every round matters.

The NERD OUT returns to Super Comp, but the conversation has changed. At this point, it’s less about the championship chase and more about just how historic Trey Vetter’s 2026 season has become.
With 711 points, five wins in nine races, and a 44–4 round record, Vetter has joined an incredibly exclusive group of racers to eclipse the 700-point mark. Now the question becomes: How high can he go? I’m digging into the history behind the 700-point milestone and whether Vetter has a legitimate shot at one of the greatest point totals in NHRA Lucas Oil Series history.

The NERD OUT rolls into Stock Eliminator, and this championship chase is getting crowded. Joe Santangelo has taken over the top spot, but with several contenders still holding valuable opportunities to improve, 633 points may not be enough to close the door.
I’m breaking down the paths for Michael Brand, Cooter Hidalgo, Parker Theobald and others still in the hunt. Plus why this weekend in St. Louis could have a major impact on the championship picture. The races are running out, the points are getting harder to find, and Stock is far from settled.

Today on The Daily Driver, we’re introducing the next installment of our Win Light Lab series - this time led by Gage Burch and focused on bottom bulb racing.
Gage joins us to talk about his “chameleon” approach to competition, the importance of being able to adapt to any situation, and what racers can expect from this small-group experience. From footbrake and transbrake to the starting line, finish line, and everything in between, this Lab is all about becoming a more versatile and complete bottom bulb racer.
Interested? Sign up by visiting https://learn.thisisbracketracing.com/courses/gage-burch-win-light-lab