Here’s an in-depth look at Brittany Force’s historic record-breaking run at Pacific Raceways:
Brittany Force Shatters NHRA Top Fuel Speed Record — 341.85 MPH at Pacific Raceways
Top Fuel sensation Brittany Force etched her name in NHRA history at the NHRA Northwest Nationals held July 21, 2025, at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. In a breathtaking semifinal matchup against Doug Kalitta, Force’s HendrickCars.com-backed dragster hit a jaw-dropping 341.85 MPH, setting a new national Top Fuel speed record during sanctioned competition (Drag Illustrated).
The Record-Breaking Run
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341.85 MPH over 1,000 feet: Force eclipsed her own previous Top Fuel record of 341.59 MPH from Charlotte earlier this year (Drag Illustrated).
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Run time: 3.659 seconds—a blistering speed that pounded the competition and redefined expectations (Drag Illustrated).
This run is not just the fastest Top Fuel pass ever—it crowns her as the fastest person in NHRA history across all professional categories, surpassing Funny Car’s fastest (341.68 MPH by Austin Prock) (Yahoo Autos).
Dominance Defined
Force’s record-setting performance wasn’t a one-off surge—it was the fifth-fastest run of the six fastest in Top Fuel history, all credited to her this season (Drag Illustrated). Prior to the semifinal, she laid the groundwork with:
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A 340.82 MPH pass against Ida Zetterström in Round One.
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A 3.651-second, 341.85 MPH surge versus Austin Prock in Round Two (Drag Illustrated).
Crisis and Controversy in the Final
Momentum carried Force into the final round vs. Shawn Langdon, but a mid-race pan pressure issue triggered an automatic shutoff—her dragster coasted across the finish line powerless, handing Langdon the win (Drag Illustrated). Despite the upset, Force remained upbeat:
“Pan pressure automatically shut us off in the final … I had no power and was just coasting to the finish line and saw Shawn go around me,” she noted (Drag Illustrated).
What Makes Pacific Raceways Swift?
Pacific Raceways sits just 308 feet above sea level, offering denser air that enhances engine performance—an optimal recipe for record-breaking drag runs (Yahoo Autos).
NHRA data notes that four of the six fastest Top Fuel speeds have unfolded on this same track, reinforcing its reputation as one of the fastest in the circuit (Yahoo Autos).
Historical Perspective & Technical Power
At 38 years old, Force is leveraging more than a decade of Top Fuel expertise under crew chief David Grubnic (NHRA).
The dragster itself wields an astonishing 11,000 horsepower, a machine tuned to perfection for unrivaled performance (Matchnews360).
Of particular note is Force’s consistency—she has now registered five of the six top speed runs ever in Top Fuel racing history (Drag Illustrated).
Support, Legacy & Competition
HendrickCars.com partnership: Backed by Rick Hendrick’s team, Force benefits from robust resources and technical precision (Slicks And Sticks).
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John Force Racing lineage: As daughter of drag racing legend John Force, Brittany is continuing the family legacy with her own spectacular achievements.
Season rivalries: Shawn Langdon remains her main rival in current standings, while Tony Stewart has also featured prominently in recent finals—though Force’s speed now sets the benchmark (Slicks And Sticks).
Championship Implications
Despite not winning the final, Force vaulted from sixth to fifth in the standings, with nine events still to go in the Countdown to the Championship (Yahoo Autos).
Her breathtaking performance not only raised her points but boosted morale and momentum for the stretch ahead.
The Lasting Impact
Brittany Force’s 341.85 MPH run is more than a record—it’s a defining moment that shatters ceilings and sets a new standard for women in motorsports.
She stands as the only driver with five of the six fastest Top Fuel passes ever, a reflection of her exceptional skill, focus, and team execution (Drag Illustrated).
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on the 2025 championship, all eyes will be on Force to:
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Sustain her incredible speed streak.
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Convert record-setting runs into race wins.
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Maintain psychological and mechanical consistency through a frantic Countdown.
Why 341.85 MPH Matters
Factor |
Relevance |
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Speed Record |
Fastest NHRA-sanctioned run ever |
Historical Context |
Fastest run across all categories |
Technical Achievement |
Margin beyond nearest competitor (~0.17 MPH) |
Season Momentum |
Propels Brittany into top 5 with nine events left |