10 Unforgettable Top Alcohol Racing Moments That Defined the 2025 Season
If you thought the 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series was just business as usual, you clearly weren’t paying attention. The Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car classes delivered everything a race fan could ask for: historic firsts, jaw-dropping records, and emotional farewells. It’s tough to narrow it down, but here are the ten moments from the alcohol ranks that really got our hearts racing this year.
Jim Whiteley Finally Conquers Funny Car
Jim Whiteley is no stranger to the winner’s circle. He has four world titles in Top Alcohol Dragster to prove it. But a win in Top Alcohol Funny Car? That had eluded him until the very end of 2025. At the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals, Whiteley qualified No. 5 and fought his way to the final. In a nail-biter against Stan Sipos, he posted a 5.49 to Sipos’ 5.50 to finally snag that elusive Wally. It was a long time coming, and boy, was it sweet.
Sean Bellemeur Makes History with A/Fuel
Sean Bellemeur and the Bartone Bros. “Killer B’s” team aren’t just winning; they’re innovating. At the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, they did the unthinkable: they won with an injected nitro combination, a first since the setup was introduced two years ago. After a blistering 5.31 qualifier, Bellemeur took down Chip Beverett in the final with a 5.42. They eventually went back to the supercharged setup, but for one weekend, they rewrote the rulebook.
A Wave of First-Time Winners
One of the best things about drag racing is seeing new blood take the trophy. 2025 saw five different drivers claim their first national event wins in Top Alcohol Dragster. From Anthony Troyer in Pomona and Brandon Greco in Charlotte to rookie McKenna Bold taking down the champ in Norwalk, the parity was incredible. Jamie Noonan and Jon Bradford also joined the club, proving the future of the class is in good hands.
Shawn Cowie’s Mission Domination
Shawn Cowie successfully defended his world title this year, and his performance at the Pacific Division regional event in Mission was the turning point. Cowie didn’t just win; he put on a clinic. He dropped a career-best 5.119 in qualifying, the quickest run ever for a supercharged dragster and used a string of 5.1-second runs to seal the deal.
Bellemeur Joins the Elite Five-Timers Club
Sean Bellemeur is cementing his legacy as one of the greats. By clinching his fifth world championship in eight years (adding to titles in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024), he joined an exclusive club. Only legends like Frank Manzo, Joey Severance, Bill Reichert, and Rick Santos have five or more titles. While Manzo’s 17 titles are a mountain to climb, Bellemeur is steadily making his way up.
Jon Bradford owns Las Vegas
Jon Bradford was untouchable at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals. Not only did his supercharged, fuel-injected dragster lay down the low E.T. of the event (5.174), but Bradford was a machine on the tree. With reaction times of .033, .007, .003, and .032 in the final, he left the competition in the dust. He even came back the next week and won the regional event just to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
Megan Smith Breaks the Speed Barrier
Megan Smith might still be chasing her first national event win, but she’s certainly found the horsepower. At the fall Charlotte four-wide race, her injected nitro dragster was a rocket ship. She consistently clocked speeds between 282 and 285 mph, with a season-best 285.65 mph. She’s knocking on the door of the all-time speed record, and that first win feels inevitable.
Melanie Johnson Shines Under the Lights
Rookie seasons can be rough, but Melanie Johnson handled hers like a pro. Driving for the McPhillips family, the daughter of tuner Alan Johnson found her groove mid-season. Her breakout moment came at the Cavalcade of Stars in Norwalk, where she won the regional event against a stacked field. A top-10 finish in her rookie year? That’s how you make an entrance.
Mike Kosky’s Final Ride
It’s always hard to say goodbye to a legend. After nearly 50 years of racing, Mike Kosky hung up his helmet at his home track, Maple Grove Raceway. A nine-time national event winner with victories spanning back to 1987, Kosky gave it one last shot, running a 5.449. He missed the field on speed, but his legacy in the sport—from Top Gas to Top Alcohol—is secure.
The Power of Female Drivers
It shouldn’t be a surprise anymore, but the women of the alcohol classes absolutely crushed it in 2025. Twelve female drivers competed this year, and they took eight of the top 20 spots in the final standings. Jackie Fricke led the pack at No. 3, followed closely by standouts like McKenna Bold, Madison Payne, and Melanie Johnson. It’s not just about participation; it’s about domination.
