Randy Meyer Racing’s Julie Nataas made a strong showing at the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, claiming the #1 qualifier spot with an impressive 5.217-second pass at 269.67 mph. Teammate Hunter Green followed closely, qualifying #2 with a 5.253 at 273.05 mph, setting the stage for a promising weekend for the team.
In the first round, Hunter faced Nick Januik but smoked the tires at the hit, resulting in an early exit. Julie, however, advanced through her rounds with exceptional performances. She defeated Mike Austin with a 5.307-second run at 262.28 mph in the first round and then dispatched Joey Severance, clocking a 5.244 at 264.49 mph. Severance had a starting line advantage and held the lead past the 330-foot mark, but experienced problems down track, allowing Nataas to power by for the win.
In the semifinals, Julie matched up with Chris Demke in a thrilling race. Despite Demke’s holeshot and early lead past half-track, Julie’s 5.211 at 270.27 mph, setting low ET of the race, outpaced his 5.258 at 272.56 mph, allowing her to reel him in and take the victory.
Due to cold weather and event delays, the final round was rescheduled to Monday, where Julie faced off against Shawn Cowie. Unfortunately, Nataas smoked the tires off the starting line, securing a runner-up finish – her fourth of the season – in what has been an incredible final year with Randy Meyer Racing.
As the season comes to a close with only one race remaining, Julie remains in contention for the world championship. To secure her second world title, Julie would need to win the last race of the season while hoping that Shawn Cowie is eliminated in the first round. Hunter, despite a strong season, has been mathematically eliminated from the championship.
This runner-up finish underscores Julie Nataas’s tenacity and dedication in her final season, leaving fans eager to see if she can pull off the ultimate victory in the season finale.
