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Langdon and DHL Top Fuel Dragster Ready for NHRA Arizona Nationals

Heading into his second race of the 2020 season behind the wheel of the DHL Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragster Shawn Langdon feels more comfortable and confident. With the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park just a few days away the 2013 NHRA Top Fuel world champion is looking to capitalize on his strong qualifying effort at the Winternationals.

“We came off the trailer with some strong runs on Friday a couple weeks ago,” said Langdon. “We were provisional No. 1 qualifier and then we hit a couple snags on Saturday. I think if we get more qualifying runs in Arizona we will be in great shape for race day.”

As the No. 4 qualifier at the Winternationals Langdon drew second generation nitro driver Justin Ashley in the first round. The conditions had changed dramatically and his DHL Kalitta Air dragster was a little too aggressive. Langdon had to pedal his hot rod to try and stay in the race. It was good practice for Langdon who looked at the first round upset philosophically at the end of the day.
“We know we have a race car and team that can win races this season,” said Langdon. “The support we get from sponsors like DHL, Toyota, Fifth Third Bank and Sealmaster makes all the difference. We brought on some new partners before Pomona including Ozium and RevChem Composites too that will be great contributors to our success. The biggest thing to remember is this season is a marathon not a sprint.”

Getting back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster tuned by drag racing legend Connie Kalitta also has Langdon motivated to perform at the highest level. Kalitta has long established himself as one of the premiere crew chiefs and tuners in the history of the NHRA.

“Having Connie tune the DHL dragster that I get to drive is awesome. After a run I will usually talk with him and Kurt Elliot about the pass. It isn’t a long conversation by any means but it is great to just learn from him and get his input,” added Langdon.

Langdon’s best effort at the NHRA Arizona Nationals was a No. 1 qualifier in 2012. He has never reached the final round at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park

2019 NHRA Arizona Nationals Highlights:  Qualified No. 7; Beat Cruz Pedregon; Lost to Matt Hagan

Last Event Recap (2020 NHRA Winternationals): Qual. No. 4; Lost to Justin Ashley

Quotable: Langdon on getting season started: “The off-season was nice but by the end of January I was ready to get back into a race car. Testing in Las Vegas went well and we made some good runs in Pomona. I really feel good about getting to Phoenix and going some rounds on Sunday.”

Career Stats: 257 events, 254 starts, 287 round wins, 16 wins, 33 finals, 18 No. 1 qualifiers; in Top Fuel 209 events, 206 starts, 14 wins, 30 finals, 248 round wins, 18 No. 1 qualifiers

2020 Season:
Winternationals: Qual. No. 4; Lost to Justin Ashley

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