Shawn Langdon and DHL Team Back in Indy for U.S. Nationals Victory

Indianapolis – Shawn Langdon will enter the NHRA U.S. Nationals focused on getting his second Top Fuel title at the historic event and keeping a Kalitta Motorsports streak alive. Langdon picked up his first U.S. Nationals win in 2013 on the way to his Top Fuel championship. Since 2017 Kalitta Motorsports has hoisted a Wally in victory in either Funny Car or Top Fuel. His DHL Top Fuel team has been making steady progress over the last three races held in Indianapolis as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series as restarted but the results haven’t translated to victories yet.

“We have been making good runs in qualifying and we have won some rounds on Sunday but we haven’t put a whole race together yet,” said Langdon. “Connie (Kalitta) and Kurt (Elliott) have a good handle on the race car and we just need some things to fall our way. I did a lot of bracket racing over the break and with the last three races I feel good in the car. I am looking forward to this weekend for sure.”

Coming into the NHRA U.S. National Langdon has more seat time than most of his competitors thanks to a dedication to racing that got him into his bracket car in the weeks preceding the restart of the season. Langdon, a world champion at the sportsman level, was able to compete at regional events winning rounds and keeping his starting line skills sharp. Those reaction time abilities will come in handy this weekend.

“You look at the Top Fuel competition right now and I don’t know if it has ever been tougher,” said Langdon. “There aren’t just good race cars out there the drivers have been killer on the tree. If you don’t come up to the starting line with the right frame of mind your race could be over before your race car passes the Christmas Tree. I have been putting in a lot of work and I am hoping to see it pay off this weekend.

The DHL Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragster will be reaping the benefits of new sponsor support from the likes of Mobil1 and NGK Spark Plugs, two sponsors exclusive to Kalitta Motorsports that have been providing products and testing to support the team’s 11,000 horsepower efforts. Those new partners along with the long-standing relationship with Toyota and TRD give Langdon confidence his team, as well as his two teammates, have the data and knowledge to get the job done.

“I can’t say enough about the support we get from Toyota, Mobil1 and NGK Spark Plugs. Those companies aren’t just sponsoring the car they are hands on in labs and on the track giving us great parts and feedback to help us win. There is so much going on away from the track and well as between rounds we are excited to see the results after every run. It is really cool to see those partners supporting us and we want to get them another U.S. Nationals win.”

The business to business element of racing is one of Kalitta Motorsports’ strengths with sponsors like Revchem Composites, SealMaster, Fifth Third Bank, DHL and other enjoying hospitality and a great environment to network. The team was built on the hard work and race wins of team owner Connie Kalitta, Langdon’s crew chief, and the winning attitude he brings to the track is always on Langdon’s mind.

“I am honored to be racing Connie’s Top Fuel dragster. He has done so much in the sport you want to give him your best every time you strap into the race car. It is cool to talk with him after a run and to know he was a driver so he understands what I am talking about. This whole team was built by him and we all want to perform for him. Our goal this weekend will be to make every run count and get another Wally for Connie,” added Langdon.

Last Event Recap (2020 NHRA Indy3 Nationals): Qual. No. 14; Lost to Leah Pruett

2019 US Nationals Recap: In Funny Car – Qual. No. 7; Beat Tommy Johnson Jr.; Lost to Matt Hagan

Quotable: Shawn Langdon on the U.S. Nationals: “This will be the fourth race in a row in Indianapolis but this one will feel different I guarantee it. There are almost 900 race teams here. There are cars all over the place. The U.S. Nationals will always feel and be special. I am glad I get the chance to win this race again.”

Career Stats: 261 events, 258 starts, 289 round wins, 16 wins, 33 finals, 18 No. 1 qualifiers; in Top Fuel 213 events, 210 starts, 14 wins, 30 finals, 250 round wins, 18 No. 1 qualifiers

2020 Season:
Winternationals: Qual. No. 4; Lost to Justin Ashley
Arizona Nationals: Qual. No. 7; Beat Clay Millican; Lost to Steve Torrence
Indy1 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 8; Beat Justin Ashley; Lost to Steve Torrence
Indy2 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 3; Lost to Justin Ashley
Indy3 NHRA Nationals: Qual. No. 14; Lost to Leah Pruett