Shawn Langdon Eager to Keep Momentum Rolling Heading to Norwalk Nationals
Norwalk, OH – Shawn Langdon and the DHL Top Fuel dragster team are heading into the Norwalk Nationals with momentum and 
confidence after a successful weekend in Bristol. The 2013 Top Fuel champion nearly secured his first personal “double-up” when he won the Super Comp class and was runner-up in Top Fuel at the Thunder Valley Nationals. Langdon made more passes down the track over the three-day event than any other competitor switching between his two race cars and going rounds on Sunday.
“It was a busy day for sure,” said Langdon. “It was cool to be in that race mode all day and it felt like I never took my focus off the track. I warmed up my CMR Construction and Roofing dragster and then hopped right in my Super Comp dragster to go race. It definitely kept me sharp all day.”
The past two races for Langdon and his DHL Toyota Top Fuel team have been dominant events. In Epping Langdon was cruising through eliminations when a shredded blower belt derailed his efforts to reach the final round. Last weekend he took out Spencer Massey, Mike Salinas and Antron Brown on the way to the final round. He last run of the day was another solid pass that was just a little off pace for eth win.
“We have really been running well the past two races,” said Langdon. “Connie, Kurt and Jason have got a good tune-up and the guys on the crew are giving me a good race car. We moved up to sixth in the points and we are working on closing that gap on the teams in front of us. Norwalk should be another good chance to make a move.”
Langdon has raced to two final rounds at the Norwalk Nationals securing the win in 2016, over now teammate J.R. Todd, and a runner-up finish in 2014. That year he was also the No. 1 qualifier. Langdon will be back pulling double duty this weekend racing in both Super Comp and Top Fuel.
“Would like to pick up that second win in Top Fuel at Norwalk this weekend and getting a second win in a row in Super Comp would be cool. Both of those classes are tough for a variety of reasons,” said Langdon. “I am looking forward to the challenge.”
The Norwalk Nationals are the closest race to the Kalitta Motorsports shop outside of Detroit in Ypsilanti, Michigan, so several employees and family members will be at the race. There will also be a sizeable contingent of representatives from Applied Innovations, DHL and additional other sponsors.
“We will have a packed hospitality this weekend and that also gives you a lot of energy as a driver,” said Langdon. “Getting to spend time with the fans and our sponsors is a big part of the weekend. When you roll into the pit area after a round win and everyone is cheering that’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Langdon will hit the track in the DHL Toyota Top Fuel dragster for the first time on Friday evening for two qualifying sessions followed by two more runs on Saturday. Final eliminations for the quickest 16 Top Fuel dragster will begin on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
2021 NHRA Norwalk Nationals Highlights: Qual. No. 16; Lost to Steve Torrence
Last Event Recap 2022 Thunder Valley Nationals: RUNNER-UP; Qual. No. 9; Beat Spencer Massey, Mike Salinas, Antron Brown; Lost to Justin Ashley
Career Stats: 296 events, 292 starts, 318 round wins, 17 wins, 36 finals, 19 No. 1 qualifiers; in Top Fuel: 248 events, 244 starts, 15 wins, 33 finals, 279 round wins, 19 No. 1 qualifiers
2022 Results
Winternationals: Qual 8; Lost to Josh Hart
Arizona Nationals: Qual 7; Beat Antron Brown; Lost to Mike Salinas
Gatornationals: Qual 21; DNQ
Las Vegas1: Qual 11; Beat Doug Kalitta and Rob Passey; Lost to Steve Torrence and Brittany Force
Houston: Qual 10; Beat Leah Pruett; Lost to Brittany Force
Charlotte1: Qual 14; Lost to Clay Millican, Josh Hart
Richmond: Qual 12; Beat Doug Foley; Lost to Brittany Force
Epping: Qual. No. 12; Beat Josh Hart, Doug Kalitta; Lost to Justin Ashley
Bristol: RUNNER-UP; Qual. No. 9; Beat Spencer Massey, Mike Salinas, Antron Brown; Lost to Justin Ashley
