Austin Prock blazes a trail at Bradenton Drag Racing event!
Austin Prock, the reigning Funny Car champion, kicked off his 2025 season in style by setting a new record during the PRO Superstar Shootout qualifiers at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The 29-year-old driver, who triumphed in last year’s competition in his debut race in a nitro Funny Car, achieved the fastest run in history during the final qualifying round on Friday. Piloting his John Force Racing Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS, Prock crossed the finish line in a staggering 3.791 seconds, reaching an impressive speed of 331.53mph.
Prock’s remarkable performance marked the culmination of a stellar week, where he showcased his dominance on the track. Not only did he set a record-breaking time in the qualifiers, but he also topped the charts in testing with a time of 3.805s. Throughout the pre-season event, Prock continued to impress by posting the fastest times in all four qualifying sessions, clocking in at 3.861s, 3.882s, 3.860s, and finally, the groundbreaking 3.791s run.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Prock humbly shared his experience behind the wheel during the record-setting run. “That thing was trucking down there,” he remarked, acknowledging the intensity of the moment. Despite facing a near miss with the centerline that could have cost him a fraction of a second needed to break into the 3.78s range, Prock expressed his gratitude for his team’s efforts. He praised his crew chief, Jimmy Prock, along with teammates Thomas and Nate, for their exceptional work in preparing the vehicle for success.
Prock also highlighted the significance of his record-breaking time, noting that it had been eight years since a racer had achieved a 3.79s run. Drawing attention to the evolving landscape of race cars and regulations, Prock emphasized the team’s dedication to pushing boundaries and reclaiming that milestone. With a sense of pride and camaraderie, Prock credited his team’s hard work and expertise for the exhilarating journey to the top.
As the PRO Superstar Shootout heads into its final day on Saturday, anticipation is high for Prock and his competitors. With his unmatched speed and unwavering determination, Prock has set the stage for an exciting showdown at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion to this high-octane event!
