Jordan Vandergriff returns to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend in a very different role than a year ago. In 2023, he worked the NHRA Nevada Nationals as a television reporter for Fox Sports. Now, the 31-year-old from Brea, California, enters the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals sitting second in the Funny Car points standings, 98 points behind four-time champion Matt Hagan with two races remaining on the schedule.
Driving the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS for John Force Racing — the same car that won the past two world titles with Austin Prock — Vandergriff has a chance to deliver the team a third consecutive Funny Car championship in his first full NHRA national season. "To be here after being on NHRA on Fox the last two years, it's pretty unbelievable," Vandergriff said. "But over the years, this is what I wanted. This is what I dreamed of. This what I've worked for."
Vandergriff's path back to the driver's seat was unconventional. After making his NHRA national debut in 2019 and reaching the semifinals three times, he lost his ride following that season. He later appeared on Season 19 of "The Bachelorette" and Season 9 of "Bachelor in Paradise" while continuing to work in broadcasting, which he said he did to stay involved in the sport. "I knew I had unfinished business," he said. "It took a little longer than I expected. It took seven years, but I'm right where I should be now."
Qualifying continued Saturday after rain delayed Friday's nitro sessions by nearly two hours. Jack Beckman posted the fastest Funny Car time at 3.832 seconds and 335.32 mph, the second-quickest run of the season. Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon led his class at 3.672 seconds and 332.59 mph, earning three bonus points. Vandergriff qualified fifth in Funny Car at 3.909 seconds and 332.02 mph. In Top Fuel, Maddi Gordon set a new Las Vegas Motor Speedway track record with a 340.56 mph pass.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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