Funny Car racer Chris King is excited to compete in Norwalk this weekend

Funny Car driver Chris King has built his nitro program with an attention to detail that would make Bill Bader Jr., the second-generation owner of Summit Motorsports Park, proud.

Known as “America’s Racetrack,” the facility that hosts this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals represents one of the most professional and family-friendly motorsports events in the country, and King, along with his Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car team, is excited to race there for the first time.

“I’m excited to get back on the track and race at Summit Motorsports Park for the first time,” said King, who began his season at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. “The Baders do a great job with their event and it’s one of the most popular races in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series for the fans and the teams. They have a rich history, a great track and when you win you get a one-of-a-kind scoop of ice cream. ‘How cool is that?'”

King and his Bob Peck-tuned Funny Car will have their hands full in the remainder of Funny Car competition. The plan is to use all four qualifying rounds to gather additional data and build on the positive momentum from Chicago. As a new team, they are still putting the organizational pieces together and building up a parts inventory to ensure they maintain a high level of competitiveness throughout the rounds.

“The organizational aspects are one of the hardest things for a part-time team on a budget,” King said. “We’re training people all the time and we have to focus on the big picture and every little detail as well. All teams have to do that, but they have a lot more people. Bob does a good job and I try to be involved as much as possible, but I also talk to sponsors, media and fans.”

The team has heard that the best part about racing at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals is the fan experience. This will be a new event for King and the Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car team, but they have heard that the track will be very busy during the three-day event. The track will host a number of special events, including an ice cream eating contest for drivers and a huge fireworks display on Friday night after qualifying.

“Every event should have a personal touch and I can’t wait to experience Norwalk,” King said. “I know I sound like a fan, but as a professional driver you want to compete in events that offer a little more to the fans and sponsors. We take our racing seriously, but we also want to be part of a great show. I’m looking forward to getting off the trailer and putting in some good, clean runs that we can build on on Sunday.”

When the race gets underway, King will face some of the toughest competition in recent years. The class will also remember Hall of Fame driver John Force, who is recovering from a serious crash at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals. The legendary driver is still recovering from a serious crash on the track.

“Everyone is praying for John Force and his family,” King said. “He’s one of the reasons I wanted to race Funny Car. I hope he continues to improve and comes back here if he wants to. The guy has nothing to prove. He holds every record you can imagine. I just want him to get better and see John Force smiling on the track again.”

The Howard Cams/Competition Products team assembled by King has been working together since 2021, when King competed in three NHRA national events, qualifying for the Mile High Nationals in Denver, the Kansas Nationals in Topeka and the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Last year, King competed in the Route 66 Nationals, the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, the Topeka Nationals, the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd and the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. This season, King is looking forward to competing in five or six national events.