The NERD OUT is changing gears as we enter the final stretch of the 2026 NHRA Lucas Oil season. With fewer races remaining, I’m taking a weekly look at the biggest movers, shakers, and championship developments from the weekend.

This week, we’re recapping St. Louis and the impact it had on Stock, Super Stock, and Super Gas - from Jimmy Hidalgo Jr.’s late-season charge to several new names entering the championship conversation. The races are running out, and every round matters.

The NERD OUT returns to Super Comp, but the conversation has changed. At this point, it’s less about the championship chase and more about just how historic Trey Vetter’s 2026 season has become.

With 711 points, five wins in nine races, and a 44–4 round record, Vetter has joined an incredibly exclusive group of racers to eclipse the 700-point mark. Now the question becomes: How high can he go? I’m digging into the history behind the 700-point milestone and whether Vetter has a legitimate shot at one of the greatest point totals in NHRA Lucas Oil Series history.

The NERD OUT rolls into Stock Eliminator, and this championship chase is getting crowded. Joe Santangelo has taken over the top spot, but with several contenders still holding valuable opportunities to improve, 633 points may not be enough to close the door.

I’m breaking down the paths for Michael Brand, Cooter Hidalgo, Parker Theobald and others still in the hunt. Plus why this weekend in St. Louis could have a major impact on the championship picture. The races are running out, the points are getting harder to find, and Stock is far from settled.

Today on The Daily Driver, we’re introducing the next installment of our Win Light Lab series - this time led by Gage Burch and focused on bottom bulb racing.

Gage joins us to talk about his “chameleon” approach to competition, the importance of being able to adapt to any situation, and what racers can expect from this small-group experience. From footbrake and transbrake to the starting line, finish line, and everything in between, this Lab is all about becoming a more versatile and complete bottom bulb racer.

Interested? Sign up by visiting https://learn.thisisbracketracing.com/courses/gage-burch-win-light-lab

The NERD OUT continues, and today I’m turning my attention to Super Gas, a category that has delivered some incredible championship drama in recent years.

Nathan Vrooman has built a sizable lead, but in Super Gas, 612 points is far from a guarantee. I’m breaking down his path to the title, why Bo Butner and Phil Unruh still have plenty of opportunity, and how Jordan Pratt has quickly raced his way into the championship conversation.

The schedule is getting shorter, the opportunities are disappearing, and I believe our 2026 Super Gas World Champion comes from this group of four. Let’s nerd out on how it could all unfold.

The NERD OUT continues, and this time I’m breaking down the Super Comp championship chase. With the 2026 Lucas Oil season heading into the home stretch, the points picture is getting interesting and changing quickly.

I’m taking a closer look at Trey Vetter’s position at the top, the paths that Phil Unruh and Jordan Pratt have to challenge him, and why Zach Mazir is my long shot worth watching. There are still points on the table, races to be run, and plenty of scenarios that could shake things up before this championship is decided.

Today’s episode of The Daily Driver is dedicated to the memory of Larry Croft. We take a moment to honor his life, remember the impact he made, and reflect on the legacy he leaves behind within the racing community. This one is for Larry.

The NERD OUT rolls on, and this time I’m diving into the Super Stock championship chase. With the Lucas Oil season winding down, I’m looking at the battle from three different perspectives: the current leader, a top contender, and a long shot who still has a path to the championship.

There’s still plenty of racing left and plenty of ways this thing can play out. Let’s dig into the points, the possibilities, and what each of these racers needs to make a run at the title.