BRAINERD — Justin Ashley looks to go back-to-back at Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Aug. 14-17 at Brainerd International Raceway.

The 30-year-old Top Fuel racer won his first tropey at BIR last year with an elapsed time of 3.745 that edged Shawn Langdon in the finals.

“Brainerd is special for a number of different reasons,” Ashley said. “This is the first opportunity to return to Brainerd as a defending event champion, which is something we’re looking forward to. It’s a way to prepare for Indy and then the Countdown. It’s a crucial race for us in terms of performance and we want to leave with momentum.”

This season, Ashley has already clinched a spot in the Countdown and sits in third place in the Top Fuel standings.

He’s won twice with three runner-up finishes this year and one No. 1 qualif

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