As the NHRA US Nationals celebrate their 70th anniversary at the iconic Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and the scent of racing fuel. Among the stars of the show is Antron Brown—a name that has become synonymous with top-tier drag racing. With three Top Fuel world championships under his belt, five US National championships, and the first black driver to win a major US auto racing season championship, Brown’s preparation for this year’s event is a blend of intense focus, seasoned experience and a dash of anticipation for the historic milestone.
“Oh man, it’s going to be a special deal this year,” said Brown. We are really looking forward to it, and our goal is to go out there and race hard. And why not try for a “turkey” or a “threepeat” in wins? That’s what we are going to try for.”
Brown’s win total, which includes 76 Top Fuel and 16 Pro Stock Motorcycle, is seventh-best in NHRA history. At 48 years old, Antron Brown shows no signs of slowing down, noting that the feeling of being behind the wheel is unlike anything else.
“The feelings I get [right before the race starts] are unbelievable; how it just rises up. I get excited from the inside of my chest, and it just floats out. It’s one of those deals where my hairs will stand up, and I start getting goosebumps on my arms and everything else. It makes me feel like a bird flying and being free.”
Brown established AB Motorsports in 2019, and the team made its on-track debut in 2022. Headquartered in Brownsburg, AB Motorsports began preparing for the 22-race NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series long before the season started. It’s a year-round pursuit of perfection and a relentless chasing of milliseconds that could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
“This is a team-oriented sport,” Brown said. “You all have to be precise about everything you do. You have to be operating on all eight cylinders, and that’s the whole team, not just you individually.”
Brown and his team’s technical expertise is exceptional. However, Brown emphasizes that its the team’s collaborative atmosphere and determination that have led to their many successes.
“Being a team owner, what makes it worthwhile is the people I get to do it with,” Brown said. “I have a lot of great people here with a lot of pressure on their shoulders, and they do so well with it. AB Motorsports wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for the people here.”
Balancing the role as a driver and a team owner of AB Motorsports is a difficult task. This dual position demands a deep understanding of the technical and competitive aspects of racing and requires strong business judgments and leadership skills. Managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring the team remains financially viable, and maintaining a competitive edge on the track while focusing on personal performance and development as a driver are challenges that require a unique blend of dedication, strategic planning, and passion for the sport.
“I am getting very comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Brown noted. “I found out a long time ago that you will never be successful micromanaging or being over top of people. You have to let each of them open their wings and fly. You can give direction, lean on them, and place them in uncomfortable situations, and it’s in the uncomfortable that they start growing. They flourish and become the best versions of themselves. That’s one thing that has helped me along the way.”
Reflecting on what a victory at the 70th NHRA US Nationals would mean, Brown allows himself a moment of introspection. “We have won the US Nationals numerous times, which is the biggest race. That’s like winning the Super Bowl in motorsports to me.”
While Brown has his sights set on winning another championship, he’s also looking beyond The Big Go to continue growing AB Motorsports in the coming years.
“My goal right now is to grow AB Motorsports to a multi-car team in the future,” he said. “I want us to have vehicles in other classes as well. I could see myself maybe having another Fuel car as a teammate and also having a grassroots A-Fuel program to teach and allow others to grow.”
Reflecting on personal growth and the journey to success, Brown added, “Well, we are still trying to generate that history. You know what I mean? Some of my biggest accomplishments are just becoming a professional in general and then pushing beyond any boundaries I had dreamed about.”
