14/09/2026
Itâs been a week since we got home from the U.S. Nationals, and weâve meant to share an update, but if weâre being honest⊠weâve been tired! đ
The Big Go is always a little bittersweet for us. Itâs a race you look forward to all year and a race you dream of winning year after year⊠itâs also the beginning of fall and signs that the season will eventually dwindle down becomes more and more evident.
Chris and Christine had both just competed at the Brainerd Nationals, and if youâve been following along, you know that race wasnât without its highs and lows. We rolled in around 3 a.m. after Brainerd, grabbed a few hours of shuteye, and got right back to real life. Hudson had his first day of school, while Chris and Christine headed back to work.
We made it through the week and then headed to our home track for the World Series of Drag Racing so Hudson could get some racing in. Needless to say, that didnât leave much time to get two Alcohol Funny Cars turned around and ready for the biggest race of the year.
Chris is responsible for getting the Maxima Racing Oils/HL Construction entry ready, while Christineâs dad, Curtiss, takes the lead on the Chambless Family Racing/Maxima Racing Oils entry. Somehow, both cars were ready when qualifying kicked off Friday.
Christine made a respectable first lap, putting her #2 after Q1, but unfortunately, the team found another hurt piston. They knew there was an issue they hadnât completely resolved, so rather than make Q2, they made the decision to sit that session out and go completely through the car to make sure it was right.Chris made both of his Friday qualifying attempts, and by the end of Q2, the Fosters were sitting #3 and #4. Then came Q3⊠and this is where things got interesting. Chris and Christine were paired side-by-side for the final qualifying session.
If you know the Fosters, you know they are each otherâs biggest supporters. They want the other one to run well, they want the other one to succeed, and theyâll do anything they can to help each other get there. But put them in opposite lanes⊠they BOTH want the bragging rights. Christine left first, Chris went faster, but Christine crossed the finish line first. Did it matter? No. Did it matter? Absolutely. If nothing else, it gave us all a good laugh, provided a little entertainment, and gave Christine bragging rights⊠at least until Chris comes up with his argument for why it doesnât count.
Amongst qualifying in the UNBEARABLE heat (the hottest U.S. Nats we can remember), both Fosters were surrounded by so much support!
Chris had HL Constructionâs Heath and Tiffany Littrell on-site with their friends Jason and Tina Young. Jimmy and Karen Rector, Todd (we missed you this weekend, Sherri), Nick Foster, Kevin Newburgh, and Dan and Pam Loussaert were on the team this weekend, along with some special guests from Jimmyâs driving days, Darrel and Mitch.
Christine had her parents/team owners, Curtiss and Tracy (the birthday girl), Uncle Bo, Riley Munoz, and Nate Mayes on board to keep her car on track. We were surrounded by family and friends and could not be more grateful for all of their support and commitment to making these cars operate and be successful.
Round 1 was a success for both carsâChris and Christine both made it out of Round 1. Chris faced Bruce Mullins, and Christine faced Stan Sipos. It is always a celebration when both cars go rounds, especially at a highly competitive event like the U.S. Nats.
Unfortunately, thatâs where the win lights stopped. Chris and Christine both lost in Round 2. While they both wished for more win lights, they still left feeling grateful for all that has been accomplished. Chris will head to Martin, Mi for the inaugural Great Lakes Nationals. Christine will have to wait until Dallas to get behind the wheel again. Stay tuned as we head north to Michigan for cooler temps and even faster elapsed times!
