# Shawn Langdon Tightens Grip on NHRA Top Fuel Championship

> Shawn Langdon closes in on second NHRA Top Fuel title after dominant win at Midwest Nationals.
- Title: Shawn Langdon Tightens Grip on NHRA Top Fuel Championship
- Summary: Shawn Langdon closes in on second NHRA Top Fuel title after dominant win at Midwest Nationals. Shawn Langdon extends his lead in the NHRA Top Fuel…
- Keywords: shawn langdon, nhra, top fuel, countdown, doug kalitta, austin prock, funny car, pro stock, aaron stanfield, gaige herrera, pro stock motorcycle, cars
- Source: Autoweek — https://autoweek.com/racing/nhra/a74020649/shawn-langdon-closer-to-nhra-top-fuel-championship
- Author: Susan Wade
- Published: 2026-10-05T01:57:54+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: shawn langdon, nhra, top fuel, countdown, doug kalitta, austin prock, funny car, pro stock, aaron stanfield, gaige herrera, pro stock motorcycle, cars
## Shawn Langdon tightens grip
Shawn Langdon took a massive step toward his second Top Fuel series crown at the NAPA Auto Parts Midwest Nationals.
## Langdon's fourth consecutive win
Langdon secured his fourth consecutive victory in 17 events this season, extending his lead over Doug Kalitta from 25 points to 116.
## Langdon's record
Langdon has a 46-9 elimination-round record (83.6 percent) with races left at Dallas, Las Vegas, and Pomona, California.
## Langdon's team focus
Langdon credited his crew chief Brian Husen for keeping the team focused on perfection and details throughout the season.
## Langdon's championship outlook
Langdon said he wouldn't confirm who the 2026 Top Fuel champion would be, joking that 'in three races we’ll know, right?'

> in three races we’ll know, right?
## Austin Prock's comeback
Austin Prock surged from 17th place early in the season to third place after defeating four drivers ahead of him in the standings.
## Prock's championship gap
Prock reduced the gap between him and leader Matt Hagan from 144 points to 106 points in the Countdown standings.
## Prock's team pride
Prock praised his team's effort, saying it was 'unbelievable' and that he loves winning with Tasca Racing.
## Prock's social media stance
Prock dismissed online criticism from former boss John Force, saying internet comments 'are not important to our family or this race team.'

> what’s been going on on the internet, we don’t even pay any attention to that
## Prock's racing focus
Prock emphasized his team's dominance, stating they've been 'hot' for 12 races and are now in striking distance for the championship.
## Aaron Stanfield's race
Aaron Stanfield defeated his father Greg Stanfield in a final round for the eighth time in his career at World Wide Technology Raceway.
## Aaron Stanfield's pride
Aaron Stanfield credited his father for still having 'a lot left in his tank' and helping him win races.

> i’m super-proud of him. he’s proven he’s still got a lot left in his tank
## Gaige Herrera's win
Gaige Herrera secured his fourth consecutive victory at World Wide Technology Raceway to advance in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings.
## Herrera's record
Herrera has 31 triumphs in 37 finals with a 23-8 showing on race day and a 3-3 record against Richard Gadson.
## Herrera's championship gap
Herrera trails leader Richard Gadson by 32 points with three races remaining in the Countdown standings.
## Herrera's racing mindset
Herrera said he's 'living the dream' and focused on enjoying the racing rather than pushing too hard.

> i’m living the dream. i’m having fun, and that’s what it’s all about
## Key takeaway

Shawn Langdon extends his lead in the NHRA Top Fuel championship to 116 points over Doug Kalitta with a fourth consecutive victory.