NHRA’s Announce Team Gains Strength for 2025
There are two new talents joining this crew for 2025 as former Motor Trend editor David Freiburger, who hosts the Roadkill and Engine Masters TV shows will be an announcer on NHRA.tv and will appear on select NHRA on FOX broadcasts. Top Fuel racer Jordan Vandergriff, known away from racetracks as a contestant on “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise” will continue to report on NHRA on FOX broadcasts and will attend added races when he works specific NHRA.tv, adding his insights to that coverage.
Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders’ sister Courtney, who is extremely active in FLOracing broadcasts and was part of the production team showing the second annual PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park just a week ago, intends to contribute coverage in both the Mission Foods and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series this season, while Al Tucci, a veteran drag racing broadcaster, is the voice of the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series in 2025, handling the voicing duties for all ten races this season.
Castello, who doesn’t confine his drag racing activities to the booth – he’s a racer in Super Street sportsman action with his Pontiac as well as a broadcaster – is excited about his upcoming season. “It’s an honor to be part of this announce team that will lead NHRA into its next era of announcing,” Castello said when his duties were announced. “NHRA drag racing is about passion, and everyone in this talented team has it. Fans can expect a fast-paced broadcast covering the sport in new ways, while also keeping what has made NHRA great for nearly 75 years. I’m excited to tell the stories of the greatest racers in the world.”
In addition to cameo appearances by the greats in straight-line racing, including current racers and legends of the sport, fans can expect to see periodic in-venue appearances by NHRA on FOX broadcasters Brian Lohnes, Amanda Busick and Bruno Massel, which will give NHRA fans an enviable array of talent and depth at all 20 National events. Drag racers Ida Zetterstrom in Top Fuel and Top Alcohol Dragster racer Angelle Sampey, the latter a Mission Foods ambassador, are expected to make occasional trips to the announce booth, adding their competitor’s knowledge bank to this enviable group.
In preparation for this upcoming season, NHRA has made some investments in added equipment and personnel, including new timing and scoring graphics implemented into the broadcasts on both NHRA.tv and NHRA on FOX. On-site fans will enjoy upgraded PA systems and audio equipment, while additional national events will have two jumbotrons for a better in-venue experience for fans and participants alike.
“We’re extremely excited to showcase this incredible variety of talented voices for our in-venue and NHRA.tv broadcasts for the 2025 season,” noted Evan Jonat, NHRA senior vice president. “Along with our standout announcers returning, by adding some new voices and having several different NHRA stars and legends join them in the booth, there will be so many great options who each bring something unique to our broadcasts. I think fans will be thrilled with the graphics and equipment upgrades as well,” he said.
NHRA intends to work closely with member tracks and throughout the racing divisions nationwide to scout local talent each year. By bringing young, local broadcast talent into the booth, NHRA’s actions expand the reach of straight-line racing throughout the country.