Strong performances have a way of changing plans, ask Top Fuel team owner Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Instead of waiting to bring out the D-A Lubricant – PennGrade High Performance Oil dragster driven by his nephew Jordan Vandergriff at the NHRA Gatornationals, the rookie driver will make his Top Fuel competition debut on Friday at the Magic Dry NHRA Arizona Nationals outside of Phoenix, Az.

"We had planned to test again before the Gatornationals, but after how well the preseason test went and how comfortable Jordan looked in the car, we decided to move him up to Phoenix,” Bob explained. “Although our schedule for Jordan is currently 12 races, if we can secure more funding I wouldn’t be opposed to Jordan running more races and battling Austin Prock and Jianna Salinas for rookie of the year and giving him a chance drive his way into the countdown to the championship.”

Jordan, 24, has never been shy about his desire to race a nitro-burner.

“I remember being that kid in the stands, watching my Uncle Bob race and wanting to be out on the track. Now my dreams are coming true,” said Jordan. “A huge thank you to D-A Lubricant Company and PennGrade High Performance Oil for making this a reality for me. And of course, thank you to my Uncle Bob. Ron Douglas, Joe Barlam and the entire BVR crew… they’re going to give me a fast race car. The only thing that can make my debut better would be to take home a win.”

Jordan earned his Top Fuel license earlier this month at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park during the NHRA Nitro Spring Training test session. He made a career-best elapsed time of 3.738 at 325.85 mph, which most believe is the quickest and fastest Top Fuel licensing run ever.

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— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) January 4, 2019