Taylor/Nickens Superteam Worked Together for Taylor’s Fifth Championship

Before the 2025 season even began, Jeff Taylor was already firmly established as one of the great competitors in NHRA Sportsman racing history — with four world championships and more than 50 national event wins to his name. But even Taylor didn’t expect what would unfold in 2025.

With veteran teammate and engine builder David Nickens by his side, Taylor pursued racing with a renewed perspective. What began as a low-pressure season focused on fun and select national events quickly turned into a championship chase built on perseverance, teamwork, and a little bit of luck.

A Season of Resilience and Strategy

The 2025 campaign was defined by resilience. After an early setback at the Las Vegas national event, where a dead battery sidelined them, the team elected to stay for the double divisional and began accumulating points. That decision shifted the momentum, and soon Taylor found himself fully committed to the championship hunt.

There were emotional highs and mechanical lows, including powerful victories, heartbreaking technical failures, and strategic decisions that emphasized smart racing as much as outright speed. Through it all, the Taylor/Nickens crew stayed focused, positive, and collaborative, the very definition of a superteam.

Championship Clinched at In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals

At the season finale, the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Taylor sealed the championship in dramatic fashion. With tactical precision and resilience under pressure, he out-paced the field and stood atop the leaderboard when the final points were calculated.

Final Points Standings (Top 3):

1. Jeff Taylor — 390 points (2025 NHRA World & D4 Champion)

2. Chase Williams — 369 points (D4 Runner-up)

3. Roger Brogdon — 336 points (D4 Third Place)

Taylor’s competitors pushed him hard all year, with Chase Williams mounting a strong challenge before ultimately finishing second in the standings, and Roger Brogdon turning in a consistently competitive season to earn third overall.

A Career Milestone & Legacy Continued

This championship marks Taylor’s fifth world title, a testament to longevity, adaptability, and the collaborative spirit of his team. It’s a reminder that in NHRA Sportsman racing, success isn’t just about horsepower, it’s about strategy, relationships, and heart.

Despite a career already rich with accolades, Taylor remarked that this title might be among the most satisfying, given the journey it took to earn it. With the support of Nickens, crew members, sponsors, and family, this season will be remembered as one where fun, grit, and friendship helped define championship racing.