in an unprecedented 2020 season was Don Schumacher Racing making history by winning all 11 events .

But the clear headliner to make the sweep happen – a streak that actually stands at 14 straight Funny Car wins dating back to 2019 – was Matt Hagan , who claimed his third world championship on the strength of three victories and five final-round appearances .

His teammates were often his toughest competition , but the combination of Hagan and crew chief Dickie Venables is reaching legendary status . Venables has been able to dial up incredible runs , while Hagan has been steady and impressive behind the wheel , balancing the high expectations of running a top-tier DSR car with a noticeable cool under pressure .

Hagan , Tommy Johnson Jr . and Jack Beckman all had championship chances heading into the finale at Vegas , but Hagan qualified second and won the race , leaving no question he was a step ahead of everyone in 2020 .

“ It ’ s just been incredible and one of those things I ’ m blessed to be able to do ,” Hagan says . “ I take every race with appreciation and every race I show up I treat it like it ’ s my last . It makes you more driven and it ’ s just a great feeling to win and get a championship . But not letting the guys down , that ’ s what drives me .”

Hagan hasn ’ t let anyone down in ages , coming into his own as one of the best Funny Car drivers in NHRA history .

He reached elite territory with his third world championship , and a fourth world title would be even more hallowed ground — tied for second in class history with the legendary Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme . A year after he was named the Funny Car driver of the decade in the 2010s , Hagan added another championship in 2020 , leaving his legacy in strong shape with plenty left to accomplish in his career .

Hagan , though , realizes it ’ s all a product of a well-oiled machine , meshing almost perfectly with Venables and a team that ’ s stayed intact over the years .

“ You break some of the stuff down and you hit these milestones in your career , it ’ s so great but it ’ s really because you ’ re being surrounded by greatness with Dickie and this team ,” Hagan says . “ The sky is the limit with this group . We take every year and try to make it the best we can and make the best out of every run .” – JOSH HACHAT DI

PHOTOS : JOE MCHUGH , NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER

RANDAL ANDRAS NHRA Top Fuel Harley | DARIAN BOESCH NHRA Top Sportsman

January 2021 DragIllustrated . com | Drag Illustrated | 79