| “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Don, who was voted No. 1 in NHRA’s 50 greatest drivers list, as part of our 2023 kick-off event in Gainesville. He’s one of the greatest innovators the sport has ever seen and to have his masterpieces on display will be a huge moment for everyone,” said Evan Jonat, NHRA Vice President of Live Events. “It’s a great opportunity for our fans to get a taste of history in this way and presented in a unique setting at the Gatornationals. It certainly adds to the great racing on the track, and we’re excited for it to be a can’t-miss part of our weekend to open the 2023 season.”
Normally displayed at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in nearby Ocala, the legendary three-time Top Fuel world champ is taking the incredible selection of cars out of his museum and bringing them to Gainesville to help kick off the 2023 NHRA season.
Race fans can learn about the historic dragsters and get a close look at each of them at the Gatornationals, making it a surefire attraction to go along with the exciting action taking place on the track in Gainesville. Garlits will also be getting on the track, as the NHRA legend will also be making a pass in the 800-horsepower Dodge Challenger as part of the Hellcat Dream Giveaway during the weekend.
It adds another exciting incentive to what’s shaping up to be a marquee opener for the 2023 NHRA season. Before the race weekend gets going, Garlits and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame will induct its 2023 class on Thursday, March 9, one that features the legendary 16-time world champion John Force. Preceding the Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hilton University of Florida will be a NHRA press conference to help start the 2023 campaign, featuring several of the top NHRA stars.
The race will be one for the ages, as it includes the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, pitting eight standouts against each other in a unique specialty race that takes place on Saturday, March 11.
Reigning world champion Brittany Force, defending callout winner Steve Torrence, Justin Ashley, Mike Salinas, Doug Kalitta, Josh Hart, Austin Prock and Clay Millican make up the eight-car field for the one-day shootout with a distinctive callout format that promises big money and major bragging rights.
After two rounds of race qualifying on Friday, three rounds of the specialty race takes place on Saturday, making it a must-see attraction to start the NHRA’s 72nd season. For more than five decades, Gainesville Raceway has served as hallowed grounds for drivers eager to leave their mark at the storied facility.
In 2022, Tripp Tatum (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock), and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up victories during a record-breaking weekend in Gainesville. Hagan earned the first-ever victory for Tony Stewart Racing, and Karen Stoffer made the quickest pass in Pro Stock Motorcycle history at 6.665 seconds en route to the win. Tatum earned his first career victory, as a first-time winner picked up the victory for a second straight year in Top Fuel.
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 10 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 11 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 12.
The first round of the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout will take place at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 with the semifinals set to follow at 2:45 p.m. The final round is slated for 4:25 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 2023 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com. |
