Kenny Bernstein’s magical 300-mph run came in Gainesville in 1992 – NHRA Photo
Incredible list of legends scheduled to appear, special Sunday giveaway,
Saturday Callout and much more help open landmark year
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2026) – One of the biggest seasons in NHRA
history is set for a massive opening, as the 75th anniversary season in
the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series officially gets underway with
the NHRA Gatornationals on March 5-8 at legendary Gainesville Raceway.
The historic race and venue will get an added touch this season to kick
off NHRA’s milestone year, with a lineup full of legends scheduled to
appear to start the celebration.
Some of the sport’s biggest names – including Kenny Bernstein, Don
Garlits, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn and
Bob Frey – will be on hand at the famed venue, ensuring the 75th
season in NHRA gets started on a thrilling note.
Bernstein’s magical 300-mph run – which came in Gainesville in 1992
– will also be celebrated throughout the weekend as the race’s
historic moment, a theme that will take place at all 20 races during the
spectacular 2026 campaign. Bernstein will also be featured in the unique
commemorative ticket for the Gatornationals. Fans can scan the onsite
signs in Gainesville to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be
available for purchase online all season and will be distinctive to each
race in 2026.
On Sunday, the first 6,500 fans in attendance will also get a free
limited-edition NHRA 2026 season poster, detailing the full schedule for
the special 75th anniversary season and capping off what’s sure to be
a memorable kick-off to the 2026 season.
Of course, all the current stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and
Pro Stock Motorcycle will be on hand to open the season as well, as the
biggest names will look to try to win the sport’s most coveted prize,
the Wally trophy, which will be a special 75th diamond Wally in 2026.
The special NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally will only be available
in 2026, which makes it a coveted item for all competitors this year –
along with the Gatornationals traditional Golden Gator trophy.
Fans can also look forward to a multitude of items celebrating the
NHRA’s 75th anniversary and the series’ remarkable history at the
track. From a new-look Nitro Mall to special displays, the 75th
anniversary stage in Nitro Alley and much more, it will be an
unforgettable weekend for every fan in attendance.
Plus, they’ll have a chance to meet some of NHRA’s biggest names and
those who played pivotal and amazing roles in NHRA’s 75-year history.
The iconic Garlits was named the No. 1 driver in NHRA history during the
50th anniversary celebration, while legends Bernstein and Prudhomme
enjoyed illustrious careers, with Bernstein claiming six championships
and Prudhomme winning four world titles.
Muldowney was a trailblazer as a dominant female in drag racing, winning
three world championships in Top Fuel, while Amato was a dominant force
in Top Fuel en route to a remarkable five championships. Gwynn was a
star in the Top Fuel ranks, winning 18 times, and Frey’s legendary
calls as the voice of the NHRA helped bring the sport to new levels.
All will be honored throughout the weekend in Gainesville, adding a
special scene to what will be can’t-miss action on the track,
including Friday qualifying, the Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty
race on Saturday, eliminations on Sunday and action all weekend long in
the Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and
the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
The Gatornationals – long one of the biggest races on the NHRA tour –
have drawn massive crowds for more than five decades and helped make
legends in the sport. Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Chad Green
(Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock
Motorcycle) all won on the hallowed grounds of Gainesville Raceway to
open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1,
including eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8.
This year, fans will see a host of major stars, including Top Fuel
reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, motorsports legend Tony Stewart,
local standout Josh Hart, who joined John Force Racing, and the return
of star driver Leah Pruett. In Funny Car, the stars include back-to-back
world champ Austin Prock, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and new
John Force Racing driver Jordan Vandergriff, while Pro Stock features
champ Glenn, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders, who each have six
championships, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is after a fourth straight
Gatornationals win, while Richard Gadson begins his title defense
against the likes of Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.
Upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club [1] –
which features a premium experience and a number of exclusive benefits
at one of the biggest races of the season – are also available for
purchase [2]. Fans are encouraged to purchase early as TEC tickets will
sell out.
Before the race, fans will again be invited to a special
“Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest” at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz
Speedshop in Ocala. In what’s become an exciting pre-event tradition,
the event will take place on Wednesday, March 4. The fun-filled kickoff
event will include driver appearances and autographs at the
state-of-the-art facility and much more.
A host of additional special events – both off and on the track – as
well as the full event schedule for the 57th annual NHRA Gatornationals
will be announced in the coming weeks.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit
www.NHRA.com/tickets [3]. Children 12 and under are free in general
admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more
information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com [4].
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