Spencer Hyde at the Arizona Nationals – NHRA Photo
ADEL, Ga. (April 1, 2026) – As NHRA continues its monumental 75th
anniversary celebration throughout the 2026 season, the NHRA Mission
Foods Drag Racing Series is set to make its thrilling debut at popular
South Georgia Motorsports Park for the 41st annual NHRA Southern
Nationals on May 1-3.
For the first time, the biggest names in the NHRA will appear at South
Georgia Motorsports, set to wow fans with unforgettable
12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro-powered action in Top Fuel and Funny
Car, as the historic Southern Nationals returns at a can’t-miss new
location during NHRA’s milestone campaign.
Winners in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will
be the first to win the highly coveted NHRA 75th anniversary diamond
Wally at SGMP, making it a must-see event for every fan.
From two rounds of qualifying on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty
Challenge bonus race on Saturday – as well as two more rounds of
qualifying – and eliminations on Sunday, it’s a jam-packed weekend
at SGMP, bringing back the Southern Nationals name to the NHRA circuit.
It’s the first of four visits to new facilities for NHRA in 2026 and
this one will feature a host of 75th anniversary events, including:
* An appearance from NHRA legend and three-time Top Fuel world
champion “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, as well as NHRA legend Darryl
Gwynn.
* A celebration of Garlits’ historic career and his passion for
innovation, engineering and advancing the sport of drag racing.
* On Friday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the
first 3,500 fans in attendance.
* A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th anniversary stage
in Nitro Alley.
The festivities kick off from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 with a
“Rev & Rally” race weekend preparty and fanfest from Visit Valdosta
at the Rainwater Conference Center. Fans can meet a host of their
favorite NHRA drivers, enjoy live music, enter a free raffle with prizes
including a pair of tickets to the NHRA Southern Nationals and much
more.
The 2026 NHRA Southern Nationals will see action from all four NHRA
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series classes and coverage of the event will
be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on
Sunday, May 3.
The Top Fuel class will bring its high speeds and impressive performance
to South Georgia. The 2026 season is off to a great start with stars
like Josh Hart of John Force Racing and former world champion Shawn
Langdon of Kalitta Motorsports snagging early wins this season. Others
to watch include reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown,
Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.
The Funny Car season kicked off with Chad Green winning for the second
straight year in Gainesville, while three-time world champion Ron Capps
won in Phoenix. Reigning two-time world champ Austin Prock has faced
early challenges 2026, while past title winners include Jack Beckman,
Matt Hagan, Cruz Pedregon and J.R. Todd, who will look to make their
mark at the new facility.
Reigning Pro Stock world champ Dallas Glenn earned his first race win of
the season in Phoenix. He and KB Titan Racing teammate, six-time world
champion Greg Anderson battled throughout 2025, but it was Glenn who won
out for his first title. Matt Hartford won in Gainesville to open 2026,
while Elite Motorsports, led by six-time champion Erica Enders, Aaron
Stanfield and Jeg Coughlin, will look to put on a show at SGMP.
Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson won his first world title last
season over Vance & Hines teammate and two-time champ Gaige Herrera.
Six-time champ Matt Smith and his teammates, Angie Smith, John Hall and
Jianna Evaristo, will look to challenge the Vance & Hines team, as will
Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant and Clayton Howey.
The NHRA Southern Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag
Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series
presented by Elite Motorsports and the Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag
Racing League Shootout.
All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the
main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet
and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans at South Georgia
Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that
introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track
Walk. They are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the
winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.
As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled
motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams
in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can
also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors
create an exciting atmosphere.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds
at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 1 and the final two rounds of
qualifying on Saturday, May 2 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are
scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 3. Television coverage includes
qualifying on FS1 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Sunday,
with eliminations action to follow at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Southern Nationals, 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 the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.
***