NHRA Drag Racing 2026 1 2026-03-05 2026-03-05 https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/thumb/bhi66x1674077624.jpg https://r2.thesportsdb.com/images/media/event/poster/5o0j9f1674077614.jpg The AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals officially kicks off the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, marking the start of the sport's historic 75th anniversary season. As the traditional East Coast opener, Gainesville Raceway welcomes a sold-out crowd eager to see the fastest accelerating machines on the planet. Thursday serves as the foundation for the weekend, primarily focusing on the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the opening qualifying sessions for the alcohol ranks. While the 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel and Funny Car stars won't take to the track until Friday, Thursday is a marathon of horsepower for the Sportsman categories. All eyes are on the technical inspections and the first rounds of qualifying for Stock, Super Comp, and Top Dragster, where hundreds of racers battle for a spot in the elite elimination brackets. For fans, it's the first chance to see the new 2026 liveries and feel the ground-shaking power of the Top Alcohol classes as they begin their quest for a Gatornationals "Wally" trophy. 2417992