NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Friday News and Notes from the NHRA Southern Nationals

News, notes, quotes, and photos from the opening day of qualifying at the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Updated throughout the day.
01 May 2026
Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
Race coverage
Green
This weekend, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing series makes a long-awaited return to the State of Georgia with the return of the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga. The event, the fifth of the 2026 season,…
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Leah Pruett closing in on win heading into NHRA Southern Nationals

Leah Pruett has enjoyed a strong start to her return to the Top Fuel ranks and appears as close as ever to her first win of the 2026 season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series as the tour heads to South Georgia Motorsports Park for this weekend’s NHRA Southern Nationals.
30 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Leah Pruett
Leah Pruett has enjoyed a strong start to her return to the Top Fuel ranks and appears as close as ever to her first win of the 2026 season in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.Heading to South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) for this…
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JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series thrilled for South Georgia debut

For the first time as an official series in the NHRA, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports will compete at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Pro Mod racing at the NHRA Southern Nationals is powered by Dixie Trucking.
30 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Pro Mod
For the first time as an official series in the NHRA, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports will compete at South Georgia Motorsports Park, bringing a wealth of talented racers and action to the area as…
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Tricky Tipster: NHRA Southern Nationals

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will visit the first of four new venues this weekend as South Georgia Motorsports Park is set to host the NHRA Southern Nationals, the fifth of 20 events scheduled this season. Here are the opening odds as part of the PlayNHRA initiative.
30 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
Tricky Tipster®
Tipster
The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will visit the first of four new venues this weekend as South Georgia Motorsports Park is set to host the NHRA Southern Nationals, the fifth of 20 events scheduled this season.This week, the PlayNHRA…
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Brent Pozzi earns Holley EFI Never Rest Award at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

Super Stock racer Brent Pozzi was the recipient of the Holley EFI Never Rest Award at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
30 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Never Rest
Brent Pozzi not only put in a new engine into his Super Stocker at the track overnight but also suffered a fire after a wire shorted out, but he nonetheless put in the work and was rewarded with the Holley EFI Never Rest Award at the NHRA 4-Wide…
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NHRA announces earlier start for Friday qualifying at NHRA Southern Nationals

NHRA has announced an earlier start for Friday qualifying in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park. The first round of qualifying is now set for 11:15 a.m. ET.
30 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Adel
NHRA announced an earlier start for Friday qualifying in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park.The first round of qualifying is now set for 11:15 a.m. ET, starting with Pro Stock…
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J.R. Todd looks to win NHRA debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park

After an eventful weekend in Charlotte, past Funny Car world champion J.R. Todd has carried momentum into the NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park.
29 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
J.R. Todd
After an eventful weekend in Charlotte, past Funny Car world champion J.R. Todd and the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series travel to South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) for the facility’s first NHRA national event for this weekend’s NHRA…
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Behind the Scenes with the winners of the 2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the 2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals as they celebrate with their teams and accept congratulations from their defeated final-round opponents.
29 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Behind the Scenes with the winners of the 2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals
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Charlotte Top Alcohol Funny Car win was milestone 50th victory for Bellemeur

Five-time and reigning NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion Sean Bellemeur became the 26th and most recent driver in NHRA history to reach the 50-win national event milestone with his victory at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
29 Apr 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
News
Sean Bellemeur
Five-time and reigning NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion Sean Bellemeur became the 26th and most recent driver in NHRA history to reach the 50-win national event milestone with his victory at the NHRA 4-Wide…
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The four-wide frenzy and a Southern Nationals preview

On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes talks about the highs and lows of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway and previews the return of this weekend's NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park.
28 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
NHRA Insider podcast
NHRA Insider
 On this episode of the NHRA Insider podcast powered by Speedmaster, host Brian Lohnes talks about the highs and lows of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway and previews the return of this weekend's NHRA Southern Nationals at South…
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NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Weekend Rewind

The 2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway packed a wild weekend's worth of racing into four lanes of fury at the fourth event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Enjoy this video review of the event.
28 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Weekend Rewind
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South Georgia Motorsports Park set for NHRA Mission Foods Series debut

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.
28 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Southern Nationals
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…
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NHRA Southern Nationals Friday preview

After a far-too-long wait, the NHRA Southern Nationals returns but with a twist as the event will now be staged at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga. One of four new venues on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule, the event is the fifth of 20 races this season. Here is all the info you need in our Friday preview.
28 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
SGMP
After a far-too-long wait, the NHRA Southern Nationals returns but with a twist as the event will now be staged at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga. One of four new venues on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule, the…
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Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 becomes quickest and fastest electric car in quarter-mile at NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

Next-generation Cobra Jet eclipses prior EV milestones, delivering 222.36 mph at zMAX Dragway.
28 Apr 2026
David Kennedy
News
Mustang Cobra Jet 2200
The evolution of electric drag racing reached a defining moment at the 2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals as the Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 established itself as the quickest and fastest electric car in the quarter-mile. In front of a packed…
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Five Things We Learned in Charlotte

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway was packed with drama and upsets that made the fourth event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series one to truly remember. Here’s our five big takeaways.
27 Apr 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
5 Things
The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway was packed with drama and upsets that made the fourth event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series one to truly remember. Here’s our five big takeaways.FOUR-WIDE TOP FUEL MADNESS…
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Jonathan Allegrucci wins 4-Wide Nationals Flexjet Factory Stock title again

No. 1 qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci took home all the hardware today at zMax Dragway winning the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals for the second year in a row.
26 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
FSS
No. 1 qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci took home all the hardware today at zMax Dragway winning the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals for the second year in a row. The driver from Scott Township, Pa. drove his Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to the winner’s circle in a…
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Dodge Charger thrill ride delivered unforgettable adrenaline at zMAX Dragway

Take it from Ida Zetterström — the Dodge Charger Thrill Ride at zMAX Dragway was a must-do.
26 Apr 2026
David Kennedy
News
Dodge Charger thrill ride
For those looking to experience their own adrenaline rush at the track, take it from Ida Zetterström — the Dodge Charger Thrill Ride at zMAX Dragway was a must-do. No competition license required. Like hundreds of other NHRA fans at the 2026…
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Stavrinos gets Charlotte JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series victory on holeshot

Mike Stavrinos picked up his first win of the season in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, taking the holeshot victory in a thrilling final round as part of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
26 Apr 2026
PM
Mike Stavrinos picked up his first win of the season in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, taking the holeshot victory in a thrilling final round as part of this weekend’s 16th…
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Kalitta, Capps, Hartford, Herrera claim four-wide victories in Charlotte

Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
26 Apr 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Race coverage
Winners
Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, beating a loaded final quad of Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart, and Leah Pruett at the 16th annual NHRA 4-…
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Ryan Martin wins inaugural Right Trailers Outlaw Street title in Charlotte

Ryan Martin won the inaugural Right Trailers Outlaw Street title at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, collecting the win in his Camaro when Scott Taylor left the starting line too early by two-thousandths of a second.
26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Ryan Martin
Ryan Martin won the inaugural Right Trailers Outlaw Street title at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, collecting the win in his Camaro when Scott Taylor left the starting line too early by two-thousandths of a second."I wanted a Wally, and we were able to…
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Top Dragster winner Robert Houston

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
98:23
Robert Houston collected the win in Right Trailers Top Dragster thanks to a 7.085 on his 7.08 dial against Walter Zalak, who had a competitive .010 light, but broke out by two-hundredths.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Top Sportsman winner Frank Altilio

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
74:05
Frank Altilio scored the win in Right Trailers Top Sportsman by beating Carl Freeman in the final round. Altilio eased to a 7.320 against his 7.26 prediction after a strong .010 light.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Super Street winner Keith Mayers

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
173:45
Keith Mayers won for the sixth time in his career when he topped Ray Dew in the double-breakout Super Street final, 10.874 to 10.845
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Super Gas winner Tim Powell

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
89:30
Tim Powell was almost perfect in the Super Gas final with a .008 and a 9.901 to claim the win over Super Street winner Keith Mayers, who just missed a double. 
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Super Comp winner Lauren Freer

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
114:41
Lauren Freer and opponent Vance Houston were nearly perfect off the starting line in the Super Comp final and Freer took the win with an 8.920 to Houston’s 8.884 breakout.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Stock winner David Barton

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
106:02
David Barton was nearly unstoppable in the Stock final when he coupled a .008 light with a 10.386 on his 10.38 dial to hold off two-time world champ Jeff Strickland, who broke out by .02-second.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Super Stock winner Kent Hanley

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
105:57
Kent Hanley left first in the Super Stock final against Patrick Glade and made it hold up for a double-breakout win. Hanley ran 9.296 on his 9.31 dial for the win, the fifth of his career.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Comp winner Monty Bogan

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
88:17
Reigning Division 2 champ Monty Bogan claimed his seventh national event title after stopping Joe Carnasciale in the Comp final. Bogan wheeled his Sharp Racing entry to a (-.575) 8.895 for the victory.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Top Alcohol Funny Car winner Sean Bellemeur

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
123:13
The zMax event provided a milestone victory for Sean Bellemeur and the Bartone Bros. as they claimed their 50th Top Alcohol Funny Car title. Bellemeur ran low E.T. of the event in the final with a 5.388 to beat Phil Esz, Bob McCosh, and Chris Foster.
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2026 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster winner Joey Severance

26 Apr 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
58:50
Joey Severance claimed the 30th Top Alcohol Dragster win of his career with a strong 5.202 in the final to hold off runner-up McKenna Bold, as well as Jackie Fricke and Jamie Noonan, who each ran in the 5.2s.
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