NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

As NHRA continues the yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary, the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series return to Route 66 Raceway for the fan-favorite Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak on May 14-17.

Route 66 Raceway and its stadium-style facility have been a must-see stop on the NHRA tour since the series’ return in 2023. The venue has produced several memorable moments, and this year’s 26th annual event promises to again deliver an epic show from NHRA’s biggest stars and their 340-mph, 12,000-horsepower nitro machines.

This year’s annual visit to Chicago — serving as the sixth of 20 races in 2026 — will continue the season-long celebration of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary. As part of the celebration, fans can expect a variety of highlights at Route 66 Raceway, including:

•    An appearance from NHRA legend and Chicago native “the Greek,” Chris Karamesines, as NHRA honors his long career and accomplishments.
•    Karamesines will also be featured on the unique commemorative ticket for the race. Fans can scan the on-site signs at the track to purchase the commemorative ticket, which will be distinctive to each event.
•    On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a free, limited-edition NHRA can cooler.
•    A new-look Nitro Mall, special 75th anniversary displays, and more.

Last season, Tony Stewart (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed wins at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak. This year’s race will again feature the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday, offering competitive racing for fans during qualifying. This year’s event will again be broadcast on FS1, with final elimination coverage on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 5 p.m. ET.

Motorsports legend Tony Stewart won his second career NHRA Top Fuel race last season, defeating Justin Ashley in the final round. Stewart claimed NHRA’s first regular-season title last year and is off to a hot start in 2026 after winning in Pomona. Other winners this season include Josh Hart, Shawn Langdon, and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, who has three wins at Route 66 Raceway. Chicago native and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher has five.

Last season, Jack Beckman took his Peak Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing to the winner’s circle at his sponsor’s race. It was Beckman’s second win at Route 66 Raceway, defeating back-to-back world champion Austin Prock. The category has again been very competitive in 2026, with multitime champ Ron Capps winning twice and Matt Hagan, Chad Green, and recent first-time winner Jordan Vandergriff also hoisting a diamond Wally.

Pro Stock returns to Chicago in 2026 during NHRA’s milestone year. Reigning champ Dallas Glenn and Matt Hartford have two wins apiece already this season, and Glenn’s KB Titan Racing teammate, Greg Anderson, has the other win. Others to watch include Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, and Greg Stanfield.

Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Gaige Herrera has yet to lose a round at Route 66 Raceway. Last season, he won his third consecutive race, defeating rival Matt Smith. Herrera won seven races last season, but it was his teammate, Richard Gadson, who earned the world title. Gadson, Herrera, and Smith have split the three race wins this season, while other marquee names include Angie Smith, Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant, and John Hall.

The event will also feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

Race fans in Chicago can enjoy the special pre-race ceremony that introduces each driver and includes the fan-favorite SealMaster NHRA Track Walk. Fans 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 will feature two rounds of qualifying at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. CT. Eliminations will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, May 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 p.m. before eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak on May 14-17 at Route 66 Raceway, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult.