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Three generations of Smiths team up to compete in Funny Car
Paul Smith, who competed in Funny Car at the Gatornationals in 1973 and was the championship runner-up in 1974, is still burning nitro at Gainesville Raceway, tuning Gary Richards’ Funny Car as well as the Smith family flopper, which is driven by son John and wrenched on by his grandkids.
Paul Smith, who competed in Funny Car at the Gatornationals in 1973 and was the championship runner-up in 1974, is still burning nitro at Gainesville Raceway, tuning Gary Richards’ Funny Car as well as the Smith family flopper, which is driven…
Gainesville Top Fuel Friday results: Q2
T.J. Zizzo stunned everyone by powering his Rust-Oleum dragster to the No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Fuel with a sizzling pass of 3.762.
T.J. Zizzo stunned everyone by powering his Rust-Oleum dragster to the No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Fuel with a sizzling pass of 3.762.
Zizzo, a part-time campaigner in the Mello Yello Series, followed his strong 3.872 opening pass Friday with a…
Gainesville Funny Car Friday results: Q2
Six Funny Cars ripped their way into the three-second zone during the late-afternoon session led by Robert Hight, who clocked a 3.928 in the Auto Club Camaro.
Six Funny Cars ripped their way into the three-second zone during the late-afternoon session led by Robert Hight, who clocked a 3.928 in the Auto Club Camaro. Bob Tasca III (3.953), Ron Capps (3.965), Shawn Langdon (3.979), Tommy Johnson Jr. (3.985…
Gainesville Pro Stock Friday results: Q2
Consistent Bo Butner maintains hold on top spot in Pro Stock; banks three more qualifying bonus points
The qualifying bonus points continue to add up for 2017 world champ Bo Butner, who banked three more “little points” after his 6.555 in Friday’s second session held up as the quickest pass of the round. Butner aced his KB Racing teammate, Greg…
Gainesville Pro Stock Motorcycle Friday results: Q2
The first side-by-side 200-mph runs highlight a quick second session of Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying in Gainesville.
Matt Smith reaffirmed his hold on the top spot in Friday’s Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying with a 6.785 elapsed time during the afternoon session, but the real news came from the speed clocks, which registered a record-setting 201.76 mph top-end…
Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Friday photo gallery
There is a lot happening at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on and off the track; here are some of the highlights from Friday.
There is a lot happening at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and here are some of the highlights from Friday.
Most racers, including past Super Gas world champ John Labbous Jr., will go to great lengths to win…
Zizzo surprises with Top Fuel pole; Hight, Butner, Smith also lead Gainesville fields
After the first two rounds of pro qualifying at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, T.J. Zizzo, Robert Hight, Bo Butner, and Matt Smith, hold the top spots.
After the first two rounds of professional qualifying at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, T.J. Zizzo is the surprise low qualifier in Top Fuel. Zizzo is joined at the top of the standings by Robert Hight, Bo Butner, and Matt…
Gainesville Top Fuel Friday results: Q1
World champ Steve Torrence showed the Top Fuel field the way home in the opening qualifying session with a 3.800 on the new and still a little green all-concrete track that will only get better through the weekend.
World champ Steve Torrence showed the Top Fuel field the way home in the opening qualifying session with a 3.800 on the new and still a little green all-concrete track that will only get better through the weekend.
Leah Pritchett was not far…
Variety is the spice of life for Alex Laughlin
Alex Laughlin is up to drive just about anything and he's pulling double-duty this weekend in Pro Stock and the E3 Pro Mod series.
Alex Laughlin lives his life by a simple code; if it has wheels, he will drive it. The 2019 season is barely three months old and Laughlin has already raced, and won, with a shifter cart on the high banks of Daytona Int’l Speedway. He also won $50,…
Gainesville Funny Car Friday results: Q1
Three-time Gatornationals Funny Car winner Ron Capps grabbed the early qualifying lead with his NAPA Auto Parts Charger SRT Hellcat with a 4.017 in the opening session.
Three-time Gatornationals Funny Car winner Ron Capps grabbed the early qualifying lead with his NAPA Auto Parts Charger SRT Hellcat with a 4.017.
Behind Capps is another multi-time Gainesville champ, eight-time winner John Force, who clocked a 4.…
Shirley takes down Garlits to highlight round one of Unfinished Business race
Shirley Muldowney defeated “Big Daddy” Don Garlits in the opening round of the Unfinished Business competition at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which pitted eight legends in identical Toyotas in head-to-head competition. Joe Amato, Warren Johnson, and Ed McCulloch also advanced into Saturday’s second round.
Shirley Muldowney defeated “Big Daddy” Don Garlits in the opening round of the Unfinished Business competition at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which pitted eight legends in identical Toyotas in head-to-head competition.…
Gainesville Pro Stock Motorcycle Friday results: Q1
The first Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying session of the new year didn't look much different from the final session of 2018.
Reigning NHRA Mello Yello champion Matt Smith maintained the torrid pace he set at the end of last season and claimed the early lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
Smith rode his bright red Denso EBR to a 6.753 to lead a strong field of 23…
Dutchman's Lex Joon's Top Fuel 'American Dream' revs up again at Gatornationals
It’s a long trip from the Netherlands to the United States, but it’s symbolic of the trek that Top Fuel racer Lex Joon and wife Gerda have traveled to participate on the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour and the 50th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
It’s a long trip from the Netherlands to the United States, but it’s symbolic of the trek that Top Fuel racer Lex Joon and wife Gerda have traveled to participate on the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour and the 50th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA…
Angelle Sampey and the Vance & Hines team: the not-so-odd couple
Once bitter, rivals, Angelle Sampey and the Vance & Hines have found common ground in the battle for Pro Stock Motorcycle superiority.
When it comes to unlikely pairings Angelle Sampey and the Vance & Hines team go about as well as orange juice and toothpaste. At least at first glance. Then again, it’s worth noting that Don Garlits once raced as a teammate to Shirley Muldowney…
Friday Preview: Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Welcome to the long awaited 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the third race of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. Two sessions of qualifying in all four Professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle) are scheduled today, beginning at 1:15 p.m. local time.
You can stay up to date by keeping it on NHRA.com all day for round-by-round recaps, features on your favorite drivers, and more. That’s not the only way you can stay in touch with NHRA during the event. If you’re coming out to Gainesville today,…
50 Memorable Moments in Gatornationals history
The Gatornationals, the third oldest event on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, has a deep and rich heritage that ensures its place in the history books and in the hearts and minds of racers and fans alike. Here's a look back at 50 Memorable Moments from the event’s colorful history.
The Gatornationals, the third oldest event on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, has a deep and rich heritage that ensures its place in the history books and in the hearts and minds of racers and fans alike. Added to the national…
Defending champion Matt Smith chasing down first Gatornationals win
Matt Smith enters Gainesville as the defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champ, but he's still looking for his first Gatornationals title.
Defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith has never won at Gainesville Raceway in his standout career. But after a thrilling finish to his 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season ended with his third world title, the veteran…
Mike Janis trying to build on 2018 Pro Mod title
Mike Janis’ incredible 2018 E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service season ended with a dream result: his first NHRA Pro Mod world championship.
Mike Janis’ incredible 2018 E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service season ended with a dream result: his first NHRA Pro Mod world championship.
As satisfying as that was, Janis insists he is nowhere near…
Jeg Coughlin to debut new car, throwback paint scheme at Gatornationals
A brand new car and a special throwback scheme will make an already special weekend even more memorable for Jeg Coughlin Jr.
A brand new car and a special throwback scheme already will make this weekend a special one for Jeg Coughlin Jr. Add in a victory at the massive 50th annual AMALIE Motor…
Tricky Tipster: Gauging greatness at the Golden Gators
Tricky Tipster’s picks to click at the historic 50th anniversary Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals include Steve Torrence, Robert Hight, Bo Butner, Matt Smith, and Rick Hord.
With all five classes in action for the historic 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, it’s time for Tricky Tipster, NHRA’s resident odds-maker, to get serious about picking favorites. Those who figure to have the best shot at hoisting…
Terry McMillen chasing first Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals win
Top Fuel standout is trying to earn a special Wally to his trophy case at his sponsor’s race, this weekend’s Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
Terry McMillen put together a memorable weekend to win a historic race a year ago at Indy, and the Top Fuel standout is now trying to add another one at the 50th anniversary of his sponsor’s race, this weekend’s Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals…
Don Garlits: Destiny, history, and victory at the Gatornationals
Drag racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits shared his thoughts about his homestate race, the Gatornationals, and his long history, successes, and frustrations at one of NHRA's most storied events.
In 1956, I wrote a letter to Hot Rod magazine complaining that they weren’t giving racing in Florida the kind of coverage I thought we deserved.
I understood that drag racing had originated on the West Coast, where the aircraft…
Don Schumacher inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
NHRA team owner and Funny Car pioneer Don Schumacher was one of seven inductees enshrined into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America March 12 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
NHRA team owner and Funny Car pioneer Don Schumacher was one of seven inductees enshrined into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America March 12 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Schumacher, owner of drag racing powerhouse Don Schumacher Racing, was…
WFO Radio Gatornationals preview
Get ready for the 50th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with WFO Radio NHRA Nitro Podcast. Amalie driver Terry McMillen and his “clutch guy” Kaylynn Simmons discuss the team’s chances of winning their sponsor’s race. Erica Enders talks Pro Stock…
Jack Beckman wants more success at 50th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Jack Beckman won in Funny Car at Gainesville Raceway a year ago, but the former world champion is now eager for a second straight win, especially considering the magnitude of this weekend’s massive 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Jack Beckman is proud of the fact he was able to win for the first time in his Funny Car career at Gainesville Raceway a year ago. But the former world champion is now eager for a second straight win, especially considering the magnitude of this…
Justin Ashley Racing announces plans to compete in Top Fuel in 2020
Justin Ashley Racing has joined forces with Davis Motorsports to field a Top Fuel Dragster at a minimum of 12 NHRA events in 2020 with the second-generation driver behind the wheel.
Justin Ashley Racing has joined forces with Davis Motorsports to field a Top Fuel Dragster at a minimum of 12 NHRA events in 2020 with the second-generation driver behind the wheel. The team plans to begin testing later this spring. …
The Gatornationals: A family tradition that led to a career in drag racing
For National Dragster columnist, NHRA staff announcer, and WFO Radio NHRA Nitro podcast host Joe Castello, 40 years of Gatornationals family history "is the reason that I’m involved with this sport now."
Simply put, the NHRA national event known as the Gatornationals is the reason that I’m involved with this sport now. For five decades, drag racing fans on the East Coast have seen many milestones, fantastic performances, and epic thrills, but what…
Texas legislature to honor 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel champ Steve Torrence
Native Texan Steve Torrence will be recognized on the floor of the state House of Representatives March 20 for his accomplishments in professional drag racing, specifically for winning the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel championship.
Native Texan Steve Torrence will be recognized on the floor of the state House of Representatives March 20 for his accomplishments in professional drag racing, specifically for winning the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel championship at the wheel of…
McMillen and team take the future into their own hands with in-house chassis
Terry McMillen, crew chief Rob Wendland, and the Amalie Motor Oil Top Fuel team began building their own chassis in-house this year, and the results so far have been nothing short of impressive.
No one forgets their first Gatornationals, nor their last, nor many in-between
NHRA National Dragster Editor Phil Burgess has been attending the Gatornationals for more than 30 years, and while there's no forgetting your first date with the venerable Gainesville Raceway, the event remains an annual must-attend for any hardcore racing fan.
Gainesville, Florida. Home to the University of Florida and its national champion football team. Teenage stomping grounds of rock ‘n’ roll hall of famers such as Tom Petty, Stephen Stills, and Eagles guitarists Don “Fingers” Felder and Bernie Leadon…