NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Josh Hart enjoyed a perfect start to his career at Gainesville Raceway in 2021, and the Top Fuel rising star is now after another magical weekend at his home track during the upcoming Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, which takes place Thursday through Sunday at the legendary facility.

Hart made his Top Fuel debut at the track last year, becoming just the eighth driver in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series history to win their professional debut and the first in 20 years. Hart added another win last year in his 11,000-hp R&L Carriers dragster, but the Gatornationals victory stands as a definitive highlight in his young career. A second straight victory at one of the biggest races on the NHRA circuit would be just as meaningful, and Hart is just as focused as he was a year ago.

“My focus for the Gatornationals is the same as always,” Hart said. “We go up to the line to win, and nothing is going to change for us. We don’t take days off. We will get everything done and reload the trailers. This will be a big race for us, and we definitely want to get another win here.”

Hart (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won a race and will be shown on the FOX broadcast network and FOX Sports 1 (FS1) this year. The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place live on FOX on Saturday, March 12, and eliminations will be shown at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 13 on FS1.

The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout features a star-studded lineup, including four-time defending world champ Steve Torrence, former world champ Brittany Force, Phoenix winner Mike Salinas, Pomona winner and 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year Justin Ashley, three-time champ Antron Brown, nine-time race winner Leah Pruett, 49-time event winner Doug Kalitta, and former world champ Shawn Langdon.

Hart won’t be racing in the Callout, but he does have a chance for a second straight Gatornationals victory, which would be a huge accomplishment for the young standout. He’s opened the year in solid fashion, advancing to the semifinals in Phoenix and currently sitting fifth in points. Hart has proven himself to be comfortable on the big stage in Gainesville as well, where he’ll again have the support of NHRA legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, who has been an instrumental part of Hart’s career.

“ ‘Big Daddy’ is always floating around and being supportive,” Hart said. “He was with me when I got my [Top Alcohol Dragster] license. Gainesville was no different, there were just a lot more people watching. That was a great win, but we used that to continue to build our program. We made some good runs in Phoenix, and we are moving in the right direction.”

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, March 11 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 13. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and then eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or touch here. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.