NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

As part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary celebration in 2026, a panel of drag racing experts was convened to expand the Top 50 Drivers list from NHRA’s 2001 50th Anniversary season to a Top 75 Drivers list from the NHRA’s first three-quarters of a century.

The original Top 50 Drivers remain a foundational part of the new Top 75 Drivers list, with historical figures such as Don Garlits, John Force, Don Prudhomme, and Shirley Muldowney celebrated alongside current stars, with the full list showcasing NHRA’s best across all eras.

The 25 new additions were selected for their excellence over the last 25 years and include the best from NHRA’s Professional and Sportsman classes.

Five new additions to the prestigious list will be unveiled each Monday, running Jan. 5 through Feb. 2. When the list is completely revealed, fans can purchase a commemorative book saluting the Top 75 Drivers, a keepsake packed with photos and profiles of each of the 75 drivers.

Original  Top 50  Racers (2001)
Joe Amato	Brad Anderson	Dale Armstrong	Pat Austin	Raymond Beadle
Gary Beck	Kenny Bernstein	Willie Borsch	Art Chrisman	Jack Chrisman
Jim Dunn	Malcolm Durham	John Force	Don Garlits	Bob Glidden
Darrell Gwynn	Frank Hawley	Eddie Hill	Tommy Ivo	Bill Jenkins
Blaine Johnson	Warren Johnson	Connie Kalitta	Chris Karamesines	Dick LaHaie
Jim Liberman	Frank Manzo	Ed McCulloch	Tom McEwen	Billy Meyer
George Montgomery	Shirley Muldowney	John Mulligan	Don Nicholson	Danny Ongais
Don Prudhomme	David Rampy	Edmond Richardson	Scotty Richardson	Pete Robinson
Dave Schultz	Lee Shepherd	Gene Snow	Ronnie Sox	Richard Tharp
Mickey Thompson	Elmer Trett	Terry Vance	Ken Veney	James Warren