NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals Top Sportsman winner Ron Riegel

01 Jun 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
56:57
Ron Reigel became a first-time winner in Right Trailers Top Sportsman after a solid performance in the final against Vince Fourcade. Reigel gave up a hundredth of a second at the start, but won with a 6.725 on his 6.71 dial.
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2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals Comp winner Stephen Szupka

01 Jun 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
96:46
Steve Szupka claimed his first national event title since 2023, and his fifth overall hen he stopped Joeseph Arrowmith in the Comp final. Szupka was nearly perfect on the Tree with a .006 light and drove to a (-.477) 6.923 for the win over…
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2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals Top Alcohol Funny Car winner Sean Bellemeur

01 Jun 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
82:02
With a string of 5.3-second performances, Sean Bellemeur claimed Top Alcohol Funny Car national event win No. 52 in the Barton Bros. Killer Bs entry. Bellemeur won the final over Bob McCosh, 5.393 to 5.453.
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2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster winner Jackie Fricke

01 Jun 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
76:47
For the tenth time in her career, Jackie Fricke claimed an NHRA national event Wally in Top Alcohol Dragster. Both drivers struggled to gain traction in the final, but Fricke recovered to post a 5.47 after opponent Gary Pritchett spun the tires at…
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Fricke, Bellemeur top Sportsman winners at NHRA Potomac Nationals

In addition to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action at the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, four winners were crowned in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at Maryland International Raceway.
01 Jun 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
News
Jackie Fricke
In addition to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action at the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, four winners were crowned in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action at Maryland International Raceway.For the tenth time in her career, Jackie…
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Five Things We Learned in Maryland

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ debut at Maryland International Raceway could not have gone better, with exceptional weather, a solid crowd, and compelling drama across all four classes. Here’s our five big takeaways from the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.
01 Jun 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Five Things We Learned in Maryland
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ debut at Maryland International Raceway could not have gone better, with exceptional weather, a solid crowd, and compelling drama across all four classes. Here’s our five big takeaways from the NHRA Potomac…
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Unofficial Mission Foods points standings

Unofficial points standings following the completion of the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, the seventh event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
31 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Points
Unofficial points standings following the completion of the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, the seventh event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.Official points will be posted…
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Prock back to winner's circle as he, Langdon, and Smith double up in Maryland

Austin Prock won for the first time in 2026 on Sunday in front of a capacity crowd at Maryland International Raceway as he and Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the NHRA Potomac Nationals after winning Saturday's Mission Challenge event and Greg Anderson collected his 114th win in Pro Stock.
31 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Race coverage
Winners
The wait is over for back-to-back Funny Car world champion Austin Prock, as the standout won for the first time in 2026 on Sunday in front of a huge crowd at Maryland International Raceway, defeating John Force Racing’s Jack Beckman in the final…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals Sunday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster photographers were all over Maryland International Raceway for the final day of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
31 May 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
SealMaster Track Walk 57
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Sunday News and Notes from the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

News, notes, quotes, photos, and more from final eliminations at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals. Updated throughout the day.
31 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Sunday notes
 TOP FUEL ROUND 1Even though they had a first-round bye, Shawn Langdon and crew chief Brian Husen didn't take it easy, powering to new track records of 3.718 and 338.00 mph. Should Langdon win this weekend, he…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS Sunday preview

The champions of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS will be crowned today on another glorious Maryland day, diamond Wallys pressed into eager hands at the second new race of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
31 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
MIR
The champions of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS will be crowned today on another glorious Maryland day, diamond Wallys pressed into eager hands at the second new race of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.While…
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Langdon, Stanfields, Smith double up in Maryland on a wild sold-out Saturday

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the Mission Challenge and were the low qualifiers in their class at the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS. Austin Prock won the Funny Car Mission Challenge and Aaron Stanfield Pro Stock honors while Jack Beckman and Greg Stanfield were the respective No. 1 qualifiers in those classes
30 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Race coverage
Shawn Langdon
After a rocky start to the season, reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock earned his first victory of the year when he won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at Maryland International Raceway. With momentum on his side, he is…
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Sellout Saturday crowd at debut NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

NHRA officials announced a sellout on Saturday for its debut at Maryland International Raceway for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.
30 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
MIR
NHRA officials announced a sellout on Saturday for its debut at Maryland International Raceway for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.The race marked the second visit to four new facilities during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season.…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals Saturday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster photographers were all over Maryland International Raceway for the second day of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
30 May 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Maryland International Raceway 59
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Saturday News and Notes from the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

News, notes, quotes, photos, and more from the second day of qualifying at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals. Updated throughout the day.
30 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Saturday notes
 With Maryland International Raceway being new to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, a lot of folks are asking questions like "Didn't that used to be called Budds Creek? But now you say the race is in Mechanicsville?" and "How far is…
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Even after more than 700 races, Cruz Pedregon still excited for new tracks

Even for a super veteran like Cruz Pedregon, whose Pro-driving career has reached 712 events and, before that, scores of events in the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, the wonder of coming to a new dragstrip, like Maryland International Raceway, still wows him.
30 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Cruz Pedregon
Even for a super veteran like Cruz Pedregon, whose Pro-driving career has reached 712 events and, before that, scores of events in the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car, the wonder of coming to a new dragstrip still wows him.Maryland…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS Saturday preview

Day two of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS will set the fields for final eliminations Sunday at Maryland International Raceway after the final two sessions of qualifying.
30 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
NHRA Potomac Nationals
Day two of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS will set the fields for final eliminations Sunday at Maryland International Raceway after the final two sessions of qualifying.With two rounds already under their safety belts Friday…
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Division 5 Lucas Oil Series event at Tri-State Raceway posponed

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series West Central Division event at Tri-State Raceway was postponed due to rain. Additional details regarding the completion of the event will be shared as they become available.
29 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
D5
The following are Saturday's final qualifying results from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, West Central Division event at Tri-State Raceway:COMPETITION ELIMINATOR1) Patrick Nahan, Sartell, Minn., '16 Parks, E/DA, 7.371…
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Langdon, Pedregon, Anderson, Smith top opening day fields in Maryland

Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon made the quickest run on Friday in NHRA’s debut at Maryland International Raceway, powering to the provisional No. 1 position at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers.
29 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Race coverage
Shawn Langdon
Coming off back-to-back Top Fuel wins, points leader Shawn Langdon made the quickest run on Friday in NHRA’s debut at Maryland International Raceway, powering to the provisional No. 1 position at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals Friday photo gallery

The NHRA National Dragster photographers were all over Maryland International Raceway for the opening day of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, capturing all of the action on and off the racetrack.
29 May 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
Gallery
Fans packed the grandstands 37
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Maryland native Kelly Clontz eager to show off at her home track

This weekend marks a special opportunity for Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Kelly Clontz and she’s determined to make the most of it as the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series makes its debut at Maryland International Raceway for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.
29 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Kelly Clontz
This weekend marks a special opportunity for Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Kelly Clontz and she’s determined to make the most of it as the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series makes its debut at Maryland International Raceway for the inaugural NHRA Potomac…
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Friday News and Notes from the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

News, notes, quotes, photos, and more from the opening day of qualifying at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals.
29 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
Notes
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE Q1Welcome to a new track on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and the first of three straight weekends of racing on what is an unofficial Eastern Swing through Maryland, New Hampshire, and Tennessee.…
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Matt Smith ruled out for Potomac Nats; Chip Ellis will substitute on Denso Buell

Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champ Matt Smith won't compete at this weekend's NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS after being hospitalized for gallstones. Veteran Chip Ellis will ride Smith's Denso bike this weekend.
29 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
News
Matt Smith
Matt Smith made it clear early this season that his main goal for 2026 is to win an unprecedented seventh Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship, so he’s not going to let something like a trip to the emergency room get in his way.Smith will not…
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Rejuvenated DeJoria has momentum heading into NHRA Potomac Nationals

Like the rest of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Alexis DeJoria will be making her debut at Maryland International Raceway as part of this weekend’s inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS., but she heads to the first-time venue with plenty of confidence.
29 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
Feature
Alexis DeJoria
Like the rest of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Alexis DeJoria will be making her debut at Maryland International Raceway as part of this weekend’s inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.It makes for a new challenge, but with…
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NHRA Potomac Nationals Friday preview

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off a mini Eastern Swing this weekend with its debut appearance at Maryland International Raceway for the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS followed the next two weekends with events in Epping, N.H., and Bristol, Tenn.
29 May 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Race coverage
MIR
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off a mini Eastern Swing this weekend with its debut appearance at Maryland International Raceway for the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS followed the next two weekends with events in Epping,…
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Joseph "Joe" Hrudka, founder of Mr. Gasket, passes away at age 87

Hrudka, the legendary racer, entrepreneur, and performance pioneer best known as the founder of Mr. Gasket, passed away on May 24, 2026.
28 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Joe Hrudka
[Photo courtesy of the Quarter Mile Foundation]Born Nov. 29, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hrudka was a lifelong hot rodder whose passion for racing and innovation helped shape the modern performance aftermarket industry.Long before Mr. Gasket became…
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Watch the Division 5 Tri-State Lucas Oil Series event for free on NHRA.tv

NHRA fans can watch the Division 5 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Tri-State Raceway for free starting Friday on NHRA.tv.
28 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Division 5
NHRA fans can watch the Division 5 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from Tri-State Raceway for free starting Friday on NHRA.tv.Presenting sponsors of NHRA.tv Sportsman coverage from Dallas are …
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NHRA Legends of Drag Racing mobile game now available

NHRA, in collaboration with Concrete Software and Trailmark Games, announced the release of the NHRA Legends of Drag Racing mobile game, which is available now and for free on iOS and Android.
28 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Game
NHRA, in collaboration with Concrete Software and Trailmark Games announced the release of the NHRA Legends of Drag Racing mobile game, which is available now and for free on iOS and Android.Built on 75 years of NHRA’s illustrious drag…
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VizionOne Hand Cleaner named Official Hand Cleaner of NHRA

VizionOne Hand Cleaner has been named the Official Hand Cleaner of NHRA, launching a multiyear partnership focused on the mechanics, crewmembers, and racers whose hands help power one of the most demanding forms of motorsports.
27 May 2026
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
VizionOne
VizionOne Hand Cleaner has been named the Official Hand Cleaner of NHRA, launching a multiyear partnership focused on the mechanics, crewmembers, and racers whose hands help power one of the most demanding forms of motorsports.Owned by veteran racer…
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Tricky Tipster: NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will visit the second of four new venues this weekend as Maryland Int’l Raceway is set to host the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, the seventh of 20 events scheduled this season. Here is a look at the favorites and the long shots this week.
27 May 2026
NHRA National Dragster staff
Tricky Tipster®
Tipster
The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will visit the second of four new venues this weekend as Maryland International Raceway is set to host the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, the seventh of 20 events scheduled this season.This…
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