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NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

LANGDON, PROCK, A. STANFIELD AND HERRERA WIN NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS


 

- Langdon gets fourth straight win of 2026

- Prock gets past Vandergriff in FC duel

- A. Stanfield defeats father in PS final

- Herrera gets fourth straight St. Louis win


 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 4, 2026) – Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon won his fourth straight race of the season on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway, defeating first-time finalist Will Smith in the championship round at the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. 

 

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

 

Langdon, who qualified No. 1, went 3.732-seconds at 335.90 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster to power past Smith, who suffered tire smoke early in the run. It handed Langdon his eighth win this year and kept him undefeated at the halfway point of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

 

En route to his 30th career victory, Langdon knocked off Tony Schumacher, Leah Pruett and Justin Ashley to reach the final round, turning in a series of standout performances, including a track-record blast of 341.68 in the first round. After a memorable victory in Indy to close the regular season, Langdon and his team have rolled to three straight playoff wins, showcasing a plethora of dominant runs during this spectacular playoff stretch.

 

His points lead now stands at a whopping 116 points over teammate Doug Kalitta, who fell in the opening round, and a massive 225 points over third-place Tony Stewart.

 

“The results we’re showing now come from the hard work of the last couple years. I’ve had a lot of faith and confidence in this race team,” Langdon said. “I knew the capabilities this team had. It was just a matter of things coming together, and I really feel like this year a lot of things have come together.

 

“We’ve been good when we needed to be good, but we’ve been great when we needed to be great. Every time I hit the gas, I know I’m going to have a really dang good race car. Hopefully I don’t mess that up. With what we’ve done, we’re going to have a big target on our backs. People are going to be gunning for us. It’s up to us to rise to the occasion and do even better at the last three races.”

 

Smith reached his first career final round thanks to round wins against Maddi Gordon, Stewart and Shawn Reed.

 

In Funny Car, Austin Prock got the best of Jordan Vandergriff when it mattered on Sunday in St. Louis, delivering an impressive run of 3.909 at 332.84 in his 12,000-horsepower Motorcraft Ford Mustang in the final round to move to third in points.

 

It is Prock’s second victory this season and first in St. Louis, keeping the back-to-back world champion in the title conversation. He had performed well since May, but had only one win to show for it, coming up just short throughout the summer and early in the Countdown.

 

But that changed on Sunday in St. Louis, as he charged to the final round by taking down a loaded lineup of Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and No. 1 qualifier Jack Beckman, who were all ahead of him in points heading into eliminations. That’s not the case anymore, and Prock then delivered a strong .045 reaction time in the championship round, leading wire-to-wire against Vandergriff to get his 23rd career victory.

 

It pushed him up to third in points, as the Funny Car standout for Tasca Racing is now 106 points behind leader Matt Hagan with three races remaining.

 

“This was a big win. For the points, for our family, for our team — this is the time to get hot,” Prock said. “After everything we’ve been through this year, all the hours we haven’t slept and seven days a week working at this, it really pays off when you get a win. We’re hot right now, and we’ve been hot for the last 12 races. We just haven’t been able to finish the job.

 

“We had a really dominant Ford Mustang this weekend. We had to run through a lot of hitters today. Each round was like a final round. Everybody we beat was in front of us in the Countdown. It was an epic way to cap it off. You don’t have days like this very often. When you run through four hitters like that, that’s like winning two races in one.

 

“We’re just over 100 points out of the lead. We’re in striking distance now going into Dallas and I’m really excited for these next three races.”


 

Vandergriff advanced to his sixth final round of 2026 after defeating Cruz Pedregon, John Force Racing teammate Alexis DeJoria and Hagan. He stayed second in points and now trails Hagan by 72 points.

 

Aaron Stanfield got the best of his father, Greg, in the Pro Stock final round on Sunday, getting the holeshot victory over the points leader with a run of 6.556 at 209.20 in his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock car for Elite Motorsports, which also stayed undefeated in the Countdown to the Championship.

 

Greg was 6-1 against his son previously and 1-0 in final rounds, but Aaron got the last laugh on Sunday thanks to a brilliant .018 reaction time. That was just enough to keep Greg’s 6.547 at 209.85 at bay at the finish line, earning his third victory of 2026.

 

It’s also Stanfield’s 17th career victory, as he knocked off Deric Kramer, Matt Hartford and Troy Coughlin Jr. to reach the final round.

 

He follows wins by Coughlin and his father to keep Elite Motorsports surging in the playoffs, as Stanfield also moved to seventh in points with the memorable victory.

 

“It’s hard to get to the final round alone, and to be able to share it with my dad is pretty special,” Stanfield said. “He’s taught me absolutely everything I know in a race car. I told him I was fixing to show him what he taught me. We’re going to race as hard as we can possibly race. A thousandth at the stripe — it doesn’t get any better than that.

 

“At the start of the day, I would definitely say my car kind of pulled me along. As the day went on, I started finding myself on the Tree, and it ended up with me in the final round with my dad. As a whole, the entire Elite team ran really well this weekend. We just need to keep that trajectory.”

 

Greg built on his points lead by advancing to the final round for the fourth time this year, defeating Mason McGaha, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Dallas Glenn along the way. His lead is now 71 points over Glenn and 81 more than Hartford.

 

It was teammate versus teammate in the finals for the second straight race, but this time Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera got the best of points leader Richard Gadson, going a strong 6.710 at 200.98 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki to defeat Gadson’s 6.763 at 200.08.

 

The victory handed Herrera his fourth straight win at World Wide Technology Raceway, a spectacular run at the key Countdown race. He was outstanding this weekend, too, breaking the track record en route to qualifying No. 1 with a 6.644, and then defeating Michael Phillips and Ryan Oehler to reach the final round.

 

He became the third different rider in as many races to win in the Countdown, closing in on Gadson’s points lead. Herrera now trails his teammate by just 32 points with three races remaining, which means a thrilling duel between the two teammates who have won the last three world titles could be coming.

 

“The Countdown, the last six races, is when it all matters,” Herrera said. “Getting this win here in St. Louis means a lot. St. Louis holds a special place for me. I don’t know what it is with this place, but it’s always been very good to me. I wish we had all the races here.

 

“Racing Richard in the final puts a lot of pressure on me. He’s the man on the tree. He’s very consistent, and it was awesome to race him in the final. I felt like I was trying to push myself too much the last couple races. This whole weekend, I just reminded myself: I’m living the dream, I’m having fun and that’s what it’s all about.

 

“This is a big deal for me. Points-wise, we gained a little bit on my teammate. He still has the points lead, but it’s going to be a dogfight.”

 

Gadson, who stayed in the points lead thanks to his seventh finals appearance of the season, defeated Chase Van Sant, Matt Smith and Martin winner John Hall on Sunday.

 

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action Oct. 14-18 with the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Dallas.


 


 

***


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.


 

TOP FUEL:

1. Shawn Langdon; 2. Will Smith; 3. Justin Ashley; 4. Shawn Reed; 5. Tony Stewart; 6. Leah Pruett; 7. Antron Brown; 8. Jasmine Salinas; 9. Billy Torrence; 10. Kyle Wurtzel; 11. Tony Schumacher; 12. Clay Millican; 13. Doug Kalitta; 14. Maddi Gordon; 15. Spencer Massey; 16. Josh Hart.


 

FUNNY CAR:

1. Austin Prock; 2. Jordan Vandergriff; 3. Jack Beckman; 4. Matt Hagan; 5. J.R. Todd; 6. Daniel Wilkerson; 7. Spencer Hyde; 8. Alexis DeJoria; 9. Ron Capps; 10. Dale Creasy Jr.; 11. Bobby Bode; 12. Dave Richards; 13. Terry Haddock; 14. Cruz Pedregon; 15. Chad Green; 16. Blake Alexander.


 

PRO STOCK:

1. Aaron Stanfield; 2. Greg Stanfield; 3. Dallas Glenn; 4. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 5. Greg Anderson; 6. Matt Hartford; 7. Cody Anderson; 8. Jeg Coughlin; 9. Matt Latino; 10. Deric Kramer; 11. Eric Latino; 12. Chris Vang; 13. Stephen Bell; 14. Erica Enders; 15. Mason McGaha; 16. Kenny Delco.


 

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1. Gaige Herrera; 2. Richard Gadson; 3. Ryan Oehler; 4. John Hall; 5. Joey Gladstone; 6. Marc Ingwersen; 7. Matt Smith; 8. Clayton Howey; 9. Kelly Clontz; 10. Chase Van Sant; 11. Geno Scali; 12. Steve Johnson; 13. Malcolm Phillips Jr.; 14. Angie Smith.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Sunday's final results from the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the 17th of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:


 

Top Fuel -- Shawn Langdon, 3.732 seconds, 335.90 mph def. Will Smith, 4.024 seconds, 269.03 mph.


 

Funny Car -- Austin Prock, Ford Mustang, 3.909, 332.84 def. Jordan Vandergriff, Chevy Camaro, 3.926, 325.37.


 

Pro Stock -- Aaron Stanfield, Chevy Camaro, 6.556, 209.20 def. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.547, 209.85.


 

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.710, 200.98 def. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.763, 200.08.


 

Competition Eliminator -- Christopher Dodd, Chevy Cobalt, 8.286, 133.33 def. Scott Linder, Pontiac Gran Am, 13.534, 76.06.


 

Super Stock -- Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Pontiac Firebird, 9.359, 127.78 def. Jacob Delaune, Dodge Challenger, 9.759, 133.84.


 

Stock Eliminator -- Johnny Diekema, Chevy Corvette, 9.719, 137.44 def. Brett Saurbaugh, Corvette, 9.837, 133.08.


 

Super Comp -- James Glenn, Dragster, 8.903, 173.38 def. Michael Holcombe, Dragster, 8.908, 179.14.


 

Super Gas -- Kris Whitfield, Ford T, 9.905, 147.88 def. Todd Pullen, Chevy Corvette, 9.910, 171.16.


 

Top Dragster -- Luke Bogacki, Dragster, 6.806, 190.19 def. Alaia Isenhower, Dragster, 6.922, 189.36.


 

Pro Modified -- Steve Jackson, Chevy Camaro, 5.634, 255.48 def. Stan Shelton, Ford Mustang, Foul - Red Light.


 

Factory Stock Showdown -- Jonathan Allegrucci, Ford Mustang, 7.640, 179.92 def. Scott Libersher, Chevy Camaro, 12.567, 86.19.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Final round-by-round results from the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:


 

TOP FUEL:


 

ROUND ONE -- Tony Stewart, 5.322, 229.24 def. Josh Hart, 7.912, 93.86; Jasmine Salinas, 3.716, 337.92 def. Spencer Massey, 4.988, 143.03; Will Smith, 3.722, 333.00 def. Maddi Gordon, 4.847, 151.51; Antron Brown, 3.735, 336.15 def. Clay Millican, 4.529, 173.45; Shawn Langdon, 3.680, 341.68 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.749, 331.94; Justin Ashley, 3.766, 332.02 def. Billy Torrence, 3.708, 338.43; Shawn Reed, 3.706, 336.15 def. Doug Kalitta, 4.683, 157.76; Leah Pruett, 3.735, 328.30 def. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.733, 333.00;

QUARTERFINALS -- Smith, 3.721, 331.69 def. Stewart, 3.762, 333.82; Reed, 3.758, 332.10 def. Brown, 7.850, 81.93; Langdon, 3.714, 337.83 def. Pruett, 3.770, 332.59; Ashley, 3.764, 332.75 def. Salinas, 9.618, 83.33;

SEMIFINALS -- Smith, 3.994, 275.17 def. Reed, 4.164, 255.10; Langdon, 3.733, 336.65 def. Ashley, 3.810, 330.88;

FINAL -- Langdon, 3.732, 335.90 def. Smith, 4.024, 269.03.


 

FUNNY CAR:


 

ROUND ONE -- Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 6.985, 159.64 def. Chad Green, Mustang, 7.353, 133.98; Austin Prock, Mustang, 3.872, 334.90 def. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.937, 322.11; Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.935, 331.12 def. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 6.341, 117.77; Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.864, 332.84 def. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.221, 261.37; Alexis DeJoria, Camaro, 3.874, 329.91 def. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.667, 175.27; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.345, 205.04 def. Blake Alexander,

Toyota Supra, 11.458, 80.33; Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.896, 324.51 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 6.921, 96.42; Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.006, 315.93 def. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.753, 168.75;

QUARTERFINALS -- Hagan, 3.925, 331.28 def. Hyde, 11.170, 81.32; Prock, 3.872, 333.66 def. Todd, 10.691, 80.44; Beckman, 3.870, 331.28 def. Wilkerson, 10.720, 81.43; Vandergriff, 3.952, 327.59 def. DeJoria, Foul - Red Light;

SEMIFINALS -- Vandergriff, 3.939, 327.82 def. Hagan, 6.158, 148.51; Prock, 3.906, 329.91 def. Beckman, 3.903, 329.42;

FINAL -- Prock, 3.909, 332.84 def. Vandergriff, 3.926, 325.37.


 

PRO STOCK:


 

ROUND ONE -- Cody Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.501, 209.75 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.534, 210.93; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.513, 210.57 def. Matt Latino, Camaro, Foul - Red Light; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.485, 210.67 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, Foul - Red Light; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.496, 210.93 def. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.532, 209.65; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.500, 210.57 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, Foul - Red Light; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.482, 209.88 def. Kenny Delco, Camaro, Foul - Red

Light; Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.480, 211.36 def. Chris Vang, Camaro, 6.530, 209.56; Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.479, 211.30 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.539, 210.34;

QUARTERFINALS -- A. Stanfield, 6.528, 209.65 def. Hartford, 6.521, 209.98; Glenn, 6.518, 209.65 def. G. Anderson, 6.518, 209.56; Coughlin Jr., 6.518, 209.92 def. C. Anderson, 6.529, 208.88; G. Stanfield, 6.508, 210.44 def. Coughlin, 6.540, 210.08;

SEMIFINALS -- A. Stanfield, 7.037, 206.32 def. Coughlin Jr., 9.099, 113.64; G. Stanfield, 6.525, 209.23 def. Glenn, 6.576, 208.91;

FINAL -- A. Stanfield, 6.556, 209.20 def. G. Stanfield, 6.547, 209.85.


 

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:


 

ROUND ONE -- Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.755, 200.14 def. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.850, 196.93; Marc Ingwersen, 6.864, 195.00 def. Angie Smith, Buell, 17.375, 41.88; John Hall, Buell, 6.744, 200.62 def. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, Foul - Red Light; Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.747, 199.94 def. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.833, 197.77; Ryan Oehler, 6.724, 198.70 def. Clayton Howey, Buell, 6.801, 195.68; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.693, 202.79 def. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.853, 197.05; Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.693, 201.49 def. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.912, 193.38;

QUARTERFINALS -- Hall, 6.818, 197.80 def. Gladstone, 6.823, 197.97; Oehler, 6.751, 198.52 def. Ingwersen, 6.922, 195.03; Herrera, 6.703, 201.01 was unopposed; Gadson, 6.760, 199.58 def. M. Smith, 6.930, 167.84;

SEMIFINALS -- Gadson, 6.764, 199.94 def. Hall, 6.854, 194.46; Herrera, 6.710, 200.62 def. Oehler, 6.765, 198.41;

FINAL -- Herrera, 6.710, 200.98 def. Gadson, 6.763, 200.08.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag

Racing Series -


 

Top Fuel


 

1. Shawn Langdon, 2,459; 2. Doug Kalitta, 2,343; 3. Tony Stewart, 2,234; 4. Leah Pruett, 2,224; 5. Will Smith, 2,209; 6. Antron Brown, 2,207; 7. Billy Torrence, 2,166; 8. Maddi Gordon, 2,165; 9. Josh Hart, 2,164; 10. Justin Ashley, 2,154.


 

Funny Car


 

1. Matt Hagan, 2,402; 2. Jordan Vandergriff, 2,330; 3. Austin Prock, 2,296; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,279; 5. J.R. Todd, 2,270; 6. Ron Capps, 2,240; 7. Alexis DeJoria, 2,215; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,174; 9. Chad Green, 2,123; 10. Spencer Hyde, 2,117.


 

Pro Stock


 

1. Greg Stanfield, 2,381; 2. Dallas Glenn, 2,310; 3. Matt Hartford, 2,300; 4. Greg Anderson, 2,272; 5. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,257; 6. Cody Anderson, 2,218; 7. Aaron Stanfield, 2,210; 8. Jeg Coughlin, 2,195; 9. Matt Latino, 2,170; 10. Erica Enders, 2,153.


 

Pro Stock Motorcycle


 

1. Richard Gadson, 2,380; 2. Gaige Herrera, 2,348; 3. John Hall, 2,275; 4. Matt Smith, 2,267; 5. Ryan Oehler, 2,261; 6. Angie Smith, 2,230; 7. Jianna Evaristo, 2,228; 8. Chase Van Sant, 2,188; 9. Clayton Howey, 2,126; 10. Steve Johnson, 2,099.


 

 -NHRA-
 

 

 

STEVE FAST ROLLS TO JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES WIN DURING RECORD-SETTING WEEKEND IN ST. LOUIS
Media Box of the Pro Mod Final Round from Sunday: PRO MOD MEDIA BOX


 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 4, 2026) – Two-time world champion Stevie “Fast” Jackson picked up his first win in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Series presented by Elite Motorsports since the 2022 season on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway, defeating Stan Shelton in the final round as part of this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.

 

It was the 10th of 11 races in the category and this weekend’s event was powered by M&M Transmission and Jerry Bickel Race Cars.

 

The race was also the fourth of five races in the Road to the Championship playoffs and featured some of the biggest performances in NHRA Pro Mod history.

 

The quickest run in series history happened over each of the final three qualifying sessions, capped off by a historic run from No. 1 qualifier Chip King, who became the first NHRA Pro Mod driver to reach the 5.50s with a titanic blast of 5.596-seconds at 257.24 during the final qualifying session on Saturday.

 

Sunday, though, belonged to the two-time champ, who got the win when Shelton went red in the final round. Jackson, who qualified fourth, would have been tough to beat with a reaction time of .019 and an impressive run of 5.634 at 255.48.

 

It handed Jackson his 14th career victory and first in four years, finishing off a day that also included round wins against Kevin Rivenbark, Mike Thielen and reigning world champion J.R. Gray.

 

“It’s really awesome when you go through adversity and get to come out the other side,” Jackson said. “This is a really hard place to win. Seeing these fans out in the grandstands, that’s what gets us fired up and it was awesome this weekend. We’ve had a really good car and have a good handle on it.”

 

Shelton reached the final round for the first time this season after taking down Billy Banaka, Justin Bond and Jason Collins.

 

The wild weekend also threw the points race into chaos, as Mike Stavrinos, who was the points leader heading into the weekend, fell in the first round. Bond is now the points leader with one race remaining, leading Stavrinos by 17 points (or less than one round). Derek Menholt is third at 54 points behind and Gray is 67 points back in fourth.

 

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports closes out its 2026 season on Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of the MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge.


 

***


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the tenth of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.


 

PRO MODIFIED:

1. Steve Jackson; 2. Stan Shelton; 3. JR Gray; 4. Jason Collins; 5. Justin Bond; 6. Mike

Castellana; 7. Mike Thielen; 8. Chip King; 9. Billy Banaka; 10. Kevin Rivenbark; 11. Jimmy

Widener; 12. Shane Gray; 13. Lyle Barnett; 14. Derek Menholt; 15. Nick Januik; 16. Mike

Stavrinos.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Sunday's final results from the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race is the tenth of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.


 

Pro Modified -- Steve Jackson, Chevy Camaro, 5.634, 255.48 def. Stan Shelton, Ford Mustang, Foul - Red Light.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Final round-by-round results from the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the tenth of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.


 

PRO MODIFIED:


 

ROUND ONE -- Justin Bond, Chevy Camaro, 5.633, 255.43 def. Jimmy Widener, Chevy Corvette, 5.692, 251.86; JR Gray, Camaro, 5.610, 255.19 def. Lyle Barnett, Camaro, 5.715, 251.81; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.659, 252.57 def. Derek Menholt, Corvette, 5.927, 174.48; Steve Jackson, Camaro, 5.612, 255.92 def. Kevin Rivenbark, Ford Mustang, 5.682, 252.90; Jason Collins, Camaro, 5.632, 255.39 def. Mike Stavrinos, Camaro, 8.205, 112.21; Stan Shelton, Mustang, 5.639, 256.36 def. Billy Banaka,

Camaro, 5.678, 253.75; Mike Thielen, Mustang, 5.666, 249.81 def. Nick Januik, Camaro, 6.968, 119.34; Chip King, Dodge Charger, 5.618, 255.43 def. Shane Gray, Camaro, 5.694, 250.55;

QUARTERFINALS -- J. Gray, 5.655, 253.66 def. King, 5.736, 245.76; Shelton, 5.670, 255.34 def. Bond, 5.638, 255.73; Jackson, 5.645, 254.86 def. Thielen, 5.699, 250.13; Collins, 5.678, 253.80 def. Castellana, 5.684, 247.75;

SEMIFINALS -- Shelton, 5.671, 254.95 def. Collins, Broke; Jackson, 5.632, 256.02 def. J. Gray, 15.112, 54.16;

FINAL -- Jackson, 5.634, 255.48 def. Shelton, Foul - Red Light.


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the tenth of 11 events in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.


 

Pro Modified


 

1. Justin Bond, 1,079; 2. Mike Stavrinos, 1,062; 3. Derek Menholt, 1,025; 4. JR Gray, 1,012; 5. Billy Banaka, 979; 6. Stan Shelton, 957; 7. Mike Thielen, 916; 8. Lyle Barnett, 890; 9. Kevin Rivenbark, 868; 10. Chip King, 847.


 

 -NHRA-
 

 

 

 

BECKMAN, LANGDON, T. COUGHLIN & HERRERA GET NO. 1 SPOTS IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS


 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 3, 2026) – Funny Car’s Jack Beckman powered to the top in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday at World Wide Technology Raceway, securing his third No. 1 qualifier of 2026 for John Force Racing at the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.


 

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.


 

Beckman went 3.866-seconds at 332.59 mph in his 12,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet SS to open Saturday, holding off the field to get his 36th career top qualifier.


 

The veteran and past world champion will open eliminations against Dale Creasy Jr., looking to win in St. Louis for the second time in the past three years. He also entered the weekend fifth in points for John Force Racing and 126 points behind leader Matt Hagan, which puts the standout in the position where he needs a win – and to get some help along the way.

 

“Relative to the conditions, that pass was probably one of the best runs of the year,” Beckman said. “We weren’t pushing to run an .86. We got everything there was out there — maybe a little bit more. The racing gods gave us a hundredth in Q3. We weren’t pushing to run an .86, but we got everything there was out there.

 

“We’ve got a car that’s basically good enough to win all the time. It’s just about eliminating that small stuff — that hundredth of a second, that five-thousandth of a second that can eat you alive. Every qualifying run matters. We’ve got to keep doing stuff like that.”

 

Alexis DeJoria, points leader Matt Hagan and Austin Prock all ran identical 3.882, but it was DeJoria who qualified second with the best speed of the trio. Hagan is third and Prock follows in fourth.

 

Searching for his fourth straight victory in the midst of a spectacular Top Fuel season, points leader Shawn Langdon secured his seventh No. 1 of the season when Friday’s stellar run of 3.679 at 339.87 in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster held up through Saturday’s two sessions.

 

Langdon has won the first two races of the Countdown to the Championship and has three straight victories dating back to Indy. It’s his second three-race winning streak of the year, but a fourth consecutive victory would go a long way to handing Langdon, who made a strong run in the third qualifying session, his second world title. He’ll open eliminations against Tony Schumacher, looking to pick up an eighth win this year and keep his playoff run perfect.

 

“The car’s been really consistent making good runs, so in Q4 we pressed it a little bit to see where the threshold was,” Langdon said. “It had good early numbers. We were trying to go probably low .70s there, and it just smoked the tires down track.”

 

Antron Brown qualified second with a 3.704 at 334.90 and Maddi Gordon’s 3.708 put her third. The rookie’s 340.65 during qualifying also set a track speed record.

 

In Pro Stock, Troy Coughlin’s incredible resurgence in the Countdown to the Championship continued in St. Louis, as he picked up his first No. 1 position in three years thanks to Friday’s stout, track-record run of 6.473 at 211.69 in his JEGS Pro Stock car for Elite Motorsports.

 

Coughlin got back on track in a major way to open the playoffs, winning the Countdown opener in Martin and that momentum has continued in St. Louis as he looks to remain a threat in the championship conversation. He delivered quick and consistent runs throughout qualifying and will attempt to get his second win in three races on Sunday.

 

The first round of eliminations means a matchup with Chris Vang, and Coughlin is eager to keep this hot streak going.

 

“It feels awesome. To be at this facility — this place is so much fun to race at — this one will definitely go down as a good one in our hearts. We can’t wait for race day,” Coughlin said. “It’s a lot of fun to see everybody’s work pay off. Everything comes and goes in cycles, and to see the perseverance, persistence and consistency these guys possess is fantastic.

 

“It’s difficult to struggle, but struggle brings growth. Those are stepping stones for growth, and I think that’s the way we all view it. The fruits of their labor are starting to show, and the grins are getting bigger and bigger. What a great time to really turn the corner like this.”

 

Points leader Greg Stanfield qualified second with a 6.474 at 210.93 and six-time world champ Greg Anderson is third after going 6.470 at 210.50.

 

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera already had the track record at World Wide Technology Raceway, but the two-time world champion decided to blow the doors off it to close out qualifying, going a spectacular 6.644 at 202.76 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki.

 

It was a massive run and certainly sent a message going into eliminations, as Herrera will open raceday against Malcolm Phillips Jr. The tremendous run also gave Herrera, who is currently second in points, his third No. 1 qualifier of the season as he looks to go on a late-season run to win a third world title.

 

“It felt really good. It stuck, and I was kind of waiting for it to spin the tire a little bit, but it didn’t. I could feel like it was really moving,” Herrera said. “To go .64 and only be two-hundredths off the national record I set in Dallas a couple years ago is pretty crazy. I thought maybe a .65 if everything aligned, but not a .64.

 

“That’s a testament to Andrew (Hines, crew chief) and his tuning ability and all the guys at the shop. Those numbers on the board are bragging rights for them. I’m just happy I get to ride the motorcycle.”

 

Matt Smith took the second spot after going 6.663 at 202.70, while Joey Gladstone, riding for Jianna Evaristo, is third with a 6.695 at 201.37. Points leader Richard Gadson is seventh with a 6.729 at 202.06.

 

Eliminations for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals begin at 10 a.m. CT on Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway.


 


 

***


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Sunday's first-round pairings for eliminations for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.


 

Top Fuel -- 1. Shawn Langdon, 3.679 seconds, 339.87 mph vs. 16. Tony Schumacher, 3.842, 320.20; 2. Antron Brown, 3.704, 337.24 vs. 15. Clay Millican, 3.760, 323.19; 3. Maddi Gordon, 3.708, 340.65 vs. 14. Will Smith, 3.742, 332.75; 4. Spencer Massey, 3.715, 332.67 vs. 13. Jasmine Salinas, 3.741, 327.11; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.716, 338.00 vs. 12. Justin Ashley, 3.737, 331.36; 6. Josh Hart, 3.717, 333.41 vs. 11. Tony Stewart, 3.733, 337.50; 7. Shawn Reed, 3.721, 333.49 vs. 10. Doug Kalitta, 3.728, 339.45; 8. Leah Pruett,

3.722, 335.07 vs. 9. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.723, 332.59.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Keith Murt, 3.862, 307.09; 18. Scott Palmer, 3.973, 281.07; 19. Charles Loftin, 4.044, 249.16; 20. Brian Inouye, 4.159, 247.47; 21. Cameron Ferre, 4.169, 228.34.


 

Funny Car -- 1. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.866, 332.59 vs. 16. Dale Creasy Jr., Dodge Charger, 4.234, 238.17; 2. Alexis DeJoria, Camaro, 3.882, 334.65 vs. 15. Bobby Bode, Ford Mustang, 4.047, 319.90; 3. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.882, 335.07 vs. 14. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.028, 315.19; 4. Austin Prock, Mustang, 3.882, 332.84 vs. 13. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.994, 327.35; 5. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.898, 336.07 vs. 12.

Blake Alexander, Toyota Supra, 3.958, 327.66; 6. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.906, 329.99 vs. 11. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.945, 327.35; 7. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.906, 329.26 vs. 10. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.928, 321.27; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.921, 325.22 vs. 9. Dave Richards, Mustang, 3.923, 333.74.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Chris King, 4.265, 244.34; 18. Jack Wyatt, 7.299, 94.35.


 

Pro Stock -- 1. Troy Coughlin Jr., Chevy Camaro, 6.473, 211.69 vs. 16. Chris Vang, Camaro, 6.548, 209.79; 2. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.474, 211.93 vs. 15. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.548, 210.87; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.479, 210.50 vs. 14. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.531, 209.95; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.481, 211.49 vs. 13. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.531, 211.10; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.486, 210.73 vs. 12. Stephen Bell,

Camaro, 6.510, 209.65; 6. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.487, 211.46 vs. 11. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.498, 210.93; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.488, 210.47 vs. 10. Matt Latino, Camaro, 6.495, 210.70; 8. Cody Anderson, Camaro, 6.489, 209.49 vs. 9. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.491, 211.63.


 

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.644, 202.76 vs. 14. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.895, 192.36; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.663, 203.12 vs. 13. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.865, 195.42; 3. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.695, 202.45 vs. 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.841, 199.29; 4. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.696, 201.01 vs. 11. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.830, 199.43; 5. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.699, 202.21 vs. 10. Clayton Howey, Buell, 6.783, 197.88; 6. John Hall, Buell, 6.707, 202.03 vs. 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.745, 199.02; 7. Richard

Gadson, Suzuki, 6.729, 202.06 vs. 8. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.742, 200.59.


 

 -NHRA-

 

 

DEJORIA RACES TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 TO OPEN NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS


 

ST. LOUIS – John Force Racing Funny Car standout Alexis DeJoria took the provisional No. 1 qualifier spot at World Wide Technology Raceway, kicking off the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.


 

DeJoria, driver of the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS, clocked a 3.882-second pass at 334.65 mph to land in the provisional No. 1 qualifying position on Friday. With only seven qualifying days left in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, DeJoria and her team know the importance of performing well during qualifying leading into race day.


 

“Our car is set up exactly the way it should be, and this is the right time to get hot in the season,” DeJoria said. “We have the consistency, but we needed to step it up. We needed to run those faster numbers, those quicker numbers, especially on where we stand. So, we’re off to a good start.”


 

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 17th of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.


 

Langdon, Matt Hagan, Coughlin and Herrera each won the inaugural “Top Dog” competition, presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, during Friday’s second qualifying session, running best in their respective categories. The winners will receive a custom Hot Dog Trophy, exclusive USEDHOTDOGS.com swag, a ceremonial winner’s check and bonus cash awards totaling $7,500.


 

Prize payouts include:

  • Top Fuel: $2,500
  • Funny Car: $2,500
  • Pro Stock: $1,500
  • Pro Stock Motorcycle: $1,000


 

DeJoria has two No. 2 qualifier positions this season, and if her qualifying effort stays atop the field at World Wide Technology Raceway, it will give her first No. 1 of the year and seventh of her career.


 

“Friday night qualifying sessions are key,” said DeJoria. “You want to throw down Friday night, and we’re grateful we did that.”


 

DeJoria edged out No. 2 qualifier and Funny Car points leader Hagan. Hagan also ran a 3.882 at 331.85, while her John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman is third with a 3.888 at 332.10.


 

Top Fuel points leader Langdon ran a 3.679 at 339.87 to land in the No. 1 spot. With back-to-back playoff wins in Martin and Rockingham, he is on course for his seventh low qualifier of the season.


 

“I just try to do the task at hand, take each run for what it is and address each run in that moment,” said Langdon, who has set two new national speed records this season. “The records and the speeds and all that are cool to see, but more importantly, you just want the points.”


 

Langdon has seven wins on the year and currently leads his Kalitta Motorsports teammate and reigning world champion Doug Kalitta by 25 points. Langdon has one Funny Car win at World Wide Technology Raceway and will be looking for his first Top Fuel win at the facility.


 

Four-time world champion and five-time St. Louis winner Antron Brown is currently second with his 3.704 at 334.90, with Top Fuel rookie standout Maddi Gordon in third with her 3.708 at 335.90.


 

Coughlin powered to a 6.473 at 211.69 in his JEGS Pro Stock car. If it stays best of the field, it will give him his first No. 1 of the season and first since 2023.


 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been low qualifier,” said Coughlin. “It feels good. Now the focus is on tomorrow, making two more solid passes that really help our race day setup. We’re gaining momentum and consistency, that’s important. I just want to make sure I can be the best for these guys. They’ve given me the race car to get the job done, I just want to be the driver that can get the job done for this team.”


 

Coughlin kicked off the playoffs with a win at Martin, giving him his first win since 2024. He currently sits fifth in the overall points standings.


 

Last weekend’s winner Greg Stanfield is provisionally second with his 6.474 at 210.93, while six-time world champion Greg Anderson is third with a 6.479 at 210.50.


 

Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Herrera is currently No. 1 after going 6.666 at 202.03 on his Suzuki. Herrera enters World Wide Technology Raceway as the three-time consecutive NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals winner. If his qualifying effort holds, it will be his third No. 1 of the 2026 season.


 

“My bike’s been on rails,” Herrera said. “It’s just coming down to me doing my job and running a 6.66 here in St. Louis is very cool, especially at night under the lights. Tonight was the premium track conditions where we could lay it all out. Tomorrow is going to get us ready for Sunday.”



Maryland winner Angie Smith is currently second with her 6.696 at 199.88, while Joey Gladstone is third with a 6.697 at 202.15.


 

In JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, Justin Bond broke the national elapsed time record with his impressive 5.619 at 256.06. Bond is currently second in the overall Pro Mod champion points, with only St. Louis and Las Vegas to go on the 2026 season.


 

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.


 

***


 

MADISON, Ill. -- Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, 17th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.


 

Top Fuel -- 1. Shawn Langdon, 3.679 seconds, 339.87 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.704, 335.90; 3. Maddi Gordon, 3.708, 335.90; 4. Spencer Massey, 3.715, 332.67; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.716, 334.82; 6. Josh Hart, 3.717, 333.41; 7. Shawn Reed, 3.721, 331.69; 8. Kyle Wurtzel, 3.723, 332.59; 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.728, 333.66; 10. Leah Pruett, 3.730, 331.69; 11. Justin Ashley, 3.737, 331.36; 12. Jasmine Salinas, 3.741, 327.11; 13. Will Smith, 3.742, 332.75; 14. Tony Stewart, 3.742, 332.59; 15. Clay Millican, 3.760, 323.19; 16. Tony Schumacher, 3.842, 320.20. Not Qualified: 17. Keith Murt, 3.862, 307.09; 18. Brian Inouye, 4.159, 247.47; 19. Cameron Ferre, 4.169, 228.34; 20. Scott Palmer, 7.366, 95.71; 21. Charles Loftin, 10.778, 64.65. 


 

Funny Car -- 1. Alexis DeJoria, Chevy Camaro, 3.882, 334.65; 2. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.882, 335.07; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.888, 332.10; 4. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.898, 336.07; 5. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 3.906, 329.99; 6. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.906, 328.94; 7. Dave Richards, Mustang, 3.923, 333.74; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.933, 320.89; 9. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.945, 327.35; 10. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.028, 315.19; 11. Blake Alexander, Toyota Supra, 4.115, 266.85; 12. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.234, 238.17; 13. Chris King, Charger, 4.265, 244.34; 14. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.547, 180.91; 15. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.923, 225.15; 16. Jack Wyatt, Charger, 7.299, 94.35. Not Qualified: 17. Bobby Bode, 7.900, 89.26; 18. Ron Capps, 8.006, 86.85. 


 

Pro Stock -- 1. Troy Coughlin Jr., Chevy Camaro, 6.473, 211.69; 2. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.474, 210.93; 3. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.479, 210.50; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.483, 210.24; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.486, 210.54; 6. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.488, 211.46; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.488, 210.08; 8. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.491, 211.63; 9. Cody Anderson, Camaro, 6.525, 209.46; 10. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.531, 209.95; 11. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.531, 209.36; 12. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.550, 210.87; 13. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.555, 193.05; 14. Matt Latino, Camaro, 8.988, 104.03; 15. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 9.166, 129.50; 16. Chris Vang, Camaro, 10.279, 87.51. 


 

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.666, 202.03; 2. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.696, 199.88; 3. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.697, 202.15; 4. John Hall, Buell, 6.707, 200.50; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.710, 200.86; 6. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.712, 201.19; 7. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.739, 200.20; 8. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.762, 199.76; 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.788, 196.10; 10. Clayton Howey, Buell, 6.803, 197.71; 11. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.830, 197.10; 12. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.841, 198.23; 13. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.865, 194.32; 14. Malcolm Phillips Jr., Suzuki, 6.895, 191.29. 


 

 -NHRA-

 

 

FOUR NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES DRIVERS CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR 2026 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
 
INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 8, 2026) – NHRA officials announced the four NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors currently eligible for the 2026 NHRA Rookie of the Year award.
 
The competitors eligible for this year’s award include Pro Stock’s Cody Anderson, Top Fuel driver Maddi Gordon, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Clay Howey and Top Fuel standout Will Smith. Funny Car’s Dylan Winefsky has competed in four races so far in 2026 and will become the fifth driver eligible with his scheduled appearance in Las Vegas.
 
Anderson, son of six-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson, has a runner-up finish this year at Rockingham Dragway. He earned the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win in Indianapolis and clinched a spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, advancing to his first career final round in Rockingham. Anderson is currently sixth in points.
 
Gordon, driver of the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster, debuted in the nitro ranks this year for NHRA Funny Car veteran Ron Capps. After back-to-back semifinal appearances to open her career, Gordon won the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk when she defeated four-time world champion Antron Brown in the final round. 
 
She was the runner-up to reigning world champion Doug Kalitta in Brainerd and is currently eighth in points after clinching a spot in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Gordon also set a career-best speed last weekend in St. Louis with a blast of 340.65 mph.
 
Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Howey kicked off his rookie campaign with a semifinal finish in Gainesville. He also advanced to the semifinals in Charlotte and Maryland, qualifying for all eight events he has competed in, including a career-best fifth in Maryland. Howey sits ninth in points with three races remaining. 
 
Smith drives the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel dragster for Scag Racing and has come on strong in his first appearance in the Countdown to the Championship. Smith powered to his first career runner-up finish in St. Louis, moving up to fifth in points. He also advanced to the semifinals in Rockingham and Smith has already established himself as one of the best leavers in the category.
 
Funny Car rookie Winefsky will lock in his Rookie of the Year eligibility at the MOPAR NHRA Las Vegas Nationals powered by Dodge, the penultimate event of the season in Las Vegas. He has attended four races so far in 2026, qualifying in Phoenix and Pomona.
 
Last season, Spencer Hyde was named the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year following his first season in Funny Car. Other recent winners include motorsports legend Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Chase Vant Sant and past world champions Dallas Glenn and Austin Prock.
 
The NHRA Rookie of the Year award recognizes the top rookie competitor who also represents the future of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The nation’s leading auto racing journalists select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events competed in, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.
 
The winner will be announced on Monday, Nov. 16 as part of the NHRA Awards Ceremony at Pechanga Resort Casino.

WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY SELLS OUT FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS


 

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 3, 2026) – The NHRA and World Wide Technology Raceway announced a sixth consecutive Saturday sellout for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.


 

“Today’s sold-out crowd at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals is another tremendous showcase of the passion and enthusiasm St. Louis fans have for NHRA drag racing,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “The team at World Wide Technology Raceway continues to provide an outstanding experience and it’s exciting to see another packed house in St. Louis during our 75th anniversary season.”

Saturday’s sellout is NHRA’s 11th sellout of the 2026 season and third consecutive Saturday sellout during the Countdown playoffs. The event gives World Wide Technology Raceway its sixth consecutive Saturday sellout at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.


 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals is the midway point in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs and serves as a crucial stop on the tour. Fans were treated to two qualifying sessions from the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Race Series.


 

Racing eliminations begin on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. CT at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.

 

 

 

PRO STOCK POINTS LEADER GREG STANFIELD LOOKS TO CONTINUE COUNTDOWN MOMENTUM IN ST. LOUIS

 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 2, 2026) – Greg Stanfield enters this weekend’s 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway as the NHRA Pro Stock points leader following his win last week. After a strong showing in Rockingham, Stanfield now has his eye on a third win of the season at the halfway point of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

 

Stanfield drives the Janac Brothers Racing race car for Pro Stock juggernaut Elite Motorsports, which has enjoyed a stellar rebound during the Countdown with back-to-back playoff wins. Troy Coughlin Jr. earned the win at Martin and Stanfield won in Rockingham, giving the veteran a 31-point lead heading into the pivotal Countdown race in St. Louis.

 

“Any time you get a Wally, it’s a great day,” Stanfield after his Rockingham victory. “So what’s going to happen this week in St. Louis? I can’t predict it. We’re just going to try to work hard, work smart and, if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”

 

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. It also includes eliminations coverage on FOX on Sunday.

 

The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.

 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals is the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 season and third race of the Countdown. With only 16 rounds of competition left this year, Stanfield and the rest of the Pro Stock field know the importance of every point and every round.

 

Stanfield will once again have stiff competition within the Pro Stock ranks. Matt Hartford is currently second in points after earning wins in Gainesville, Charlotte and Bristol. KB Titan Racing teammates reigning world champ Dallas Glenn and six-time world champ Anderson are third and fourth. Just 66 points separate points leader Stanfield and Anderson in fourth, setting up a tight championship battle with four races remaining.

 

“Anybody can win in this class right now,” said Stanfield. “I mean, it is incredible how tight it is, so the points battle is going to go all the way to the end. I feel like it’s going to be that way. So, if we can just survive, keep surviving, try to close it out. It’s going to come down to who makes a good run at the right time.”


 

Friday opens with two qualifying sessions, including a spectacular night session that includes the inaugural "Top Dog" competition presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, as NHRA's quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money. That leads into Saturday’s two sessions and final eliminations on Sunday at the key playoff race.

Kalitta will try to keep pace with Top Fuel teammate Shawn Langdon, who is riding another three-race winning streak into St. Louis. The likes of Tony Stewart, Antron Brown, Leah Pruett and Maddi Gordon will also look to stop Langdon’s hot streak.

 

Jordan Vandergriff opened the playoffs with a win in Martin and will try to track down points leader Hagan, who won in Rockingham. The Funny Car field also features former world champs Ron Capps and J.R. Todd, as well as back-to-back champ Austin Prock.

 

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.

 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

 

Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

 

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

 

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.

 

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

 

  
NHRA's Mission Foods Series Countdown to the Championship is heading to St. Louis, and coverage of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will get a BIG stage this weekend on FOX Sports!

 
Coverage of qualifying kicks off tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, followed by an additional qualifications show from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday - both on FS1.

 
That sets the stage for eliminations on FOX network television, which will air from either 2:00 to 4:00 PM or 4:30 to 6:30 PM in your area - check local listings to confirm your air time for NHRA race day in St. Louis!

 
All times are Eastern.

 
Want to see every second of on-track action this weekend in St. Louis live? Become a subscriber to NHRA.tv! Catch every moment of NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series racing plus the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, historical archives, and more.

 
 

MIKE STAVRINOS LOOKS TO STAY ON TOP IN JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES TITLE HUNT IN ST. LOUIS

 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Mike Stavrinos has enjoyed an impressive year in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, but the standout has turned it on at a key time, leading the points race with only two events remaining heading into this weekend’s NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway.

 

It is the 10th of 11 races in the category and this weekend’s event is powered by M&M Transmission and Jerry Bickel Race Cars. It’s also the fourth of five races in Pro Mod’s Road to the Championship as the category closes in on the finale.

 

Stavrinos jumped into the lead with his victory on Sunday in Rockingham in his Al-Anabi Performance Camaro, giving him two wins this season and two final-round appearances over his last four races.

 

While the points lead is the ideal spot with two races remaining, Stavrinos knows not to get comfortable in the loaded NHRA Pro Mod field. Justin Bond is just nine points behind in second and Derek Menholt is 43 points back in third.

 

It will make for a thrilling final two races and Stavrinos is well aware of what he needs to do this weekend in St. Louis.

 

“Coming into St. Louis in this position is exactly where we want to be,” Stavrinos said. “The AAP team has really found its stride and the momentum we’ve built over the last few races gives us a lot of confidence. But the points are incredibly tight, so there’s no room to take anything for granted.


 

"We’re going to St. Louis focused on doing what we’ve been doing – qualifying well, making good runs and going rounds. At this stage of the championship, every point matters and we’re ready for the fight.”


 

The annual Pro Mod stop in St. Louis always comes at a key time and this year is no different with the championship hunt in full effect. It’s another loaded field that includes the likes of Billy Banaka, reigning world champion J.R. Gray, Stan Shelton, Stevie Jackson, Mike Castellana, Lyle Barnett and Jason Collins, with everyone looking to get the win at the penultimate race of the season.


 

“St. Louis is our home track, and after four consecutive years of supporting NHRA Pro Mod, this event has become an important part of our commitment to the racers and customers in this class,” said Mark Micke, owner and CEO of M&M Transmission.

 

“Our trackside maintenance and support are an extension of what we stand for every day — delivering the reliability, performance and technology these teams need to compete at the highest level. We’re proud to play a part in helping the quickest and fastest doorslammers in the world win races and set records.”

NHRA Pro Mod qualifying at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature an added battle this weekend with the $7,500 Aeromotive Showdown. The special qualifying award will go to the driver with the quickest average elapsed time across all four qualifying rounds, rewarding consistency throughout qualifying.


 

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features two qualifying rounds at 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday and the final two rounds of qualifying at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 4:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, with eliminations continuing on Sunday.

 

A qualifying session from both Friday and Saturday, and a round of eliminations will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page. Fans can subscribe to the channel to be notified when the class goes live on NHRA’s YouTube page.


 

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

 

Mission

 

FUNNY CAR’S RON CAPPS THINKING BIG AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

 

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Needing a big weekend to get back in the thick of the world championship hunt, Funny Car standout Ron Capps likely couldn’t have picked a better destination than World Wide Technology Raceway, the site of this weekend’s 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.

 

For one, it’s a sponsor race for Capps and his NAPA Auto Care team, which automatically makes it a highlight for the three-time champ.

 

But it’s always a place where Capps has performed well over the years, winning a Funny Car-best four times. Entering the weekend fourth in points and 112 behind leader Matt Hagan, the past success in St. Louis gives Capps added confidence he can have a big weekend as the first half of the Countdown to the Championship comes to a close.

 

Ending on a positive – and perhaps winning – note would bode well for the final three races and Capps is hopeful his talented team can deliver this weekend in St. Louis, where he will also be honored as one of “Gateway’s Greatest” on Friday at the track.

 

“We’ve got some good events coming up, especially this weekend in St. Louis with the event being sponsored by NAPA,” said Capps, who has three Funny Car victories in 2026. “St. Louis has been a good track for me with a lot of wins, and a lot of great results. Of course, when you have so many NAPA people come out like they are, you want to show off.”

 

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and 11 a.m. on Sunday. It also includes eliminations coverage on FOX on Sunday.

 

The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.

 

The race is the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 season and marks the halfway point of the six-race Countdown to the Championship. It’s also a big one for Ron Capps Motorsports as Capps’ teammate, star rookie Maddi Gordon, will be sporting a NAPA Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster for the event.

 

That adds even more incentive for Capps, who will also try to leap past the likes of J.R. Todd, who sits in third, and Jordan Vandergriff, who is second in points and 84 back of Hagan. The three-time champ advanced to the quarterfinals at the first two Countdown races, but Capps knows he needs to advance further on raceday to have a chance to track down Hagan down the stretch.

 

“It’s a tight battle and we know who we’re going to have to fight for the championship,” Capps said. “But that being said, looking back at Rockingham and Michigan, you can’t count anybody out on race day. You don’t even want to not mention them, because you look at the top 12 cars in our class, and any of them are capable of winning on Sunday.”

 

Friday opens with two qualifying sessions, including a spectacular night session that includes the inaugural "Top Dog" competition presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, as NHRA's quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money. That leads into Saturday’s two sessions and final eliminations on Sunday at the key playoff race.

Kalitta will try to keep pace with Top Fuel teammate Shawn Langdon, who is riding another three-race winning streak into St. Louis. The likes of Tony Stewart, Antron Brown, Leah Pruett and Maddi Gordon will also look to stop Langdon’s hot streak.

 

Greg Stanfield moved into the points lead in Pro Stock after winning in Rockingham. He'll look to hold off the likes of Matt Hartford, reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders in St. Louis.

 

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.

 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

 

Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

 

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

 

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.

 

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

 

 

 

TOP FUEL’S SHAWN LANGDON AFTER FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN OF 2026 AT NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

 

MADISON, Ill. (Sept. 30, 2026) – Shawn Langdon has been on a hot streak for pretty much the entire 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. But now on his second three-race winning streak of the year heading into this weekend’s 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Top Fuel standout continues to raise the bar in the category.

 

He’s won the first two races of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs – again obliterating the record book along the way – and will try to make it three straight in the postseason and four straight wins overall with a triumph this weekend in St. Louis.

 

Langdon and the Kalitta Motorsports team have been impressively workmanlike during their brilliant run this year, laying the groundwork for one incredible win after another in their 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragster.

 

It’s put Langdon in the points lead and with seven wins in 2026 during NHRA’s 75th anniversary team, Langdon and his team are putting together a historic performance, which would be furthered if the past world champion can claim his second career win at World Wide Technology Raceway.

 

“The Kalitta Air guys do a great job – they triple check themselves and work together to be perfect,” Langdon said. “Brian (Crew Chief Brian Husen) strives for perfection. You have to be perfect in order to win races and championships, and what we’re doing so far this year is a testament to the guys who are bonding together and working hard. We keep our heads down and keep working hard for the next one. We’ll do the same for St. Louis.”

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and 11 a.m. on Sunday. It also includes eliminations coverage on FOX on Sunday.

 

The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.

 

The race is the 17th of 20 races during the 2026 season and marks the halfway point of the six-race Countdown to the Championship. Langdon and teammate Kalitta have – for the time being – made it a two-horse race in Top Fuel. Langdon leads Kalitta by just 25 points, but third-place Tony Stewart is a whopping 155 points back of Langdon, showcasing just how dominant Langdon has been for the bulk of the year.

 

The class remains filled with talent, including Antron Brown, Leah Pruett, rookie standout Maddi Gordon, Justin Ashley and Josh Hart, but Langdon and his group have been on a remarkable pace in 2026. Langdon has been driven by coming up just short in the championship chase in recent seasons, looking to stay just a step ahead of Kalitta as the reigning world champion is after a third world title in the past four seasons.

 

“I think we all feed off one another and it’s just a good working environment. We all work well together,” Langdon said. “We had a couple years of finishing second, finishing second in the regular season, and it’s not a bad spot to be, but it definitely gives you something to strive for. This is a team that’s stuck together and all the hard work is paying dividends.

 

“Racing guys like Doug brings out the best in you and it’s humbling to beat a driver of that caliber. (But) at the end of the day, the job’s not done. As good of a year as we’ve had, we’re only (25) points ahead of Doug, so there’s a lot of racing left.”

 

Friday opens with two qualifying sessions, including a spectacular night session that includes the inaugural "Top Dog" competition presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, as NHRA's quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money. That leads into Saturday’s two sessions and final eliminations on Sunday at the key playoff race.

 

Jordan Vandergriff, a Funny Car newcomer for John Force Racing, opened the playoffs with a win will try to track down points leader Hagan, who won Sunday in Rockingham, Capps, Todd and back-to-back world champ Austin Prock.

 

Greg Stanfield moved into the points lead in Pro Stock after winning in Rockingham. He'll look to hold off the likes of Matt Hartford, reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders in St. Louis.

 

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.

 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

 

Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

 

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

 

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.

 

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

 
 

 

NHRA ANNOUNCES NEW MEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENTS WITH FOX SPORTS, THE CW NETWORK AND FLOSPORTS


 

Landmark, multi-year agreements will enable largest reach for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events in NHRA’s 75-year history


 

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 30, 2026) – NHRA officials announced it has reached new, landmark multi-year media rights agreements for the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with three standout distributors – FOX Sports, The CW Network and FloSports – positioning NHRA to enjoy the largest household reach in its 75-year history.


 

Starting during the 2027 season, NHRA will have a total reach of more than 125 million households, giving NHRA its biggest-ever media presence.


 

FOX Sports and The CW will carry all 20 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events on raceday, with FOX Sports showcasing the first 13 races of the 2027 campaign, which kicks off with the NHRA Winternationals on Feb. 18-21 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. FOX Sports telecasts will continue to include a mix of coverage on the FOX broadcast network and FS1, as well as streaming on the FOX One app, showing eliminations action on Sunday as well as a qualifying highlight/recap show on Sundays.


 

As part of this historic arrangement, NHRA is also thrilled to welcome two new partners in The CW and FloSports, which will both broadcast NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action for the first time.


 

The CW will be the exclusive broadcast home on raceday for the final seven races of the season, including the world’s biggest drag race, the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, and the full six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Sunday eliminations on The CW will also be available to stream on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers.


 

FloSports will make its FloRacing channel the streaming home for live qualifying action in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and eliminations on Sunday. These events and the NHRA partnership will be supported by an extensive line-up of original content, editorial, and social programming on FloRacing.

 

 

 

“TOP DOG” COMPETITION TO KICK OFF FRIDAY NIGHT QUALIFYING AT

NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

 

Friday Night Competition to Award $7,500 in Bonus Money to Quickest Qualifiers


 

MADISON, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2026) – Friday night's professional qualifying session at World Wide Technology Raceway will carry extra stakes as NHRA's quickest qualifiers battle for $7,500 in bonus money during the inaugural "Top Dog" competition, presented by USEDHOTDOGS.com, at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, Oct. 2-4.


 

The unique new bonus program will add an entertaining twist to Friday night qualifying as the quickest qualifier in each professional category earns the title of "Top Dog" for the evening.


 

Under the program, the provisional No. 1 qualifier in each professional class will be escorted to the USEDHOTDOGS.com Stage, where they will take their place atop the "Top Dog Throne." 


 

As each session unfolds, competitors who surpass the previous elapsed time leader will dethrone the current occupant and claim the throne for themselves.


 

When the final qualifying runs conclude Friday night, the last driver remaining on the throne will officially be crowned the “Top Dog” of their respective class.


 

The winners will receive a custom Hot Dog Trophy, exclusive USEDHOTDOGS.com swag, a ceremonial winner's check, and bonus cash awards totaling $7,500.


 

Prize payouts include:

  • Top Fuel: $2,500
  • Funny Car: $2,500
  • Pro Stock: $1,500
  • Pro Stock Motorcycle: $1,000

The top qualifier in each professional class will be recognized as the event's "Top Dog," earning a custom trophy celebrating qualifying supremacy. Photo Credit: USEDHOTDOGS.com

Bringing More Fun to Friday Night

The program is expected to become a featured element of the Friday night experience, with coverage extending to NHRA's television broadcast, in-house video programming and event-wide promotional activities.


 

"This is exactly the kind of creative, fan-focused activation that makes NHRA drag racing so much fun," said Chris Blair, Executive Vice President and General Manager of World Wide Technology Raceway. "Fans love seeing drivers compete for more than just qualifying position, and the USEDHOTDOGS.com Top Dog challenge adds personality, entertainment and additional stakes to every run on Friday night. It's going to create memorable moments both on and off the track."


 

"Drag racing is about speed, performance and standing on top when the smoke clears," said Robert Hamm of USEDHOTDOGS.com. "We wanted to create something fans will remember and drivers will want to win. Being named the Top Dog on Friday night is going to come with bragging rights, bonus cash and one of the most unique trophies in motorsports."


 

Last year’s Top Hitter qualifying competition added an extra layer of excitement to Friday night qualifying, with Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Eric Latino (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) earning the No. 1 positions in their respective categories.


 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals returns to World Wide Technology Raceway Oct.2-4, featuring the stars of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle as the championship battle intensifies in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship.


 

For tickets and event information, visit WWTRaceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.


 

STAMPEDE OF SPEED BRINGS A TEXAS-SIZED SHOWDOWN TO PLAYOFFS WITH TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

 

ENNIS, Texas (Sept. 29, 2026) – The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is headed to the famed Texas Motorplex for a Texas-sized event for the sixth annual Stampede of Speed and the main event of the 10-day extravaganza, the 41st annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, which takes place Oct. 9-18 at the famed facility as part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season.

 

The NHRA FallNationals takes place Oct. 14-18 and marks the 18th of 20 events in the 2026 NHRA season and the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship. The race has always been a pivotal playoff and with the stakes as high as ever, every NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championship contender knows how important it is to perform well in Dallas.

 

That was the case just a year ago when all four drivers who won the NHRA FallNationals finished as world champions. Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the highly coveted NHRA FallNationals cowboy hat and the Wally trophy, emphasizing the magnitude of the annual stop at legendary Texas Motorplex.

 

This year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 18, and it’s a weekend loaded with big moments during NHRA’s milestone 75th anniversary season.

 

The action kicks off in a big way on Friday with two qualifying rounds and the thrilling “JEGS Friday Night Live,” featuring the popular “Battle for the Saddle.” More than $40,000 in bonus money is on the line for drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The low qualifier under the lights on Friday night will net Top Fuel and Funny Car stars $15,000 each in bonus money, with $7,500 going to the quickest qualifier in Pro Stock and $5,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

 

For the must-see night session, fan are encouraged to wear black and yellow as part of a special “Black and Yellow Bash,” another fun aspect of “JEGS Friday Night Live”.

 

Like Friday Night's action, fans will enjoy VP Racing Spirits Final Qualifying during the second qualifying session on Saturday afternoon (and fourth overall). VP Racing Spokesperson Ida Zetterstrom will be joined by the VP Racing Mad Scientist mascot to represent the brand and their Twisted Sisters Texas Whiskey debuting at its first motorsports event, the NHRA FallNationals. All four pro classes will be competing for a "Speedy Armadillo" trophy during VP Racing Spirits Final Qualifying, where Zetterstrom will present the awards. Eliminations will commence on Sunday, where winners will be crowned at the legendary facility during another memorable stop at Texas Motorplex.

 

As NHRA’s year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary season, fans will be treated to incredible racing from the 340-mph nitro-burning machines as well as a tribute to Texas Motorplex owner Billy Meyer, as he is honored as one of NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers.

Last season, Top Fuel’s Kalitta earned his third Dallas victory and then won his second world title. This season, Kalitta has four wins as well as the regular season title, but his teammate Shawn Langdon has been red-hot with seven wins. He’s currently on a three-race win streak, while taking on the likes of Antron Brown, Leah Pruett, rookie standout Maddi Gordon and motorsports legend Tony Stewart.

 

Prock picked up his first Dallas win last year before rolling to his second consecutive Funny Car title. This season, four-time world champion Matt Hagan currently leads the points, with Jordan Vandergriff sitting second. Former world champions Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Jack Beckman are also firmly in the mix as one of the closest Funny Car points battles in recent years heads to Dallas.

 

Pro Stock standout Glenn won for the first time in Dallas last year en route to the world title. He won the regular season title and currently sits third, behind Matt Hartford and current points leader Greg Stanfield. Others to watch include Greg Anderson, Jeg Coughlin Jr. Troy Coughlin Jr., as well as Texan Erica Enders.

 

Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gadson won over Brayden Davis last season on his way to his first world title. Gadson won the regular season championship and remains in the points lead early in the Countdown, facing off against a field that includes Gaige Herrera, Matt and Angie Smith, John Hall, Ryan Oehler and Chase Van Sant.

 

The Texas NHRA FallNationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which begins on Wednesday, Oct. 14, as well as the finale in Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and Right Trailers Outlaw Street.

 

Fans will also be treated to the JEG’s Allstars event, which pits sportsman racers from across the country against each other, beginning on Friday, Oct. 16. The unique specialty race is back as a highlight of the 2026 Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex and is one of the most highly-anticipated sportsman events of the year.

 

Leading into the race weekend, fans can take part in several events during the massive 10-day Stampede for Speed. That includes the Stars of Texas Music Festival (October 9-11), the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional race (October 12-13) and the popular NHRA FanFest presented by Red Line Oil at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie (Thursday, October 9), where fans can meet and get autographs from the top stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and the JEGS Allstars.

 

Race fans at Texas Motorplex can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans can congratulate the winners.

 

Fans with reserved tickets with a pit pass get access to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. They can see their favorite teams in action in the pits, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway with interactive displays, merchandise and food.

  

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 16, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET.

 

To purchase tickets to the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, call 800-668-6775 or visit tickets.texasmotorplex.com. For info about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.

 

 

 

NAPA AUTO PARTS NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS IN ST. LOUIS SET FOR FOOTBALL ADJACENT BROADCAST ON FOX

  

MADISON, Ill. (Sept. 28, 2026) – One of the biggest races in NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship playoffs will also get a major spotlight on FOX, as the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway will air on FOX adjacent to a FOX football broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 4.

 

It’s the sixth straight year a race in NHRA’s postseason will be broadcast on FOX adjacent to a football game, but it marks the first time the standout St. Louis stop, which is the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, will air in the broadcast window.

 

This unique opportunity with FOX has led to massive audiences on the national broadcast network, including last year at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, when NHRA enjoyed the biggest viewership in its history with 2.065 million viewers and an impressive peak audience of 3.631 million.

 

The majority of markets on Sunday, Oct. 4, will see NHRA action from St. Louis following football broadcasts early in the day. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the football on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into football on FOX action.

 

The broadcast will showcase a popular stop in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, as the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals has consistently drawn sellout crowds to the fan-favorite World Wide Technology Raceway.

 

The premier stop on the NHRA tour during its 75th anniversary season will feature some of the fastest runs of the year from the incredible 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars, starting with two qualifying sessions on Friday, including a can’t-miss night session under the lights to start the weekend in style.

 

The event continues with two qualifying sessions on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday, featuring a special 9 a.m. CT start time to position the event for its marquee broadcast window on FOX.

 

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) each claimed wins, while this year’s coverage also includes qualifying at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

 

Top Fuel has been dominated in 2026 Kalitta Motorsports teammates Shawn Langdon and Kalitta. Langdon is the current points leader, riding a three-race winning streak, while others to watch include Tony Stewart, Maddi Gordon, Leah Pruett and Antron Brown.

 

Jordan Vandergriff, a Funny Car newcomer for John Force Racing, opened the playoffs with a win will try to track down points leader Hagan, who won Sunday in Rockingham, Capps, Todd and back-to-back world champ Austin Prock.

 

Greg Stanfield moved into the points lead in Pro Stock after winning in Rockingham. He'll look to hold off the likes of Matt Hartford, reigning world champ Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson and Erica Enders in St. Louis.

 

Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson holds the points lead after winning Sunday in Rockingham. Other standouts include Matt and Angie Smith, Herrera and Chase Van Sant.

 

The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will also feature action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

 

Fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each driver racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, as well as the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the St. Louis event winners.

 

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars between rounds, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, which includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

 

NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 2, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 9 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 4.

 

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under are free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.


 

***

 
 

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This site is dedicated to my father " hoot " who introduced me to the Great sport of auto racing when I was a very young child

Thru the years I have befriended several people Thru Racing that have passed on and I honor them here

Larrt Criss. Charlie Patterson. Carrol Horton, Todd shaffer, gary lee and Judy Morris