ADEL, Ga. — As NHRA continues its monumental seventy fifth anniversary celebration all through the 2026 season, the NHRA Mission Meals Drag Racing Collection is about to make its thrilling debut at standard South Georgia Motorsports Park for the forty first annual NHRA Southern Nationals on Might 1-3.
For the primary time, the most important names within the NHRA will seem at South Georgia Motorsports, set to wow followers with unforgettable 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro-powered motion in Prime Gasoline and Humorous Automotive, because the historic Southern Nationals returns at a can’t-miss new location throughout NHRA’s milestone marketing campaign.
Winners in Prime Gasoline, Humorous Automotive, Professional Inventory and Professional Inventory Motorbike would be the first to win the extremely coveted NHRA seventy fifth anniversary diamond Wally at SGMP, making it a must-see occasion for each fan.
From two rounds of qualifying on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Problem bonus race on Saturday – in addition to two extra rounds of qualifying – and eliminations on Sunday, it’s a jam-packed weekend at SGMP, bringing again the Southern Nationals title to the NHRA circuit. It’s the primary of 4 visits to new services for NHRA in 2026 and this one will characteristic a number of seventy fifth anniversary occasions, together with:
An look from NHRA legend and three-time Prime Gasoline world champion “Massive Daddy” Don Garlits, in addition to NHRA legend Darryl Gwynn.
A celebration of Garlits’ historic profession and his ardour for innovation, engineering and advancing the game of drag racing.
On Friday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant might be given to the primary 3,500 followers in attendance.
A brand new-look Nitro Mall, particular shows and seventy fifth anniversary stage in Nitro Alley.
The festivities kick off from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 with a “Rev & Rally” race weekend preparty and fanfest from Go to Valdosta on the Rainwater Convention Middle. Followers can meet a number of their favourite NHRA drivers, take pleasure in dwell music, enter a free raffle with prizes together with a pair of tickets to the NHRA Southern Nationals and way more.
The 2026 NHRA Southern Nationals will see motion from all 4 NHRA Mission Meals Drag Racing Collection lessons and protection of the occasion might be broadcast on FS1, with elimination protection starting at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, Might 3.
The Prime Gasoline class will deliver its excessive speeds and spectacular efficiency to South Georgia. The 2026 season is off to an important begin with stars like Josh Hart of John Drive Racing and former world champion Shawn Langdon of Kalitta Motorsports snagging early wins this season. Others to observe embrace reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.
The Humorous Automotive season kicked off with Chad Inexperienced successful for the second straight 12 months in Gainesville, whereas three-time world champion Ron Capps gained in Phoenix. Reigning two-time world champ Austin Prock has confronted early challenges 2026, whereas previous title winners embrace Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, Cruz Pedregon and J.R. Todd, who will look to make their mark on the new facility.
Reigning Professional Inventory world champ Dallas Glenn earned his first race win of the season in Phoenix. He and KB Titan Racing teammate, six-time world champion Greg Anderson battled all through 2025, however it was Glenn who gained out for his first title. Matt Hartford gained in Gainesville to open 2026, whereas Elite Motorsports, led by six-time champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Jeg Coughlin, will look to placed on a present at SGMP.
Professional Inventory Motorbike’s Richard Gadson gained his first world title final season over Vance & Hines teammate and two-time champ Gaige Herrera. Six-time champ Matt Smith and his teammates, Angie Smith, John Corridor and Jianna Evaristo, will look to problem the Vance & Hines group, as will Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant and Clayton Howey.
The NHRA Southern Nationals may also characteristic the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Collection, in addition to JBS Gear NHRA Professional Mod Drag Racing Collection introduced by Elite Motorsports and the Summit Racing Gear Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout.
All weekend, followers might be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the primary leisure hub within the pits. The stage hosts Nitro Faculty, meet and greets, autograph periods and way more. Race followers at South Georgia Motorsports Park can benefit from the particular pre-race ceremonies that introduce every driver and consists of the fan favourite SealMaster Observe Stroll. They’re additionally invited to congratulate the occasion winners on the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.
As all the time, followers get a pit go to probably the most highly effective and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Followers can see their favourite groups in motion and servicing their vehicles, get autographs and extra. They will additionally go to NHRA’s Producers Halfway, the place sponsors and distributors create an thrilling environment.
