The NHRA Junior Championship Series opened its season with a historic weekend at Famoso Dragstrip, where the first 75th Anniversary Diamond Wally trophies ever awarded by NHRA — in any category — were presented following completion of Race No. 1 and Race No. 2.
After weather delayed the start of racing Saturday, competitors returned Sunday morning to finish Race No. 1 before moving into Race No. 2 later in the day. Once on track, racing unfolded smoothly as young drivers showcased consistency, focus, and competitive maturity throughout the weekend.
In addition to earning the historic Diamond Wally trophies, each winner also received a certificate from Ted Wiens Complete Auto Service for one pail of Torco methanol, adding to the significance of the milestone event.
Race No. 1 Winners
- Junior Group 1 (ages 6–9): Connor Monise
- Junior Group 2 (ages 10–12): McKenzie Nelson
- Junior Group 3 (ages 13–14): Dylan Nelson
- Junior Group 4 (ages 15–17): Isabella Lily Pires
- Junior Comp: Emersosyn Rose Pires
Race No. 2 Winners
- Junior Group 1 (ages 6–9): Connor Casner
- Junior Group 2 (ages 10–12): Abran Grado
- Junior Group 3 (ages 13–14): Parker Howe
- Junior Group 4 (ages 15–17): Allison Bolle
- Junior Comp: Logan Oliveira
With the first Diamond Wallys of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary now officially awarded, the 2026 NHRA Junior Championship Series began with a landmark moment — one that will be remembered as the point where NHRA history started with its youngest racers at Famoso Dragstrip.
This story was originally published on January 27, 2026. 
