As NHRA continues its monumental 75th anniversary celebration throughout the 2026 season, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is set to make its thrilling debut at popular South Georgia Motorsports Park for the 41st annual NHRA Southern Nationals on May 1-3.
For the first time, the biggest names in the NHRA will appear at South Georgia Motorsports, set to wow fans with unforgettable 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro-powered action in Top Fuel and Funny Car, as the historic Southern Nationals returns at a can’t-miss new location during NHRA’s milestone campaign.
Winners in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be the first to win the highly coveted NHRA 75th anniversary diamond Wally at SGMP, making it a must-see event for every fan.
From two rounds of qualifying on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race on Saturday – as well as two more rounds of qualifying – and eliminations on Sunday, it’s a jam-packed weekend at SGMP, bringing back the Southern Nationals name to the NHRA circuit. It’s the first of four visits to new facilities for NHRA in 2026 and this one will feature a host of 75th anniversary events, including:
- An appearance from NHRA legend and three-time Top Fuel world champion “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, as well as NHRA legend Darryl Gwynn.
- A celebration of Garlits’ historic career and his passion for innovation, engineering and advancing the sport of drag racing.
- On Friday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 3,500 fans in attendance.
- A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and 75th 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 Visit Valdosta at the Rainwater Conference Center. Fans can meet a host of their favorite NHRA drivers, enjoy live music, enter a free raffle with prizes including a pair of tickets to the NHRA Southern Nationals and much more.
The 2026 NHRA Southern Nationals will see action from all four NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series classes and coverage of the event will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 3.
The Top Fuel class will bring its high speeds and impressive performance to South Georgia. The 2026 season is off to a great start with stars like Josh Hart of John Force Racing and former world champion Shawn Langdon of Kalitta Motorsports snagging early wins this season. Others to watch include reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.
The Funny Car season kicked off with Chad Green winning for the second straight year in Gainesville, while three-time world champion Ron Capps won in Phoenix. Reigning two-time world champ Austin Prock has faced early challenges 2026, while past title winners include Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, Cruz Pedregon and J.R. Todd, who will look to make their mark at the new facility.
Reigning Pro Stock 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 throughout 2025, but it was Glenn who won out for his first title. Matt Hartford won in Gainesville to open 2026, while Elite Motorsports, led by six-time champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Jeg Coughlin, will look to put on a show at SGMP.
Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson won his first world title last season over Vance & Hines teammate and two-time champ Gaige Herrera. Six-time champ Matt Smith and his teammates, Angie Smith, John Hall and Jianna Evaristo, will look to challenge the Vance & Hines team, as will Steve Johnson, Chase Van Sant and Clayton Howey.
The NHRA Southern Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and the Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout.
All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans at South Georgia Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. They are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.
As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 1 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 2 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 3. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, with eliminations action to follow at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Southern Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket.
This story was originally published on April 2, 2026. 
