Fresh off a historic championship season, reigning NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle World Champion Richard Gadson is continuing to make an impact far beyond the racetrack. The rider of the RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki is once again partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), welcoming groups of “Bigs” and “Littles” to six NHRA national events throughout the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
This marks the third consecutive year of Gadson’s initiative, which provides BBBS participants with behind-the-scenes access to professional drag racing while reinforcing the power of mentorship and perseverance.
The six races included in this year’s program are:
- NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, Charlotte, NC, April 25
- Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, Chicago, IL, May 16
- Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, IN, September 5
- NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, St. Louis, MO, October 3
- Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, Dallas, TX, October 17
- NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, Las Vegas, NV, October 31
Gadson’s connection to BBBS is deeply personal. As a former “Little,” he credits the organization with helping to shape his path. He first launched this trackside initiative at his home race, the 2024 Pep Boys NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, the closest event to the BBBS Independence chapter that supported him growing up.In 2025, that same chapter honored Gadson with its prestigious Little Achievement Award, recognizing a former Little who has gone on to accomplish extraordinary success while continuing to give back. Just days later, Gadson etched his name in history by winning his first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship, becoming the first Black rider to do so.
This weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte will mark Gadson’s first in-person interaction with a BBBS group since securing that milestone title.
“Having Big Brothers Big Sisters back at the track means everything to me,” said Gadson. “This program isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. I was in their shoes once, so being able to share this experience with them now, especially as a world champion, is really special.”
Gadson noted that his message to the group has evolved alongside his career.
“Before, I was talking to them about chasing their dreams and what could be possible,” said Gadson. “Now I get to show them what that looks like in real life. It’s gone from aspirational to inspirational, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
The Charlotte event also brings a bit of added excitement. With his victory at the season-opening AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, Gadson has qualified for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, set for Saturday, April 25, when the BBBS group will be in attendance.
“They’ve definitely been a good luck charm for me,” said Gadson. “Every time they’re at the track, something good seems to happen, especially in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. So I’m really looking forward to having them there on Saturday. Hopefully we can keep that streak alive.”
One element of the program that is becoming more formalized this year is other drivers stepping up to participate. Funny Car driver Daniel Wilkerson, Top Fuel driver Jasmine Salinas and fellow Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Jianna Evaristo have also volunteered to talk to the BBBS guests and give them a peek inside of their pits.
“I’m thankful to Daniel, Jasmine and Jianna for wanting to get involved,” said Gadson. “The more we can show these kids, the better. Daniel came to me about halfway through last season wanting to get involved, and I jumped at the chance to let the groups see a Funny Car team up close. Over the off-season, Jasmine and Jianna also reached out. It’s been great to see this grow in a really organic way.”
As Gadson continues to defend his championship title in 2026, his commitment to mentorship and community remains just as strong as his drive to win, proving that his legacy is being built both on and off the track.
For additional information on Richard Gadson follow him on Instagram (@rg5racing) and Facebook (Richard Gadson) and for more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters click here.
