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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.

PRUETT & BECKMAN WIN NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS ON FRIDAY IN BRISTOL; PRUETT, HAGAN, ANDERSON & HERRERA TAKE PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 12, 2026) – Leah Pruett picked up her first victory since 2023, defeating points leader Shawn Langdon in the final round of the NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto, which were completed Friday at Bristol Dragway.

Jack Beckman also won on Friday in the Epping Funny Car final round, while Pruett, Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the provisional No. 1 qualifiers in Bristol for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at the ninth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Pruett went 3.794-seconds at 332.43 mph in her 12,000-horsepower Dodge//SRT dragster, slipping past Langdon’s 3.852 at 328.54. It is Pruett’s 13th career victory and first since returning to the sport this season. Pruett stepped out of the seat after the 2023 season to start a family with her husband, Tony Stewart, coming back to the Top Fuel ranks in 2026.

She had performed well through the first seven races, advancing to the final round in Phoenix, but the only thing missing was a victory. That changed on Friday, as Pruett delivered a thrilling run in what could be a massive weekend for the star driver.

The run also puts Pruett as the provisional No. 1 qualifier for this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol.

“I'm happier than I thought I would be,” Pruett said. “Now I finally get to take a breath and enjoy it. This race didn't come by accident. It didn't come by somebody falling short or smoking the tires. We earned this.

“To see the smiles on my crew and my crew chiefs' faces — that's all-time. The Diamond Wally is super cool, but seeing what this means to my team means even more. We're chipping away at it and that's what gave us confidence coming into this final round. I think I'm in a better spot than I've ever been as a driver.”

Funny Car’s Jack Beckman had to wait an extra week, too, but it was worth it as he cashed in with his first victory of the 2026 season, beating John Force Racing teammate Jordan Vandergriff in the final round of the NHRA New England Nationals presented by brpoauto with a run of 4.017 at 318.55 in his 12,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet SS.

Beckman had been working up to this moment over the past handful of races, advancing to his second straight final round. He fell in the Maryland finals to Austin Prock, but has continued to run well, making a clean run on Friday in the Bristol heat. It gives the past world champion his 38th career victory and he becomes the sixth different winner this year in the loaded Funny Car category.

"Before you can be quick, you have to be consistent and to be consistent, you have to be predictable. I think we're back in that window right now,” Beckman said. “To get a win like this, it was very gratifying.

"I wouldn't have cared if we ran this final round Friday night or next Tuesday. Our PEAK team left with the trophy and that's all that matters. We hadn't won in over a year. We had some struggles, but now we've made it down the track on 14 of our last 17 runs. That's the kind of consistency that wins races. I've never raced a final round at a completely different venue a week later. I've raced late Sundays and Mondays, but never this. It was definitely unique."

Hagan took the top spot on Friday with a run of 4.009 at 319.60 in his 12,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge Funny Car. The four-time champion is after his first top qualifier of the season and the 55th in his career. Beckman is currently second, while Spencer Hyde is third after going 4.030 at 319.07.

"The racing surface itself is a massive improvement from what we've had in the past. I couldn't even feel the bumps for the tunnel or anything like that,” Hagan said. "Hats off to the whole group that put a really good racetrack under us. I think it will only get better as we go. As the rubber comes around and we're able to apply more power to it, you can really see those lanes starting to fill in. This track is a really good track now and as these crew chiefs get more runs under their belt with it, you'll see faster numbers."

Even with the new track surface, it was the same result in Pro Stock for Greg Anderson, as the six-time champ rolled to the provisional No. 1 spot with a run of 6.673 at 204.11 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro.

It puts Anderson in line for his sixth No. 1 qualifier in nine races this season, as he continues to perform at a high level in Bristol. Anderson is the defending event winner and the track has been home to a number of special memories, including his first career win in 2001 and his 1,000th round win, which came last year during his victory.

"I don't care how much we did it by, we squeaked by, but we did it,” Anderson said. “It was a perfect day and you can chalk it up to Bristol. You really don't feel anything going down the racetrack anymore. We asked for a smooth racetrack, we begged for a smooth racetrack, and now we've got it. We're going to run well all weekend here."

Matt Latino is second with a 6.676 at 205.04 and points leader Dallas Glenn is third after going 6.687 at 203.83.

Following a rare first-round loss at the most recent Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera bounced back quickly on Friday, making the quickest run of both sessions at Bristol Dragway, including a 6.667 at 196.59 on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki.

Remarkably, it would be just the first No. 1 qualifier of the season for the two-time world champion and the 32nd in his career. Herrera won in Charlotte but dropped to fourth in points following a first-round loss last month in Maryland. That was only the second time that’s happened since the start of 2023 and Herrera was eager to rectify that upon arriving in Bristol.

“This whole season, I would say luck has not been on my side for a lot of things,” Herrera said. "It's been a rough go this season for us, as far as me, with parts-wise and just failures, little mishaps. I'm glad to be on the pole at the moment, but it could change at any minute.

"The first run for me was picture perfect, really. I had to make very little corrections. I kind of adjusted the bike too much in Q2 and had to ride it quite a bit. I didn't think it was going to run an .88 or .80 anything, so I was happy with that."

Ryan Oehler is currently second after going 6.898 at 198.52 and Angie Smith, who won in Maryland, is third with a 6.899 at 197.54.

Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

***

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Final finish order (1-16) at the rain-delayed 13th annual NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto at Brisol Dragway. The race is the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

1. Leah Pruett; 2. Shawn Langdon; 3. Doug Kalitta; 4. Billy Torrence; 5. Antron Brown; 6. Josh Hart; 7. Clay Millican; 8. Maddi Gordon; 9. Shawn Reed; 10. Tony Schumacher; 11. Tony Stewart; 12. Will Smith; 13. Rit Pustari; 14. Scott Farley; 15. Justin Ashley.

FUNNY CAR:

1. Jack Beckman; 2. Jordan Vandergriff; 3. Ron Capps; 4. J.R. Todd; 5. Alexis DeJoria; 6. Chad Green; 7. Matt Hagan; 8. Blake Alexander; 9. Austin Prock; 10. Spencer Hyde; 11. Daniel Wilkerson; 12. Phil Burkart; 13. Del Worsham; 14. Jeff Arend; 15. Cruz Pedregon; 16. Dave Richards.

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Friday's final results from the rain delayed 13th annual NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto at Bristol Dragway. The race is the eighth of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel -- Leah Pruett, 3.794 seconds, 332.43 mph def. Shawn Langdon, 3.852 seconds, 328.54 mph.

Funny Car -- Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 4.017, 318.54 def. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 6.291, 106.68.

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Final round-by-round results from the 13th annual NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto at New England Dragway, the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE -- Clay Millican, 4.441, 265.06 def. Justin Ashley, Foul - Centerline; Maddi Gordon, 3.753, 337.50 def. Tony Stewart, 4.867, 156.37; Doug Kalitta, 3.747, 333.16 def. Will Smith, 6.911, 88.56; Shawn Langdon, 6.607, 90.65 was unopposed; Leah Pruett, 3.776, 331.45 def. Scott Farley, 8.966, 76.17; Josh Hart, 3.872, 330.47 def. Rit Pustari, 8.382, 79.29; Antron Brown, 3.828, 330.31 def. Shawn Reed, 3.817, 328.78; Billy Torrence, 3.940, 276.35 def. Tony Schumacher, 4.625, 169.59;

QUARTERFINALS -- Langdon, 3.775, 332.92 def. Millican, 4.033, 246.17; Torrence, 3.861, 331.04 def. Hart, 3.856, 332.43; Pruett, 4.696, 200.08 def. Gordon, 5.623, 191.48; Kalitta, 3.762, 330.23 def. Brown, 3.808, 329.58;

SEMIFINALS -- Pruett, 3.770, 331.28 def. Torrence, 3.826, 329.50; Langdon, 3.755, 336.74 def. Kalitta, 3.796, 284.99;

FINAL -- Pruett, 3.794, 332.43 def. Langdon, 3.852, 328.54.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE -- Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 9.501, 44.74 def. Del Worsham, Toyota Supra, Foul - Centerline; J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.919, 331.45 def. Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 7.216, 108.82; Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.970, 323.58 def. Phil Burkart, Mustang, 12.368, 70.44; Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 3.947, 326.24 def. Jeff Arend, Charger, Foul - Centerline; Alexis DeJoria, Camaro, 3.998, 326.40 def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, Foul - Centerline; Blake Alexander, Charger, 4.188, 241.84 def. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.466, 286.07; Ron Capps, GR Supra, 3.948, 324.05 def. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 8.349, 119.34; Chad Green, Mustang, 3.951, 319.07 def. Dave Richards, Mustang, Broke;

QUARTERFINALS -- Todd, 3.975, 331.53 def. Alexander, 4.109, 285.53; Beckman, 3.943, 324.75 def. Hagan, 4.020, 323.04; Vandergriff, 3.942, 324.51 def. Green, 3.975, 322.42; Capps, 3.938, 327.11 def. DeJoria, 3.953, 328.54;

SEMIFINALS -- Vandergriff, 3.982, 316.52 def. Todd, 6.964, 91.12; Beckman, 3.904, 329.75 def. Capps, 3.943, 325.37;

FINAL -- Beckman, 4.017, 318.54 def. Vandergriff, 6.291, 106.68.

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Point standings (top 10) following the 13th annual NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto at New England Dragway, the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series -

Top Fuel

1. Shawn Langdon, 828; 2. Doug Kalitta, 728; 3. Leah Pruett, 629; 4. Josh Hart, 466; 5. Tony Stewart, 458; 6. Maddi Gordon, 447; 7. Billy Torrence, 430; 8. Antron Brown, 397; 9. Justin Ashley, 388; 10. Clay Millican, 346.

Funny Car

1. Ron Capps, 617; 2. J.R. Todd, 602; 3. Jordan Vandergriff, 588; 4. Matt Hagan, 546; 5. Chad Green, 545; 6. Jack Beckman, 531; 7. Alexis DeJoria, 487; 8. Spencer Hyde, 401; 9. Austin Prock, 358; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, 296.

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Friday's results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, ninth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday's final eliminations.

Top Fuel -- 1. Leah Pruett, 3.794 seconds, 332.43 mph; 2. Antron Brown, 3.801, 329.50; 3. Tony Schumacher, 3.803, 326.16; 4. Tony Stewart, 3.807, 332.10; 5. Billy Torrence, 3.814, 338.17; 6. Josh Hart, 3.815, 327.03; 7. Shawn Reed, 3.821, 319.60; 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.852, 328.54; 9. Doug Kalitta, 3.927, 311.99; 10. Maddi Gordon, 3.965, 311.77; 11. Keith Murt, 3.968, 295.79; 12. Justin Ashley, 4.422, 197.33; 13. Jasmine Salinas, 4.573, 173.83; 14. Will Smith, 6.807, 94.83; 15. Clay Millican, 8.563, 79.90.

Funny Car -- 1. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 4.009, 319.60; 2. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 4.017, 318.54; 3. Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 4.030, 319.07; 4. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.189, 242.84; 5. Austin Prock, Mustang, 4.382, 238.34; 6. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.484, 207.11; 7. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.503, 201.04; 8. Jeff Arend, Charger, 4.810, 171.29; 9. J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 5.127, 153.13; 10. Ron Capps, GR Supra, 5.346, 137.82; 11. Jordan Vandergriff, Camaro, 5.357, 136.07; 12. Alexis DeJoria, Camaro, 5.455, 133.67; 13. Dave Richards, Mustang, 5.512, 130.82; 14. Jon Capps, Charger, 6.371, 102.22.

Pro Stock -- 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.673, 204.45; 2. Matt Latino, Camaro, 6.676, 205.04; 3. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.687, 204.66; 4. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.688, 205.26; 5. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.689, 205.16; 6. Cody Anderson, Camaro, 6.691, 205.60; 7. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.691, 205.41; 8. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.700, 204.35; 9. Stephen Bell, Camaro, 6.709, 204.35; 10. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.714, 206.04; 11. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.718, 205.41; 12. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.722, 204.60; 13. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.785, 203.65; 14. Shane Tucker, Camaro, 13.424, 65.64.

Pro Stock Motorcycle -- 1. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.867, 196.59; 2. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.898, 198.52; 3. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.899, 197.54; 4. Brayden Davis, Buell, 6.903, 197.08; 5. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.908, 194.58; 6. Joey Gladstone, Buell, 6.935, 195.79; 7. John Hall, Beull, 6.953, 196.73; 8. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.966, 194.38; 9. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 7.003, 191.92; 10. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 7.021, 194.63; 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.065, 191.08; 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 7.066, 191.38; 13. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.188, 183.15; 14. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.310, 151.51; 15. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 7.815, 129.92.

-NHRA-

JBS EQUIPMENT NHRA PRO MOD SERIES HITS REGULAR SEASON FINALE IN BRISTOL AT RACE POWERED BY CARDINAL INSURANCE

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 11, 2026) – The regular season finale in the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports takes place this weekend at Bristol Dragway as part of the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and there is plenty on the line.

Drivers are looking to secure their spot in the “Road to the Championship” playoffs, a five-race stretch that begins later this month in Norwalk. But with a points-and-a-half scenario in place for this weekend’s race in Thunder Valley, there could be plenty of shuffling in the loaded class.

This weekend’s event is the sixth of 11 races in the category during the 2026 campaign and the race is powered by Cardinal Insurance.

Pro Mod’s Stan Shelton is associated with Cardinal Insurance and he’s looking to stay in the championship mix. He’s currently in ninth, but four drivers are within a round of him, which further showcases the depth in the class.

“Thunder Valley is a special place for drag racing, and especially for NHRA Pro Mod,” said Mike McKinney, Agency Manager of Cardinal Insurance. “Cardinal Insurance is proud to return as a sponsor for the fourth year in a row and continue supporting a series that reflects our commitment to relationship building, networking, and first-class customer service. As a family-owned agency, we take pride in serving our customers through experienced staff and strong personal connections, and NHRA Pro Mod provides the perfect environment to build on those values.”

Derek Menholt took control of the points lead with a victory in Chicago, becoming the first two-race winner in the class this year. His lead stands at 44 points over Justin Bond, with Mike Stavrinos, Billy Banaka and Stevie “Fast” Jackson rounding out the top five.

But plenty could change in Bristol, where defending world champion J.R. Gray won a year ago. He’s currently in eighth place, but a repeat victory in Bristol would give him momentum when the points reset in Norwalk. Others to watch this weekend in Thunder Valley includes multi-time champ Rickie Smith, Alex Laughlin, Lyle Barnett, Jason Collins and Aaron Stanfield.

The JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports features two qualifying rounds at 12:15 and 5:15 p.m. ET on Friday, and the final two qualifying rounds at 11:30 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 1:40 p.m. ET on Sunday. One qualifying session from both Friday and Saturday, as well as the first round of eliminations on Sunday, will be broadcast for free on NHRA’s YouTube page.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit NHRA.com.

NHRA ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN TECHNICAL AND RACING ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENTS

INDIANAPOLIS (June 12, 2026) – NHRA officials announced today a series of strategic leadership promotions and changes within its Technical and Racing Administration departments, positioning the organization for continued success in the years ahead.

As part of the changes, Ned Walliser will transition from his role as Vice President of Competition to serve as an NHRA consultant and key advisor for NHRA’s racing-related programs. Josh Peterson has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Competition and Tech, and Rob Park has been elevated to Vice President of National and Field Operations.

In his new consulting role, Walliser will continue to provide guidance and support on key technical and competition-related matters. Walliser was named NHRA Vice President of Competition in 2018, overseeing competition and operations for all NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing events. He also led the NHRA Technical Department.

“Ned’s knowledge, passion and dedication to NHRA Drag Racing has been invaluable and he’s played a vital role in our competition leadership,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “We’re grateful for his years of leadership and guiding our organization’s racing operations and technical programs. His commitment has made a lasting impact in the NHRA community and we’re thrilled to have him continue to support NHRA.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team and the relationships I’ve been fortunate enough to build throughout my career,” Walliser said. “I look forward to being able to continue to assist NHRA in this new role.”

Peterson, a veteran of more than 20 years with NHRA, will oversee the vast responsibilities of maintaining the fair and safe competition that has helped build NHRA over the past 75 years in his new role of Senior Vice President of Competition and Tech, leading both departments.

Peterson joined NHRA’s Competition Department in 2007 as Director of Racing Administration before being named Vice President of Racing Administration in 2011. In this new role, Peterson will be positioned to strategically align the interjoined responsibilities and goals of NHRA’s Competition and Technical Departments.

“By bringing Racing Administration, Competition, Tech, and National and Field Operations under one centralized group, it will not only help communications and efficiency, but allow us to guide the sport and create universal policies that cover rules, safety and parity,” Peterson said. “I have a great team working with me to ensure the high standards of NHRA Drag Racing will continue to be upheld well into the future, while still being able to lean on Ned’s expertise as well.”

Park will move into the role of NHRA Vice President of National and Field Operations, reporting to Peterson. He will oversee event scheduling, the Simpson NHRA Safety Safari and also head up NHRA’s Field Operations, managing NHRA’s seven Division Directors.

Park, who joined NHRA in 1996, was recently named Senior Director of Field Operations in 2025 and was previously NHRA Division 5 Director for 25 years.

“Rob has a wealth of experience and has played an important role in the growth of NHRA on many levels for more than 25 years,” Peterson said. “He has an incredible knowledge of our tracks, teams and partners, which will be pivotal in this role, and he will also continue to be a great resource for our terrific team of NHRA Division Directors.”

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2026 75th anniversary schedule, visit www.nhra.com.

NHRA ANNOUNCES EARLIER START FOR FRIDAY QUALIFYING AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 11, 2026) – Due to potential inclement weather, NHRA announced an earlier start on Friday for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

The revised schedule moves NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying earlier in the day, with Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock opening Friday qualifying, followed by Nitro Qualifying at 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. in Funny Car and Top Fuel.

Friday’s schedule also includes the completion of the final rounds from the NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto in Funny Car and Top Fuel.

Parking lots will open at 7:30 a.m., with gates opening at 8 a.m.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and stay tuned to NHRA and Bristol Dragway social channels for the latest schedule updates throughout the day.

Single-day Friday tickets start as low as $35 for adults. Saturday adult tickets start at $60 and Sunday’s tickets start at $50. All grandstand tickets for kids 12 and under are free on Friday and $12 each day on the weekend with a paid adult. Discounted weekend packages and limited premium seating are also available.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets or call Bristol Dragway at (866) 415-4158. For more information about NHRA, visit NHRA.com.

REVISED FRIDAY SCHEDULE 

Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals 

Friday, June 12, 2026 Bristol Dragway

7:30 a.m. – Parking lots open 8:00 a.m. – Gates open

1:00 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying Session 1 

Followed by – Pro Stock Qualifying Session 1

2:00 p.m. – Funny Car Qualifying Session 1 

Followed by – Top Fuel Qualifying Session 1

3:15 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying Session 2 Followed by – Pro Stock Qualifying Session 2

4:15 p.m. – Funny Car Qualifying Session 2 

Followed by – Top Fuel Qualifying Session 2

RICHARD GADSON AND GREG ANDERSON RETURN TO BRISTOL AFTER MILESTONE MOMENTS A YEAR AGO

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 11, 2026) – Last year, Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson and Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson both enjoyed historic moments at Bristol Dragway, which puts Thunder Valley high on their favorite track lists.

Returning to Bristol for this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, both reflected fondly on those moments heading into the race, and each was hopeful they would get to experience another memorable moment in Bristol.

For Gadson, Bristol Dragway represented a significant turning point in his Pro Stock Motorcycle career. He had come close to wins and success on his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki, but had never found the winner’s circle as Gaige Herrera was enjoying a record-breaking run in the class.

All that changed in Thunder Valley, as Gadson picked up his first career victory in the NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series, putting together a series of impressive performances and defeating Herrera in the final round. It was an emotional moment Gadson won’t forget and it spurred a remarkable finish that included three more victories in 2025 and, ultimately, the Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship.

“Bristol really kind of changed things. It really all happened in Bristol,” said Gadson, who is the current points leader in the category entering the weekend. “When I say Bristol was a turning point, it legit was a turning point. I think we’ve been a model of consistency since then. Momentum can go both ways and I think I'll take steady does it. That was kind of the mentality shift in Bristol and that's been working all the way up until now. So, last year in Bristol was a big turning point in so many different ways.”

This year’s annual visit to Thunder Valley combines the NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration with the 25th annual race at Bristol Dragway. It is the ninth of 20 events during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and will feature several highlights throughout the race weekend, including:

An appearance from NHRA fan-favorite Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, as well as NHRA legend Darrell Gwynn. Millican’s memorable 2017 Bristol win on Father’s Day weekend will be celebrated as the race's historic moment, a theme that will take place at all races in 2026.
On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 4,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations.

In 2025, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. This season’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14.

Of course, Bristol has always been special for Anderson, the six-time Pro Stock world champion. It’s the site of his first career victory in the category (2001) and last year, Anderson continued to add to his remarkable legacy at the facility.

He picked up his 1,000th career round win in eliminations in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, joining John Force as the only drivers in NHRA history to reach 1,000 round wins. Anderson went on to win the event and, this year, he comes to Bristol with 114 career victories, which is the most among active drivers and second only to Force. Anderson is as good as ever, winning twice in 2026 and currently sitting second in points to KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn.

“I don't follow the stats too closely, so I didn't realize anything like that,” Anderson said about the 1,000 career round wins. “When they finally brought that to my attention, it was like, ‘Oh wow, that's kind of a big number.’ It's pretty darn cool. I've got a helmet with a 1,000 on the back of it in big bold letters that I get to look at every time I put that helmet on.

“It just added to the Bristol lore for me and what it's meant for me to go to Bristol every year. Who knows what the next milestone will be, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened at Bristol.”

The Top Fuel final from Epping will take place on Friday in Bristol and feature dominant points leader Shawn Langdon and surging Leah Pruett. Other marquee names include reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, racing legend Tony Stewart, Josh Hart, rookie sensation Maddi Gordon, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.

The Funny Car final from Epping will also take place on Friday in Bristol and features John Force Racing teammates Jordan Vandergriff and Jack Beckman. Ron Capps, whose eight wins at Thunder Valley are the most in NHRA history at the facility, is the current points leader, with J.R. Todd, Matt Hagan and Chad Green all close behind.

The event will also feature 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. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans can attend a special autograph session at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk and congratulate the 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. They can 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 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 13 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit NHRA.com.

JOHN FORCE RACING TEAMMATES JACK BECKMAN AND JORDAN VANDERGRIFF LOOKING FOR BIG BRISTOL WEEKEND

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 10, 2026) – Funny Car teammates Jack Beckman and Jordan Vandergriff from John Force Racing will be racing for two trophies at this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, starting when they face off on Friday at scenic Bristol Dragway to complete last weekend’s race in New England.

Beckman, the 2013 Funny Car world champion, and his teammate, Funny Car newcomer Vandergriff, who won last month in Valdosta, will be racing on Friday in Bristol in the delayed Epping final.

The JFR teammates will face off under the lights on Friday during the second session of qualifying. Fans will be treated to a thrilling nitro session at night racing with Beckman and Vandergriff matching up in Funny Car, while Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon will take on Leah Pruett.

It also means Beckman and Vandergriff both have a chance to win Friday, pick up a Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory on Saturday and add a Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals triumph on Sunday.

“Q2 will be the night run and the hero shot,” said Beckman, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car. “I've always raced smart, which means you qualify shallow. It gives you the best possible elapsed time because you get to move further before it starts your elapsed time.

“Well, because Q2 is also going to count for qualifying and likely is going to be the best conditions we see in qualifying, I'm going to treat that aspect of it like a qualifying run. But it's a big deal because it’s also the final round of the Epping national event. It was tough to lose the momentum to not finish it in New England, but the fact is we're going to finish it at Bristol, they're going to give a trophy to someone and I sure hope it's the PEAK Squad.”

Vandergriff wheels the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car and has been on an impressive run. He earned his first NHRA win this season when he won the NHRA Southern Nationals at NHRA’s debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park and he also picked up his first career No. 1 qualifier last weekend in Epping.

He’ll look for the biggest weekend of his young career in Bristol and Vandergriff, who is third in points, also has a chance to move into the points lead ahead of leader Ron Capps with a successful three days.

“I’m trying to keep my mind in race day mode this whole week,” Vandergriff said. “We were left with a cliffhanger at the end of Sunday. I thought about it Sunday night and I was like, ‘Well, I’m going to have to hit the ground running on Friday and be ready to race.’ So, I’m trying to really keep my mind in race mode. I haven’t really allowed myself to think that Epping is over, so I’m just staying ready for Friday night that way.”

An appearance from NHRA fan-favorite Top Fuel driver Clay Millican as well as NHRA legend Darrell Gwynn. Millican’s memorable 2017 Bristol win on Father’s Day weekend will be celebrated as the race's historic moment, a theme that will take place at all races in 2026.
On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 4,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations.

In 2025, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. This season’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14.

The Top Fuel final from Epping will feature dominant points leader Langdon and surging Pruett on Friday. Langdon has won three straight races for Kalitta Motorsports, while Pruett is after her first win since returning to the sport this year. Other marquee names to watch in the Top Fuel ranks this year includes reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, racing legend Tony Stewart, Gainesville winner Josh Hart, rookie sensation Maddi Gordon, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.

Six-time world champ Anderson made history last season when he secured his 1,000th round win en route to the win over Dallas Glenn, who is the points leader and reigning champ. Erica Enders, Matt Hartford and Greg Stanfield are after wins as well.

Gadson, the reigning world champ and points leader, hopes to repeat, but will be challenged by Maryland winner Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Steve Johnson.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit NHRA.com.

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