NHRA Winternationals Day 1: Pro Stock, Funny Car, Top Fuel Highlights & Quick Takes

Veteran drivers shine, newcomers impress as the 2026 NHRA season kicks off in Pomona

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:06am

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A cubist-style painting depicting an NHRA race, with the cars and track broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of red, yellow, and blue, capturing the dynamic energy and motion of the event.The NHRA Winternationals showcases the raw power and technical precision of professional drag racing, with a new generation of drivers pushing the limits of speed and skill.Pomona Today

The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals returned with a thrilling display of speed and skill. Former driver-turned-crew chief Dave Connolly made a strong comeback in Pro Stock, while Greg Anderson and Eric Latino also impressed. In Funny Car, Jason Rupert took the provisional pole, with Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde and two-time world champ Austin Prock close behind. Top Fuel saw Will Smith and his Bluebird Turf team lead the way, with Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta, the reigning world champ, also putting in strong performances.

Why it matters

The NHRA Winternationals marks the start of a new season, and the blend of veteran experience and young talent on display promises an exciting year ahead. The event showcases the depth and diversity of the sport, with stories and characters that captivate audiences.

The details

In Pro Stock, Dave Connolly set the track ablaze with a 6.07-second run, while Greg Anderson and Eric Latino also had strong showings. In Funny Car, Jason Rupert took the provisional pole with a 4.247-second run, but was later overtaken by Jordan Vandergiff's 3.951-second pass. Top Fuel saw Will Smith and his Bluebird Turf team lead the way with a 3.879-second run, followed by Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta, the reigning world champ.

  • The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals is an annual event that marks the start of the new NHRA season.
  • This year's event took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Dave Connolly

A former NHRA driver who has transitioned to a crew chief role and made a strong comeback at the Winternationals.

Greg Anderson

A veteran Pro Stock driver who had a strong showing at the event.

Eric Latino

A Pro Stock driver who also impressed at the Winternationals.

Jason Rupert

The hometown hero in the Funny Car category, who took the provisional pole with a 4.247-second run.

Spencer Hyde

The reigning Rookie of the Year in Funny Car, who was close behind Rupert in the standings.

Austin Prock

A two-time world champion in Funny Car, who was also among the top performers at the event.

Will Smith

The driver who led the way in Top Fuel with a 3.879-second pass.

Shawn Langdon

A Top Fuel driver who was close behind Will Smith in the standings.

Doug Kalitta

The reigning Top Fuel world champion, who also had a strong showing at the Winternationals.

Leah Pruett

A Top Fuel driver who made a powerful return, taking the pole position with a 3.724-second run.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This event sets the tone for an exciting NHRA season, with the balance of power shifting and the potential for new winners. The blend of veteran experience and young talent showcases the depth and diversity of the sport, captivating audiences with thrilling races and memorable moments.