Matt Hagan Wins 1,000th NHRA Funny Car Title at Winternationals

Tony Stewart and Greg Anderson also victorious at historic Pomona event

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon colors that evoke the raw power and velocity of NHRA drag racing.The electric energy and unbridled speed of NHRA drag racing are captured in a vibrant, neon-hued expressionist painting.Pomona Today

Four-time NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan won the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history on Sunday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. Tony Stewart (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) also claimed victories at the third event of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Why it matters

The Winternationals is one of the most prestigious events on the NHRA calendar, and Hagan's milestone Funny Car win, along with Stewart and Anderson's victories, highlight the continued dominance of veteran drivers in the sport. The event also marked the 75th anniversary season for the NHRA.

The details

Hagan defeated three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps in the final round, posting a 3.876-second pass at 330.39 mph to Capps' 3.893 at 334.32 mph. Stewart earned his first career Top Fuel win at Pomona, going 3.683 at 332.51 mph to beat Justin Ashley in the final. Anderson continued his mastery of the Pomona track, winning a record-tying 17th time at the facility by defeating teammate Dallas Glenn in the Pro Stock final.

  • Hagan won the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history on Sunday, April 16, 2026.
  • Stewart picked up his first career Top Fuel win at Pomona on Sunday, April 16, 2026.
  • Anderson won a record-tying 17th time at Pomona on Sunday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Matt Hagan

A four-time NHRA Funny Car world champion who won the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history.

Tony Stewart

A racing legend who earned his first career Top Fuel win at Pomona as both a driver and team owner.

Greg Anderson

A six-time Pro Stock world champion who continued his dominance at Pomona, winning a record-tying 17th time at the historic facility.

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What they’re saying

“I was telling Tony that sometimes you just wake up and you know today's going to good, and it was great. To win with the boss man to double up, and, you know, Leah [Pruett] was No. 1 qualifier, and winning the 1,000th Funny Car and the [Mission] #2Fast2Tasty yesterday …. the only thing we didn't leave with was the change under the bleachers.”

— Matt Hagan, Four-time NHRA Funny Car champion

“I've been [in NHRA] for five years now and following Leah around and being a part of it, but it doesn't take long to realize how special Pomona is in drag racing, and how much it means to everybody. To be able to come here, and especially on an anniversary or for NHRA, you couldn't ask for a better scenario for me. The only thing that would have made it better is if we met Leah in the finals.”

— Tony Stewart, Racing legend

“I came to the racetrack today with a lot of confidence. I felt good. I knew I was going to have a great hot rod. It's been great all weekend. It just absolutely loves this racetrack. It's a blast to drive this car. We had a great weekend as a team; from top to bottom, the KB Titan team was very, very impressive, but that meant it was going to be really hard for me to find a way to win on Sunday, but we did it.”

— Greg Anderson, Six-time Pro Stock world champion

What’s next

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season continues with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway just outside of Charlotte on April 24-26.

The takeaway

The historic Winternationals event showcased the continued dominance of veteran drivers in the NHRA, with Matt Hagan, Tony Stewart, and Greg Anderson all claiming victories on the 75th anniversary season. Hagan's milestone 1,000th Funny Car win highlighted the significance of the event, while Stewart and Anderson's wins demonstrated their sustained excellence in their respective classes.