NHRA Kicks Off 75th Anniversary Celebration at Gatornationals

Legendary drivers and historic cars to be featured at iconic Gainesville Raceway event

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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NHRA will open its 75th anniversary season in grand style at the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida on March 5-8, 2026. The event will feature appearances from NHRA icons like Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Darrell Gwynn, and 'Big Daddy' Don Garlits, whose historic 'Swamp Rat' dragsters will be on display in the 'Swamp Rat Alley' exhibit.

Why it matters

The Gatornationals is one of NHRA's most prestigious and historic events, making it the perfect venue to kick off the organization's 75th anniversary celebration. Showcasing legendary drivers and cars from NHRA's past will help commemorate the sport's rich heritage and connect with longtime fans, while also generating excitement for the new season of top-level drag racing action.

The details

The Gatornationals will feature a full slate of racing, including the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Pro Mod Series, and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. Fans can also expect a variety of special 75th anniversary events and activities, such as a celebration of Kenny Bernstein's historic 300-mph run, a free limited-edition NHRA poster giveaway, and upgraded experiences in the Gainesville Top Eliminator Club.

  • The 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will take place on March 5-8, 2026.
  • The 'Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest' will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Josh Hart's Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala.

The players

NHRA

The National Hot Rod Association is the primary sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States, presenting 20 national events each year.

Kenny Bernstein

A legendary NHRA driver who will be honored for his historic 300-mph run.

Don Garlits

Pioneering drag racer known as 'Big Daddy', whose historic 'Swamp Rat' dragsters will be featured in the 'Swamp Rat Alley' exhibit.

Antron Brown

Four-time Top Fuel world champion who won the Gatornationals in 2025.

Doug Kalitta

Reigning Top Fuel world champion who will defend his title at the Gatornationals.

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What they’re saying

“We must celebrate NHRA's rich history and legendary figures as we kick off our 75th anniversary season in style at the Gatornationals.”

— Tom Compton, NHRA President (NHRA Press Release)

What’s next

Fans can purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals at www.NHRA.com/tickets. The event will be broadcast live on FS1, with eliminations airing at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8.

The takeaway

The Gatornationals will serve as a fitting start to NHRA's 75th anniversary celebration, honoring the sport's past while also showcasing the current stars of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This historic event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for drag racing fans.