Josh Hart Wins in NHRA Debut with John Force Racing

Former team owner delivers record speed, No. 1 qualifying and victory at the Gatornationals.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In his inaugural outing with John Force Racing, Josh Hart set the track speed record, claimed his first career No. 1 qualifying position, and won his third career NHRA Top Fuel event at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for Hart, who previously owned his own NHRA Top Fuel team before joining the legendary John Force Racing organization. It showcases Hart's driving talent and the potential of the new partnership.

The details

After five years and $22 million of fielding his own NHRA Top Fuel team, Hart decided to join John Force Racing when Force came calling about replacing his daughter Brittany Force in the team's Top Fuel entry. In his debut with the team, Hart set a new track speed record of 340.3 mph, earned his first career No. 1 qualifying position, and then claimed his third career NHRA Top Fuel victory by defeating reigning champion Doug Kalitta in the final round.

  • On March 9, 2026, Josh Hart won the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

The players

Josh Hart

A former NHRA Top Fuel team owner who is now driving for the legendary John Force Racing organization.

John Force

A 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion who owns the John Force Racing team that Hart is now driving for.

Doug Kalitta

The reigning NHRA Top Fuel champion who Hart defeated in the final round of the Gatornationals.

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What they’re saying

“It's a storybook ending. We crushed all of our first quarter priority goals, all in one weekend. It's been absolutely epic. When you think about driving for John Force, that by itself is just monumental.”

— Josh Hart

“Finances had to be rearranged. I started paying attention to closing my team down with dignity, making sure everybody landed where they wanted to land. Then I had the off-season to think about it, really clear my head to prepare. I lost 15 pounds. I'll get more comfortable, and we'll win more races.”

— Josh Hart

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This victory showcases Josh Hart's driving talent and the potential of his new partnership with the legendary John Force Racing organization, as he was able to set records, earn his first No. 1 qualifier, and win in his debut with the team.