NHRA Reveals Top 75 Moments: Nos. 6-15

From John Force's first Funny Car win to the formation of the NHRA, these milestone events shaped the sport's history.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NHRA has unveiled the next 10 entries in its list of the Top 75 Moments in the organization's history, as voted on by fans. The list covers a range of historic achievements, including John Force's first Funny Car victory, the introduction of the Funny Car class, Don Garlits breaking the 200-mph barrier, and Tony Schumacher's legendary 'Run' to clinch a championship. Other moments highlight the growth and evolution of the sport, such as the formation of the NHRA in 1951 and John Force's record-setting 10th straight Funny Car title.

Why it matters

These pivotal moments in NHRA history showcase the sport's rapid technological advancements, the rise of iconic drivers and rivalries, and the league's ability to captivate fans over decades. The list provides a comprehensive look at how NHRA has grown from its grassroots beginnings to become one of the premier motorsports organizations in the world.

The details

The latest 10 moments in the NHRA's Top 75 list include John Force's first career Funny Car win in 1987, the introduction of the Funny Car class in 1966, Don Garlits breaking the 200-mph barrier in 1964, Tony Schumacher's legendary 'Run' to clinch the 2006 Top Fuel title, and John Force becoming the first driver to record 1,000 elimination round wins in 2008. Other highlights are Bob Glidden's undefeated Pro Stock season in 1979, Force's 100th career win in 2002, Garlits' historic 250-mph pass in 1975, the formation of the NHRA in 1951, and Force's 10th straight Funny Car championship in 2002.

  • In 1987, John Force scored his first career Funny Car win.
  • The Funny Car class was introduced in 1966.
  • In August 1964, Don Garlits made the first official 200-mph run under NHRA sanction.
  • At the 2006 NHRA Finals, Tony Schumacher delivered 'The Run' to clinch the Top Fuel championship.
  • In 2008 at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, John Force became the first driver to record 1,000 elimination round wins.
  • From the 1978 NHRA Summernationals through the 1979 NHRA Springnationals, Bob Glidden went undefeated in Pro Stock.
  • On April 14, 2002, at the NHRA SpringNationals, John Force recorded his 100th career win.
  • At the 1975 NHRA World Finals, Don Garlits became the first driver to exceed 250 mph.
  • The NHRA was founded in March 1951.
  • In 2002, John Force clinched his 10th consecutive NHRA Funny Car world championship.

The players

John Force

A legendary Funny Car driver who has won a record 16 NHRA Funny Car championships.

Don Garlits

A pioneering Top Fuel driver who was the first to officially exceed 200 mph and 250 mph in NHRA competition.

Tony Schumacher

An eight-time NHRA Top Fuel champion known for his clutch performances, including the legendary 'Run' to clinch the 2006 title.

Bob Glidden

A dominant Pro Stock driver who went undefeated for an entire calendar year in 1979.

Wally Parks

The first president of the NHRA, helping to found the organization in 1951.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

NHRA's Top 75 Moments list provides a comprehensive look at the key milestones, record-breaking performances, and iconic personalities that have shaped the sport over its 75-year history. From technological breakthroughs to legendary rivalries, these moments showcase the evolution of drag racing into one of the most thrilling and innovative forms of motorsports.