The NHRA is heading into a pivotal season. With new faces, returning champions, organizational shakeups, and even a 75th anniversary celebration on the horizon, 2026 promises to deliver plenty of drama on and off the dragstrip.
From Leah Pruett’s highly anticipated return to Top Fuel to questions about the sport’s television future and the rise of a revamped IHRA, there is no shortage of storylines heading into the new year. Here are 26 things every drag racing fan should be watching as the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gets underway.
Leah Pruett Returns to Top Fuel
One of the most talked about comebacks in recent NHRA history is finally happening. Leah Pruett is returning to Top Fuel competition in 2026 after stepping away to start a family with husband Tony Stewart.
Pruett was one of the most consistent and competitive drivers in the nitro ranks before her hiatus. Her return adds star power to a Top Fuel class that is already stacked with talent. How quickly she finds her footing again will be one of the first big questions answered this season.
Maddi Gordon Makes Her Top Fuel Debut
Speaking of new faces in Top Fuel, Maddi Gordon is set to make her debut with Ron Capps Motorsports. Gordon has been a rising star in the sportsman ranks and has earned her shot at the big leagues.
Making the jump to a nitro burning Top Fuel dragster is no small feat. The learning curve is steep, and the competition is unforgiving. But Gordon has shown the talent and determination to suggest she belongs. Her debut will be must watch television for fans who love seeing the next generation of drivers step up.
Funny Car Body Safety Under the Microscope
Safety is always a priority in drag racing, and 2026 could bring significant changes to Funny Car body construction. The sanctioning body has been evaluating potential improvements to the carbon fiber bodies that sit atop the 11,000 horsepower machines.
After several high profile incidents in recent years, fans and competitors alike are eager to see what changes might be implemented. Any updates to the Funny Car body will be closely scrutinized by teams and drivers who put their lives on the line every time they strap in.
Aaron Stanfield and Erica Enders Eyeing Top Fuel
Two of Pro Stock’s biggest names could be making a dramatic class change. Aaron Stanfield and Erica Enders have both been linked to potential moves to Top Fuel, a transition that would send shockwaves through the sport.
Stanfield has already tested a Top Fuel dragster, and Enders has made no secret of her interest in exploring other classes. Whether either or both make the jump in 2026 remains to be seen, but the possibility alone has the drag racing world buzzing.
Bob Tasca III Looks to Rebound
It was a season to forget for Bob Tasca III and his Funny Car team in 2025. The team owner and driver went winless for the first time in years, a frustrating result for one of the sport’s most passionate competitors.
But there may be big news on the horizon. Reports suggest Tasca could announce on Jan. 15 that two time and reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock and legendary tuner Jimmy Prock are joining the team. If true, that would instantly make Tasca’s operation one of the favorites heading into the new season.
Television Future Remains Uncertain
The NHRA’s broadcast agreement with FOX Sports has been a key part of the sport’s visibility, but questions remain about what the future holds. How the TV package evolves in 2026 and beyond will have major implications for the sport’s reach and revenue.
Fans have grown accustomed to seeing races on FOX and FS1, but the media landscape is changing rapidly. Whether the NHRA expands its streaming presence or renegotiates its traditional TV deal will be worth monitoring throughout the year.
Tony Schumacher Joins Rick Ware Racing
Eight time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher is entering his first full season with Rick Ware Racing, and expectations are sky high. Schumacher is one of the greatest drivers in NHRA history, and pairing him with an ambitious organization like RWR creates an intriguing combination.
The question is whether Schumacher can return to his dominant form. He has proven time and again that he knows how to win, but building chemistry with a new team takes time. If Schumacher and RWR click early, they could be a serious championship threat.
A New Era Begins at John Force Racing
John Force Racing is entering uncharted territory in 2026. With the legendary John Force stepping back from competition, the team has assembled a new lineup that includes Josh Hart in Top Fuel and Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, and Jordan Vandergriff in Funny Car.
This is the most successful organization in NHRA history, and the pressure to maintain that standard falls on a fresh group of drivers and crew members. How they perform without Force behind the wheel will define this next chapter of JFR’s storied legacy.
Matt Hagan and Mike Knudsen Hit Their Stride
Four time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan and second year crew chief Mike Knudsen are building something special. After a season of learning each other’s tendencies, the duo appears ready to take the next step in 2026.
Hagan has always been one of the most talented drivers in the class, and Knudsen brings a fresh perspective to the tuning side. If they continue to gel, do not be surprised if they are hoisting a championship trophy at season’s end.
The Mystery of Cody Coughlin
One of the stranger storylines from 2025 was the sudden departure of Pro Stock rookie of the year candidate Cody Coughlin. He left the tour before the end of the season without any public explanation, leaving fans and insiders wondering what happened.
Will Coughlin return in 2026? Will we ever learn why he walked away? The silence surrounding his exit has only added to the intrigue, and his name will remain a topic of conversation until answers emerge.
Richard Gadson Changes the Pro Stock Motorcycle Landscape
Richard Gadson captured the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship in 2025, and his success has shifted the dynamics of the class. Gadson brought a fresh energy and a competitive edge that raised the bar for everyone else.
How the rest of the field responds to Gadson’s title run will be fascinating to watch. Will he repeat, or will the competition catch up? Either way, Pro Stock Motorcycle is as compelling as it has been in years.
IHRA Makes Aggressive Moves
The NHRA is no longer the only game in town. The revamped IHRA has made headlines by acquiring former NHRA national event tracks in Memphis and Reading, Pennsylvania, signaling that the rival sanctioning body is serious about competing for fans and competitors.
This development adds a layer of tension to the 2026 season. How the NHRA responds to the IHRA’s resurgence and whether teams and sponsors start splitting their attention between the two organizations will be critical storylines to follow.
Steve and Billy Torrence’s Future Unclear
Four time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence and his father Billy Torrence skipped the final two races of 2025, raising questions about their plans for 2026. The Torrences have been fixtures in the Top Fuel class for years, and any reduction in their participation would be a significant loss.
Whether they return full time, scale back their schedule, or step away entirely remains unknown. Fans are hoping for clarity soon, as the Torrence family has been a major part of what makes NHRA racing so entertaining.
Will a New Automaker Fill Toyota’s Void
Toyota’s departure from the NHRA at the end of 2025 left a hole in the manufacturer landscape. The question now is whether another automaker will step in to fill that void.
Having factory support is crucial for teams seeking sponsorship and technical resources. If a new manufacturer enters the fray, it could reshape the competitive balance in the nitro classes. If not, the remaining brands will have even more influence over the sport’s direction.
Four New Venues Join the Schedule
The 2026 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule includes four new venues that will bring NHRA racing to different markets. Maryland International Raceway, South Georgia Motorsports Park, Rockingham Dragway, and U.S. 131 Motorsports Park are all on the calendar.
Attendance at these new stops will be closely monitored. Strong crowds would validate the NHRA’s decision to expand its footprint, while disappointing turnouts could raise questions about the viability of non traditional markets.
Tony Stewart’s Dual Role Creates Drama
Tony Stewart is used to competition, but 2026 presents a unique challenge. The NASCAR Hall of Famer will own his own Top Fuel team while also driving for Elite Racing, meaning he will compete against his own cars on race day.
Add in the fact that his wife Leah Pruett is also racing in Top Fuel, and you have the makings of a reality TV show. Stewart has already joked about sleeping on the couch if Pruett beats him, but the real intrigue will be seeing how he balances ownership and driving responsibilities.
Angelle Sampey Eyes Top Fuel
Pro Stock Motorcycle legend Angelle Sampey may be ready for a new challenge. There have been rumblings that Sampey could make her Top Fuel debut in 2026, a move that would add another marquee name to the class.
Sampey has nothing left to prove on two wheels, so a transition to Top Fuel would be purely about chasing a new thrill. Whether it happens this season or later, the possibility alone is exciting for fans.
New Crew Chiefs Step Into the Spotlight
Every season brings new faces to the tuning ranks, and 2026 will be no different. Several teams are expected to promote or hire new crew chiefs, creating opportunities for fresh voices to make their mark.
The crew chief is often the unsung hero of a championship run. Keeping an eye on which new tuners emerge as difference makers will be one of the more underrated storylines of the year.
Buddy Hull Transitions to Team Owner
Buddy Hull has been a competitive Funny Car driver for years, but 2026 marks his transition to team ownership. Balancing the responsibilities of running a team while also driving adds a layer of complexity that many have struggled with.
Hull has the experience and the passion to make it work, but the learning curve is real. How he handles the dual roles will determine whether his organization can compete at the highest level.
Matt Smith Chases History
Matt Smith is already one of the greatest Pro Stock Motorcycle riders in NHRA history, and he has a chance to add to his legacy in 2026. A seventh class championship would be unprecedented and would further cement his status as the GOAT of two wheel drag racing.
Smith has shown no signs of slowing down, and his hunger for more titles makes him the favorite heading into the new season. Whether he can fend off the competition and make history will be one of the top storylines to follow.
Young Drivers Seek Sponsorship Stability
Ida Zetterström, Jasmine Salinas, and Julie Nataas are three talented drivers who are still working to secure long term sponsorship deals. In a sport where funding often determines success, their ability to find stable backing will go a long way in shaping their careers.
All three have shown flashes of brilliance on the track, but the business side of racing is just as important as the performance side. Fans should root for them to find the support they need to reach their full potential.
PRO Organization Initiatives
The Professional Racers and Owners Organization has become an increasingly influential voice in the NHRA. What initiatives PRO pushes for in 2026 could have a lasting impact on the sport.
From safety improvements to schedule changes to prize money discussions, PRO has been at the forefront of advocating for the interests of competitors. Keep an eye on any announcements or negotiations involving the organization.
Dylan Winefsky’s Funny Car Growth
Young Funny Car driver Dylan Winefsky is one of the sport’s rising stars. After showing promise in recent seasons, 2026 could be the year he takes a major leap forward.
Winefsky has the talent and the backing to compete with the best in the class. How much he improves and whether he can start collecting victories will be worth watching as the season unfolds.
Kalitta Motorsports Teammates Chase Second Titles
Shawn Langdon and J.R. Todd are both former champions who are hungry for more. As teammates at Kalitta Motorsports, they have the resources and the support to make serious championship runs in Top Fuel and Funny Car, respectively.
Both drivers have tasted success before and know what it takes to win a title. Whether they can recapture that magic in 2026 will be one of the more compelling storylines at one of the sport’s premier organizations.
Clay Millican Seeks NHRA Glory
Clay Millican is a six time IHRA Top Fuel champion, but an NHRA title has eluded him throughout his career. The veteran driver has come close on multiple occasions, and 2026 could finally be his year.
Millican is one of the most respected competitors in the pits, and fans would love to see him break through. Adding an NHRA championship to his resume would be a fitting reward for years of dedication and perseverance.
NHRA Celebrates 75 Years
Last but certainly not least, the NHRA is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026. The sanctioning body has a rich history that includes some of the most iconic moments in motorsports, and this milestone season will be an opportunity to honor that legacy.
Expect special events, throwback tributes, and plenty of nostalgia as the NHRA commemorates three quarters of a century of drag racing. It is a celebration that fans of all ages will want to be part of.
