Brown, Capps, Anderson, Smith, Fletcher Join Top 75 Drivers List
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has announced a new group of standout drivers to its Top 75 Drivers list. Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, Matt Smith, and Dan Fletcher are now recognized among the elite in drag racing. This announcement is part of a special initiative celebrating the NHRA’s 75th anniversary in 2026.
Celebrating NHRA’s 75th Anniversary
The Top 75 Drivers list expands upon the original Top 50 Drivers list created during NHRA’s 50th anniversary season in 2001. Each week, five new inductees will be unveiled leading up to February 2, 2026. The first five drivers recognized were Tony Schumacher, Robert Hight, Erica Enders, Andrew Hines, and Peter Biondo.
Key Inductees
- Antron Brown: Brown is a trailblazer in drag racing, being the first Black champion in NHRA’s professional ranks in 2012. He holds four Top Fuel championships and has 80 career wins. Brown expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m overwhelmed by this.”
- Ron Capps: A three-time Funny Car champion, Capps has achieved 77 victories, including two NHRA U.S. Nationals titles. He described the honor as beyond his dreams, stating, “This is a huge honor.”
- Greg Anderson: The winningest driver in Pro Stock history, Anderson boasts over 100 victories and six world championships. He acknowledged the legacy of the original list, feeling honored to be included among his heroes.
- Matt Smith: A six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, Smith has 42 wins and is currently pursuing a seventh title. He shared, “It’s truly an honor to be named to such a prestigious list.”
- Dan Fletcher: Recognized for an illustrious Sportsman career, Fletcher is a three-time world champion with over 100 national event wins. He remarked, “This is quite an honor, and it’s on a whole different level.”
The Importance of the Top 75 Drivers List
This initiative not only honors current legends but also acknowledges historical figures like Don Garlits, John Force, and Shirley Muldowney. The selection of the new drivers reflects their contributions over the past 25 years, encompassing both Professional and Sportsman classes.
Once fully unveiled, the complete list will be available in a commemorative book, celebrating these exceptional individuals. The announcement signifies a milestone for the NHRA, reinforcing its rich history while inspiring future generations of drag racers.
Current Inductees (As of Now)
| Class | Driver |
|---|---|
| Professional | Antron Brown |
| Funny Car | Ron Capps |
| Pro Stock | Greg Anderson |
| Pro Stock Motorcycle | Matt Smith |
| Sportsman | Dan Fletcher |
As the NHRA prepares for its milestone anniversary, the spotlight on these drivers signifies both recognition of past accomplishments and a celebration of ongoing contributions to the sport.
The post Brown, Capps, Anderson, Smith, Fletcher Join Top 75 Drivers List appeared first on CDN3 - Filmogaz.