Hart Wins Hometown; Green, Hartford, Gadson Triumph in 2026 Season Opener

Josh Hart made a stunning debut with John Force Racing at the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, clinching victory by defeating reigning Top Fuel champion Doug Kalitta. The event, marking the beginning of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, took place at Gainesville Raceway with a full crowd cheering on the competitors.

2026 NHRA Season Opener Highlights

Other winners included Chad Green in Funny Car, Matt Hartford in Pro Stock, and Richard Gadson in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Hart’s achievement stands out, as he set a track record with a time of 3.733 seconds, reaching a speed of 337.83 mph. In the final, he outpaced Kalitta, who recorded a slower time of 3.877 seconds at 319.60 mph. This victory represents Hart’s third career win and his first in nearly five years.

Notable Performances

• Josh Hart: Qualified No. 1 and overcame competitors Dan Mercier, Tripp Tatum, and Antron Brown to reach the final.
• Chad Green: Secured back-to-back victories at Gainesville, clocking 3.959 seconds at 329.91 mph against Alexis DeJoria.
• Matt Hartford: Ended a 40-race winless streak with a victory over six-time champion Greg Anderson in Pro Stock.
• Richard Gadson: Celebrated his first Gatornationals win while defending his Pro Stock Motorcycle title.

Chad Green’s Dominance

Green’s win grants him three career victories, with two achieved at Gainesville. Over the weekend, he defeated notable drivers including Terry Haddock and Matt Hagan, cementing his reputation as a strong contender early in the 2026 season.

Matt Hartford Breaks His Streak

Hartford’s win was particularly significant, as it came after a long absence from the winner’s circle. His victory, a time of 6.530 seconds at 210.41 mph, emphasized his determination and showcased his skills as a top competitor.

Richard Gadson’s Championship Defense

On his birthday, Gadson marked a successful beginning to his title defense, achieving a victory over John Hall with a performance of 6.753 seconds at 200.05 mph. This win represents Gadson’s fifth career victory, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Upcoming Events

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will continue with the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals, scheduled for March 20-22 at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix. Hart, Green, Hartford, and Gadson aim to build on their momentum from this electrifying season opener.