NHRA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF LANDMARK 75TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN FOR 2026 SEASON
Initial plans released for 75th season in 2026, including 75th anniversary logo and rings, commemorative ticket and more
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 12, 2024) – Set to celebrate its landmark 75th season in 2026, NHRA officials revealed a series of special plans today to kick off the campaign for the historic year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
NHRA revealed a special 75th anniversary logo for the 2026 season to launch the campaign, as NHRA looks to celebrate 75 years of incredible racing, founder Wally Parks and the incredible legends that have played a huge role in NHRA’s illustrious history.
The buildup to the landmark 75th season in 2026 will take place throughout the 2025 campaign with several initiatives set to take place this year, starting at the season-kickoff NHRA Gatornationals on March 6-9 at Gainesville Raceway.
Some of the items introduced today at the 75th anniversary campaign launch include:
75TH ANNIVERSARY RINGS: NHRA also revealed special 75th anniversary replica rings that will be given to fans who renew their tickets for the 2026 race throughout the upcoming season. These rings will be a replica of the 75th anniversary rings given to the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world champions in 2026.
COMMEMORATIVE TICKETS: Each fan can purchase a special commemorative ticket for 2026 events to celebrate the landmark 75th season.
SPECIAL 2026 WALLY TROPHY: The NHRA will introduce a new and unique Wally trophy that will be given to all race winners during the 2026 season. The 75th anniversary Wally will only be given out during the 2026 year.
WALLY PARKS DOCUMENTARY: A comprehensive and first-time full-length documentary on iconic NHRA Founder Wally Parks will be released during the 2026 season.
TOP 75 DRIVER LIST: Much like the Top 50 NHRA Driver List that was released during the 50th anniversary season in 2001, the NHRA will release its Top 75 Driver List during the 2026 season. The Top 75 Drivers list will also be released in book form.
75TH ANNIVERSARY COFFEE TABLE BOOK: A high-quality hardcover coffee table book will be released in alignment with the 75th anniversary as a must-have for any fan, detailing the incredible history of the NHRA, from its humble beginnings to its current status.
“The 75th anniversary of NHRA drag racing marks a landmark moment in our sport’s history and we’re excited to kick off the campaign for that historic season in 2026 throughout our upcoming 2025 season,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “From a special logo and 75th anniversary rings, we’re thrilled to introduce several initiatives already for that celebratory season in 2026 and we will have many more to announce throughout 2025 in this exciting year-long buildup. NHRA has an incredible history – as well as a bright future – and we look forward to celebrating that with our fans, race teams, member track and partners.”
Additional announcements and initiatives for the 75th anniversary season in 2026 will be released throughout the 2025 campaign. NHRA legends will also be included in the year-long celebration that year, with appearances and special celebrations to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.nhra.com.
Eric Gash from Lexington, Kentucky USA (Comp Number: 86X) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: Limited Drag Radial, Div: 3 "BBRex" Owned by Eric Gash from Lexington, Kentucky USA Ford Mustang by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a Unknown cubic inch Ford with automatic transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | […]
Ken Dondero from Concord, California USA (Comp Number: 623) 1969 - Category: GASSER, Type: SN, Class: BB/GS, Div: 7 "Panella Trucking / Il Padrone (The Boss)" Owned by Bob Panella from Stockton, California USA '50 Ford Anglia by Exhibition Engineering | Powered by a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet with 4 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile […]
Ken Dondero from Concord, California USA (Comp Number: 623) 1968 - Category: GASSER, Type: SN, Class: BB/GS, Div: 7 "Panella Trucking" Owned by Bob Panella from Stockton, California USA '50 Ford Anglia by Exhibition Engineering | Powered by a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet with 4 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | […]
Ken Dondero from Concord, California USA 1966 - Category: GASSER, Type: SN, Class: BB/G, Div: 7 "Dondero & Cole" Owned by Dondero & Cole from Concord, California USA '40 Willys by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet with 4 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | […]
Stephan Lackey from Columbus, Indiana USA (Comp Number: 2812) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: Ultra Street, Div: 3 "Stephan Lackey" Owned by Stephan Lackey from Columbus, Indiana USA Ford Mustang by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a Unknown cubic inch Ford with automatic transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | […]
Meranda Burris from Royce City, Texas USA (Comp Number: 4731) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: Ultra Street, Div: 4 "Meranda Burris" Owned by Meranda Burris from Royce City, Texas USA 2000 Chevrolet Camaro by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 588 cubic inch Chevrolet by BES Racing Engines with automatic transmission […]
Ryan Grigsby from Baytown, Texas USA (Comp Number: 4057) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: Ultra Street, Div: 4 "Ryan Grisgby Racing" Owned by Ryan Grigsby from Baytown, Texas USA 1978 Chevrolet Camaro by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 588 cubic inch Chevrolet with automatic transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at […]
Cam Mayes from Nashville, Tennessee USA (Comp Number: 5291) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: X255, Div: 2 "Mayes Performance" Owned by Cam Mayes from Nashville, Tennessee USA Ford Mustang by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a Unknown cubic inch Ford with automatic transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | 1/4 […]
Shelby Wendel from Portland, Indiana USA (Comp Number: 2994) 2026 - Category: PROSTREET, Type: QN, Class: X255, Div: 3 "Shelby Wendel" Owned by Shelby Wendel from Portland, Indiana USA 2007 Ford Mustang by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a Unknown cubic inch Ford with automatic transmission 1/4 Mile ET: Unknown at Unknown | […]
Ken Dondero from Concord, California USA 1965 - Category: GASSER, Type: SN, Class: C/G, Div: 7 "Colvard-Utz-Dondero" Owned by Johnny Colvard, Jim Utz from Vacaville, California USA '40 Studebaker by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet with 4 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: 11.740 at Fremont CA, 8/24/65 […]