| Hailing from southern California, past Funny Car world champ Beckman earned his fourth win from his home track last season when he took out Daniel Wilkerson. Beckman leads the charge for powerhouse team John Force Racing, which welcomed Alexis DeJoria and Funny Car rookie Jordan Vandergriff to the JFR stable. Two-time reigning world champ Austin Prock shocked NHRA fans this offseason when he moved to Tasca Racing, while past world champs Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon and J.R. Todd will also be eyeing the 1000th Funny Car win.
Clay Millican, a Top Fuel fan-favorite, claimed his eighth career victory last season when he took out motorsports legend Tony Stewart in the final round to win for the first time in Pomona. Veteran Doug Kalitta secured his second world title at the end of the year, while other past Pomona winners include Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher. Josh Hart won in Gainesville to open 2026 in his first race with John Force Racing.
Greg Anderson, the winningest active NHRA driver, won his 16th race from the famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip last season over his KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn. The duo battled on the race track all season for the world championship, but it was Glenn who earned his first world title to finish the season. Anderson advanced to the final round in Gainesville, but Matt Hartford opened the year with the victory. Others to watch include Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Cody Coughlin.
Along with racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, fans will also be treated to racing action from the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.
Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m. PT on Friday, April 10, and the final two rounds on Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 12. Television coverage includes eliminations on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view and more. |