Photo Review: 2026 NHRA U.S. Nationals

There are many ways to describe this year’s Cornwell Tools U.S. Nationals: The most important race of the year; the grind; the pressure cooker; or the one race everyone wants to win. All because playoff spots and big bucks were in play. Photo highlights of the final race before the playoffs, provided by Dave Oakes

Jack Beckman had a great weekend. Taking home both the event win and the playNHRA Callout for a total of $180,000.

Shawn Langdon defeated Tony Stewart with a 3.804 in the final after qualifying number one at 3.727.

Dallas Glenn won his first U.S. Nationals crown over Jeg Coughlin Jr with a 6.559/207.56.

In an all Matt Smith Racing Pro Stock motorcycle final, Matt defeated his wife Angie with a 6.791 to Angie’s 6.84.

When Matt Hagan took out Ron Capps in the semifinals, he became the regular season funny car champ.

All Doug Kalitta had to do to lock up his regular season championship was reach the semifinals.

It may have taken two motors, but JR Gray won his first U.S. Nationals at 5.701 over Justin Bond.

In a Chevy vs. Ford final, Scott Libersher outran Jonathan Allegrucci in the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown final.

Richie Crampton returned to the winner’s circle with a 5.255 win over TJ Tindle in Top Alcohol Dragster.

Sean Bellemeur went around Shane Westerfield on the top end for the top alcohol funny car title at 5.486/266.58.

Ron Capps ended up as the number one qualifier in funny car at 3.914/332.18.

Austin Prock’s 3.921 bested JR Todd’s 4.00 in the Mission Foods 2 Fast 2 Tasty challenge.

Leah Pruitt ran 3.87/319.98 in the 2 Fast 2 Tasty event for Top Fuel over a slowing Doug Kalitta.