NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

For 40 years, the biggest names in NHRA Drag Racing have descended on Texas Motorplex, making historic runs and wowing fans in the grandstands. Once again, these stars will be out of their Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, door-slamming Pro Stockers, or two-wheel land-rocket Pro Stock Motorcycles to mix and mingle with fans at the annual Texas Fall Nationals Prestage FanFest on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6 - 9 p.m. The Prestage FanFest is a free, family-friendly event that will feature a driver autograph session from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with an epic lineup of NHRA drivers and riders.

More than 50 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers and riders, including fan favorites Brittany Force, Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Texans Steve Torrence and Erica Enders, Matt and Angie Smith, and more are scheduled to sign autographs at this free event held for the fifth consecutive year at Railyard Park just south of the historic Waxahachie town square. The JEGS Allstars participants will once again join the festivities, allowing fans to meet and greet some of the best Sportsman racers from across the country.

“This is the largest free driver autograph session of the season, and we appreciate our competitors taking the time to visit with our amazing fans,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “Two years ago, we added the JEGS Allstars participants, and now we have the future stars of the sport and the best Sportsman racers signing autographs. The FanFest has become one of the best fan-friendly events in motorsports.”

Reigning 2024 Texas Fall Nationals champions Austin Prock, Antron Brown, Greg Anderson, and Gaige Herrera will be in attendance as well as local driver Buddy Hull. Austin, Texas, residents Alexis DeJoria and eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher, along with Temple, Texas’ Terry Haddock, will represent the Lone Star State. Some of the biggest names in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will join the Texas contingent, including 2025 NHRA championship contenders Dallas Glenn, Richard Gadson, Aaron Stanfield, and Josh Hart, who will be on-site from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. signing at this free event, which begins with food trucks, live music, and activities for the whole family from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Texas Motorplex mascot Oliver the Watusi will be available for photos, the “voice” of the Stampede of Speed, Joe Castello, will be emceeing, and the Texas Motorplex Funny Car will be on display.

“I can’t thank the City of Waxahachie enough for their partnership for this event, and for the Stampede of Speed as a whole,” said Meyer Johnson. “We could not put on such an awesome FanFest event for our fans and the local community without their help. Their team exemplifies what it means to be Texas Proud, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been able to create together.”

A complete list of drivers who have planned on attending is below, and as always, this list is subject to additions and deletions.

For more information on the Pre-Stage Fan Fest or the Stampede of Speed, visit www.stampedeofspeed.com. The Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, the fourth Countdown playoff race, will be contested from Oct. 8-12 at Texas Motorplex.