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Chad Green looks to carry Gainesville momentum into Phoenix event

Coming off a win at the season kickoff in Gainesville, Funny Car’s Chad Green is ready to head to the desert for the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park.
18 Mar 2026
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor
Feature
Chad Green

Coming off a win at the season kickoff in Gainesville, Funny Car’s Chad Green is ready to head to the desert for the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs at Firebird Motorsports Park.

Green wheels the 12,000-horsepower Bond Coat Ford Mustang and secured his third career win two weeks ago at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The win was his second consecutive win at the season opener, and Green believes his team will carry that momentum into Phoenix.

He’s determined to make amends for last year’s early exit at the Duel in the Desert and keep himself in the mix in the loaded Funny Car category.

“Anytime you win, it always helps with confidence, but what really gets me excited is to see how consistent our car ran all day in Gainesville,” said Green. “Nothing helps a driver's confidence more than having a consistent race car.

“Obviously, our main goal is to win the race. But short of that, we just need to go some rounds and avoid a first-round exit like last year in Phoenix, which can really kill your momentum after winning a race. It's going to be a hot track this weekend, and I think we will fare well under those conditions. My guys know how to navigate a hot track.”

With his win in Gainesville, Green has slotted himself into the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of the season. The popular bonus race returns to the NHRA regular season as semifinalists from the previous race will rematch for a chance at a bonus purse and bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Green will take on Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, who made his John Force Racing debut in Gainesville, with Alexis DeJoria and J.R. Todd on the other side of the ladder.

“The Mission Challenge is a great opportunity to get even more points,” Green said. “I want to be in it every race. It makes qualifying that much more exciting. I’m sure Jordan will be looking for some revenge from Gainesville. For us, we will be looking to stay undefeated in 2026.”

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets.