NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series arrives in Epping, N.H., carrying the momentum of one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

Fresh off the NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway, championship points battles are intensifying across all four Professional categories as teams head north to New England Dragway for the 13th annual NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto. 

The trip north carries special significance. Long before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, New Hampshire became the first American colony to adopt its own constitution and establish a government independent of British authority on Jan. 5, 1776. The Granite State's famous motto, "Live Free or Die," remains a fitting backdrop for a sport built on innovation, competition, and the freedom to pursue excellence. 

On the racetrack, few drivers arrive with more momentum than Funny Car winner Austin Prock. The reigning world champion reminded everyone at the NHRA Potomac Nationals that he remains one of the toughest competitors in the category, but he faces a growing list of challengers led by Chad Green. Green has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 season, already earning multiple victories and firmly inserting himself into the championship conversation. 

This weekend carries additional importance as Green's Ford Mustang Funny Car showcases a special bproauto livery at the event sponsored by the rapidly growing OE-backed aftermarket parts brand. 

In Top Fuel, Kalitta Motorsports continues to set the pace. Shawn Langdon arrives in Epping after another impressive victory and continues to lead the championship chase, while reigning world champion Doug Kalitta remains a constant threat every weekend. Together, the teammates have transformed the battle for Top Fuel supremacy into a season-long showcase for one of drag racing's premier organizations. 

Pro Stock remains every bit as compelling. Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn continue their season-long duel for race wins and championship points, with the KB Titan Racing teammates once again establishing themselves as the category benchmark. Every round carries championship implications as the veteran Anderson attempts to hold off Glenn's relentless charge. The closest challenge to the KB Titan dominance continues to come from Elite Motorsports' Greg Stanfield. Elite drivers have historically enjoyed success at New England Dragway, making Epping a potential turning point in Pro Stock momentum.

Friday Schedule - June 5, 2026 

8:00 a.m.— Spectator Gates Open 

10:00 a.m. — Sportsman Qualifying/Time Trials 

1:00 p.m. — Midway Opens 

4:20 p.m. — Snowmobile Exhibition Qualifying Session 

5:00 p.m. — Pro Stock Qualifying Session 

5:30 p.m. — Nostalgia Cacklefest (Nostalgia Pit) 

5:30 p.m. — Nitro Qualifying Session (Funny Car, Top Fuel) 

6:30 p.m.— Nostalgia Exhibition 

6:50 p.m. — Snowmobile Exhibition Qualifying Session 

7:30 p.m. — Pro Stock Qualifying Session 

8:00 p.m. — Nitro Qualifying Session (Funny Car, Top Fuel) 

Adding to the excitement, fans attending Friday's action will once again be treated to the popular No. 1 Clawifier Award presented by NAPA, one of the most distinctive traditions on the NHRA tour. 

Friday Night Belongs to the Clawifier

For a second straight year, nitro at night will include a special nod to New England with the return of the No. 1 Clawifier Award presented by NAPA. During Friday's 8 p.m. nitro qualifying session, drivers in Top Fuel and Funny Car will battle for more than just qualifying position. A special throne made of lobster pots awaits the provisional No. 1 qualifier at the top end of New England Dragway. Drivers who claim the top spot earn a giant lobster, while their crews receive a traditional lobster dinner. A unique lobster-pot buoy trophy also awaits Sunday's event winners. The Friday night session has quickly become one of the signature moments of the New England Nationals, blending New England tradition with the spectacle of nitro drag racing under the lights. Fans can also watch the second qualifying session live on FS1 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. 

Chad Green's Championship Charge Comes Home to bproauto

Few drivers have enjoyed a bigger breakout season than Chad Green. The Texas businessman and Funny Car driver enters Epping as a legitimate championship contender after multiple victories in 2026. This weekend carries added significance as Green competes with a special bproauto-themed Ford Mustang Funny Car at the race sponsored by the expanding aftermarket parts brand. Green's consistency has elevated him from occasional race winner to championship threat, and his performance this weekend could have major implications in the Funny Car title chase. 

TELEVISION
FRIDAY, June 5, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise one and half hours of qualifying coverage at 8:00 p.m. ET 
SUNDAY, June 7, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise one hour of qualifying coverage at 12:00 p.m. ET 

SUNDAY, June 7, FOX will televise three hours of finals coverage at 3:00 p.m. ET 

2025 EVENT WINNERS
Brittany Force, Top Fuel; J.R. Todd, Funny Car; Greg Anderson, Pro Stock. 

MOST VICTORIES (active drivers)
Tony Schumacher, 2, TF, Matt Hagan, 4, FC; Greg Anderson, 3, PS. 

TRACK RECORDS
Top Fuel - 3.646 seconds by Doug Kalitta, June '25; 341.42 mph by Brittany Force, June '25. 
Funny Car - 3.822 seconds by Robert Hight, June '17; 336.74 mph by Hight, June '17. 
Pro Stock - 6.469 seconds by Greg Anderson, June '25; 214.72 mph by Greg Anderson, June '15. 

NATIONAL RECORDS
Top Fuel - 3.623 sec. by Brittany Force, Sept. '19, Reading; 345.00 mph by Shawn Langdon, May ’26, Adel
Funny Car - 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. '17, Brainerd; 341.68 mph by Austin Prock, Nov. ’24, Pomona
Pro Stock - 6.443 sec. by Greg Anderson, March '25, Gainesville; 215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May '14, Englishtown