Gainesville, Florida, United States of America2026-03-05 to 2026-03-08
About This Event
Held at Gainesville Raceway since 1970 — the site of drag racing's first 260-mph Top Fuel run, first 300-mph pass, and multiple landmark speed barriers broken on its 675-foot concrete launch pad. Four days of NHRA professional and sportsman competition across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles, with qualifying spanning two sessions and Sunday eliminations.
What to Expect
Season opener kicking off NHRA's 75th anniversary season
Sellout crowd atmosphere as the series launches its anniversary celebration
NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race Saturday with $80,000 bonus
Open pits let you watch crews wrench between rounds
Track where drivers clocked the first 260-, 270- and 300-mph Top Fuel runs
Best Way to Experience It
Top Eliminator Club at start line offers covered seating, VIP restrooms, and food service
Free general parking at the facility
Good to Know
Children 12 and under free in general admission with adult ticket purchase
Multiple camping options available for fans staying on property
Track located eight miles north of Gainesville Regional Airport
North Florida experiences mild temperatures in early March
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value motorsport heritage — 57th annual Gatornationals, fourth oldest active NHRA event since 1970, Gainesville Raceway's 675-foot concrete launchpad contributed to first 300-mph Top Fuel run (1992).
Best fit if you enjoy championship beginnings — 2026 season opener kicks off NHRA's 75th anniversary season, special Diamond Wally trophies, legends match races, sets championship tone across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock categories.
Best fit if you like family-friendly environments — children 12 and under free with adult ticket, pit pass access included in all tickets, walk among 11,000-horsepower dragsters, meet drivers between qualifying sessions.
Not ideal if you prefer participatory motorsport — spectator-only professional drag racing event without track day or amateur driving sessions, focuses on watching elite drivers rather than participant seat time.
