NHRA 75th Anniversary: First Five Drivers Revealed On Updated Top 75 List
It’s hard to believe it’s been a quarter-century since the National Hot Rod Association celebrated its golden anniversary. Back in 2001, we saw the unveiling of the Top 50 drivers—a list that sparked endless debates in grandstands from Pomona to Gainesville. Now, as we stare down the barrel of the 2026 season, the NHRA is turning 75, and it is time to update the history books.
To celebrate 75 years of speed, NHRA is expanding that legendary list. They are recognizing the titans who defined the last 25 years of the sport. The reveal process started this week with a bang, dropping the first five names onto the new NHRA top 75 drivers list. They couldn’t have picked a better group to kick things off.
The Sarge Takes His Place Among the Greats
You can’t talk about the modern era of NHRA drag racing without talking about Tony Schumacher. When the original list came out in 2001, he was just getting started. Fast forward to today, and “The Sarge” is an eight-time Top Fuel world champion.
His inclusion here is a no-brainer. We are talking about a guy with 88 national event victories. But the stat that really gives you chills? Ten wins at the U.S. Nationals. That is dominance on a level that is hard to comprehend. He was humble about the honor, giving credit to the incredible teams he’s had around him—specifically the powerhouse Don Schumacher Racing organization built by his late father, Don. Seeing Tony’s name on this list is a beautiful nod to that family legacy.
Robert Hight: From the Clutch To the Championship
If you love a good “work your way up” story, Robert Hight is your guy. He earned it the hard way, getting his hands dirty as a clutch specialist for John Force Racing for years. When he finally got behind the wheel in 2005, he didn’t just drive; he attacked the track.
Hight retired at the end of 2023 with three Funny Car world championships and 65 Wallys on his shelf. He was one of those drivers who could muscle a Funny Car down a tricky track when no one else could. He admits he’s still a fan of the sport at heart, which makes seeing his name alongside the legends he grew up watching even more special.
Erica Enders: Redefining Pro Stock History
Starting her career at age 8 in a Jr. Dragster, Enders has grown into a six-time Pro Stock world champion. Her 2022 campaign was the stuff of legend, winning 10 times in 13 final rounds. She essentially turned the most competitive class in the NHRA into her personal playground. Enders spoke about how surreal it is to be on a list with her childhood heroes like Bob Glidden—a legend she actually got to work with. That is a full-circle moment if there ever was one.
Andrew Hines and the Two-Wheel Dynasty
The Hines name is synonymous with motorcycle excellence, and Andrew Hines took that legacy to the stratosphere. Following in the footsteps of his dad, Byron, and brother, Matt, Andrew became the winningest rider in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.
With 6 world championships and 56 wins, his resume is bulletproof. He was also the first rider to break into the six-second zone, a milestone that changed the class forever. Andrew mentioned that tying the late, great Dave Schultz with six titles was a special moment for him, and making this top 75 drivers list solidifies his status as an all-time great.
Peter Biondo: The Sportsman Terminator
I am so glad the panel included Peter Biondo in this first wave. Sometimes the Sportsman racers don’t get the ink they deserve, but Biondo is undeniable. Known as “The Terminator,” this New York native was an absolute machine.
Winning seven world championships across different classes is absurdly difficult, yet Biondo made it look routine. With 52 national event wins, he proved that consistency and versatility are the hallmarks of a true legend. He’s stepped away to focus on family, but he hinted that the “itch” to race is still there. We can only hope to see him stage up again.
And this is just the beginning. The NHRA will be revealing five more drivers every Monday through February 2. If this first group is any indication, we are in for quite a trip down memory lane.
