The 2026 NHRA Season Is Revving Up: Big Moves, New Teams, and Major Momentum
It’s mid-January. The holidays are firmly in the rearview mirror, the decorations are back in the attic, and for drag racing fans, a very specific kind of itch is starting to develop. It’s that phantom scent of nitro in the air. We are inching closer to the NHRA Gatornationals in March, but if you think the drag strip is quiet right now, think again.
The off-season is rarely “off” for the people who live and breathe this sport. Major moves, new programs, and bold team decisions are already shaping what looks to be an unforgettable 2026 season.
The Inside Scoop on the 2026 NHRA Season
There is a lot of buzz surrounding the door-slammer classes this year. We’re looking at some radical changes in the Congruity HR NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, and there is palpable excitement for the new Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series presented by Xpel.
Why does this matter? Because variety is the spice of racing. It’s not just about the Top Fuel kings anymore; it’s about expanding the tent. These additions and adjustments point toward a broader trend: more diversity in classes, more variety on track, and more opportunities for fresh storylines. The upcoming season is poised to be louder, faster, and more wide-ranging than any in recent years.
Will Smith: Living the Top Fuel Dream
Among the most inspiring developments is Will Smith’s next chapter in Top Fuel. Smith has been named the driver of a new Scag Power Equipment factory team entry and will compete full-time in the sport’s premier category. This is something he says he’s been waiting years for to happen. Now he has his shot.
This is more than just another roster update. It marks the payoff of years of effort, travel, sacrifice, and determination. Smith’s jump to full-time Top Fuel competition represents the kind of career breakthrough that keeps drivers chasing their dreams and fans glued to the fence. All eyes will be on Gainesville as he begins this next phase.
Buddy Hull Takes the Wheel: Literally and Figuratively
If you follow the NHRA, you know this Funny Car driver is one of the biggest personalities in the paddock. But this year, he’s taking on a massive new challenge.Buddy made waves a few weeks back when he announced he’s fielding his own Funny Car operation in 2026. This is a bold move. Transitioning from hired gun to owner-operator is not for the faint of heart, especially after what he described as a “hard 2025 season.”
But that’s the beauty of Buddy Hull. He didn’t sugarcoat the failures or the difficulties of the past year, including exploding an engine in qualifying at Sonoma in July. He talked strategy. He talked about who is tuning the car. He talked about the lessons learned the hard way. He’s doing it his way, on his terms, and you have to respect the hustle.
Why This Season Feels Different
Putting this all together, you get a distinct feeling that 2026 isn’t just “another year” for the NHRA. There is a changing of the guard happening. You have new blood entering the top ranks, established drivers taking big risks on ownership, and new series breathing life into the schedule.
It’s warm, it’s exciting, and it feels like family. The waiting won’t last much longer. Soon, the trailers will roll into Florida, the engines will fire, and the quiet of winter will give way to 325-mph chaos. And I can’t wait. How about you? Are you ready for it?
See you at the strip.
