NHRA Top 75 Reveals Five Modern Legends as Diamond Anniversary Celebration Continues
We just got word of the next five NHRA names to be etched in stone, and it is a powerhouse lineup: Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Jason Line, Eddie Krawiec, and Sean Bellemeur.
If you’ve been following the sport for the last two decades, these names aren’t just competitors. They are part of the fabric of your weekends. Let’s break down why these five icons absolutely deserve their spot among the top 75.
Doug Kalitta: The Legacy Continues
You can’t talk about drag racing royalty without bringing up the Kalitta name. For years, Doug Kalitta was known as the fiercest competitor without the big trophy at the end of the year. But after securing world championships in 2023 and again in 2025, “Air Doug” cemented what we all already knew. He is one of the greatest to ever sit in a Top Fuel dragster.
With 59 career wins, Doug has done his uncle Connie proud. Hearing his reaction to the news was genuinely touching. He mentioned watching legends like Shirley Muldowney and his uncle race, never dreaming he’d be on a list alongside them. It’s that humility, paired with fierce talent, that makes Doug a fan favorite.
Matt Hagan: A Force Of Nature
Matt Hagan isn’t just a driver; he’s a presence. The four-time Funny Car world champion changed the game when he laid down the sport’s first three-second run in a Funny Car back in 2011. Since joining the ranks, he has been a consistent threat to win every single Sunday.
What’s great about Hagan’s induction is the pure emotion behind it. He shared a story about his dad asking ChatGPT whether Matt would make the top 75 list, even though his dad doesn’t quite understand what ChatGPT is. It’s those human moments that make these accolades matter. Hagan’s 55 wins are impressive, but his heart for the sport is what makes him a legend.
Jason Line: The Blue-Collar Champion
If you look up “racer’s racer” in the dictionary, you might just find a picture of Jason Line. He never sought the limelight. He just wanted to go fast and make horsepower. Transitioning from Stock eliminator to becoming a three-time Pro Stock world champion with 51 wins is a fairytale trajectory, but Line makes it look like just another day at the office.
Now running JLine Performance with his son, Jason’s reaction was classic Jason: humble to a fault. He joked that maybe his kids would finally think “old dad” was cool. Trust us, Jason—you’ve always been cool.
Eddie Krawiec: Dominance on Two Wheels
NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle rider Eddie Krawiec. The Pro Stock Motorcycle class has seen some titans, and Eddie Krawiec stands tall among them. Going from a rookie to a four-time champion with 49 wins is no small feat.
But what makes the story so compelling is his evolution from rider to crew chief, now guiding the next generation at Vance & Hines. Krawiec put it best when he said he set out to win just one race. To end up on a list with Dave Schultz and John Myers? That is the stuff dreams are made of.
Sean Bellemeur: The Fan Who Became a Hero
Perhaps the most relatable story of the bunch is Sean Bellemeur. He represents the Top Alcohol Funny Car class with absolute class. With five championships and 48 wins, his stats are undeniable. But he still sees himself as that kid standing at the fence, watching Frank Manzo and Bob Newberry.
Being named to the NHRA Top 75 alongside his heroes left him admittedly overwhelmed. It’s a reminder that every legend started as a fan, and Sean’s journey from the grandstands to the record books is an inspiration to every kid currently pressing their face against the fence at Gainesville or Pomona.
The Road To the Full 75
These five NHRA legends join the previously announced powerhouse group, including Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, and Erica Enders. We are still waiting on 10 more names to complete the modern-era additions, bringing the total to 60, joining the original 50 from the 2001 list. As we look toward the 2026 season, one thing is clear: the NHRA isn’t just honoring the past. It’s showcasing a vibrant, emotional, and adrenaline-fueled present.
