Inside the Latest “National Dragster”: The 2026 Season Opener Is Here
It’s 2026, and we are staring down the barrel of something truly special: the NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season. That’s three-quarters of a century of speed, engineering genius, and the kind of ground-shaking thunder you just can’t find anywhere else on Earth.
To kick things off right, the team over at “National Dragster” has dropped its annual Season Preview issue. This issue is packed tighter than a clutch pack on a Sunday afternoon, and if you’re looking to get your head in the game before the Gatornationals, this is your playbook.
“National Dragster” Season Preview Worthy of a Diamond Jubilee
This isn’t just another year on the calendar. Seventy-five years is a massive milestone, and the magazine treats it with the respect it deserves. The editors have gone deep on the big four: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
We all want to know: Can the 2025 champs hold onto the hardware, or is there a hungry pack of contenders ready to snatch the crown? The analysis here is sharp, examining the field’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s the kind of breakdown that settles bar bets before the cars even hit the staging lanes.
The Silly Season Shuffles That Shook the Pits
The offseason is rarely quiet, but this last winter? It was downright chaotic. We call it “Silly Season” for a reason, but the moves we saw recently were serious business. The biggest shocker, without a doubt, was Austin Prock walking away from John Force’s operation. If that didn’t make you do a double-take, you weren’t paying attention.
The new issue of “National Dragster” doesn’t just gloss over the headline; they sat down with both Prock and Force to get the real story. They dig into the “why” and, more importantly, the “where do we go from here?” It’s a fascinating look at the business and personal sides of a sport that runs on high emotion.
John Force Breaks His Silence
Speaking of John Force, this issue of “National Dragster” features something we’ve all been waiting for. For the first time since his accident back in June 2024, the legend himself sits down for a major print interview. Force opens up about his retirement announcement from last November and his enduring love for drag racing.
If you’ve followed Force’s career, who hasn’t? You know the man speaks from the heart. Reading his thoughts on hanging up the helmet while the sport celebrates 75 years is bound to be a heavy, poignant moment for fans. It’s mandatory reading for anyone who respects the history of the NHRA.
New Blood on the Cover
While we celebrate the legends, “National Dragster” is also looking forward. The cover belongs to Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon and her team owner, the three-time Funny Car world champ Ron Capps.
This is the stuff we love to see. You’ve got a legend like Capps mentoring the next generation, navigating the wild twists and turns of sponsorship hunting, and getting a team ready for the big stage. Their interview covers the hopes, the nerves, and the sheer grit it takes to get a car to the line in 2026. It’s a reminder that while the cars get faster, the dream remains the same.
Voices from the Tower and the Pits
Beyond the news of “National Dragster,” the columnists are in fine form. Brian Lohnes brings his signature high-energy style to the “Unsolicited Opinions” column, getting us hyped for the new “Chasing Speed” docuseries. If Lohnes is excited about it, you know it’s going to be good television. Then you’ve got Luke Bogacki in “The Science of Winning.” The guy is a three-time world champ for a reason.
He breaks down the mental game of setting goals for a new season. Whether you’re racing a Super Comp dragster or just trying to navigate your daily commute, Bogacki’s advice usually hits the mark. Plus, the tech section gets practical with a look at racing safety. It might not be as sexy as horsepower numbers, but it’s what keeps our drivers safe to race another day.
How to Get Your Hands on It
For NHRA members, the digital version is already online, and the print copy is on its way through the mail system right now. If you aren’t a member yet, now is the time to jump on board. You don’t want to miss a single page of this historic 75th season. Go grab your copy of “National Dragster,” find a comfortable chair, and get ready. The 2026 season is about to roar to life.
