NHRA Rolls Out Second Wave of Top 75 Drivers: Legends in the Making
If you’ve been following the rollout, you know the drill. Every Monday through early February, five new names are added to the prestigious “Top 75 Drivers” list. This group joins the original 50 icons named back in 2001, titans like Big Daddy Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney. The goal? To honor the folks who have defined the sport over the last quarter-century.
This week, the spotlight shines on a mix of modern greatness and sustained dominance: Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, Matt Smith, and Dan Fletcher. Let’s break down why these five earned their jackets.
Antron Brown: A Dream Realized
Antron Brown’s story is the kind you tell kids to prove that hard work pays off. Starting on two wheels in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Brown made a massive leap to Top Fuel and didn’t just survive, he thrived. In 2012, he made history as the first Black champion in NHRA’s professional ranks.
With four Top Fuel titles and 80 career wins under his belt, Brown admits this honor hits different. “I was just a kid from Chesterfield, N.J., with a dream,” Brown said. “To be a part of that club… It’s kind of like putting the coat on as part of the NFL Hall of Fame.”
Ron Capps: The Fan Favorite
If there’s a resume that screams “complete package,” it belongs to Ron Capps. With 77 career wins and three Funny Car world championships, Capps has done it all. He drove for legends like “The Snake” Don Prudhomme, won as a hired gun, and then bet on himself by launching his own team in 2022.
For Capps, joining the Top 75 list is a full-circle moment. “I remember when the Top 50 list came out, there were people that were legitimately heroes of mine that didn’t make that list,” he reflected. “To be mentioned with those original 50 drivers is beyond what I ever dreamed of.”
Greg Anderson: The Pro Stock Powerhouse
You can’t talk about Pro Stock without talking about Greg Anderson. The man is a machine. We’re talking unmatched longevity, over 100 national event wins, and six world championships. He successfully transitioned from crew chief to driver, a move that doesn’t always work out, and turned KB Titan Racing into a dynasty.
Humble as ever, Anderson was genuinely surprised by the nod. “I can’t lie, this honor is certainly not expected on my side,” he said. “I’m still having fun trying to do this… but I am shocked and honored.”
Matt Smith: Two-Wheel Dominance
Matt Smith isn’t just a rider; he’s a mechanic, a tuner, and a strategist. And now, on the highly esteemed Top 75 list. He’s the defining figure of modern Pro Stock Motorcycle racing. With six championships and speeds topping 205 mph, he’s a force of nature.
But he’s not done yet. He’s actively chasing his seventh title, looking to leave an even bigger footprint on the sport. “When I started in 2005, my goal was to just win a Wally,” Smith said. Twenty years later, he’s rewriting the record books.
Dan Fletcher: The Sportsman King
Finally, we have Dan Fletcher, a name that demands respect in the Sportsman ranks. With over 100 national event wins across six different classes, Fletcher is the definition of versatility. Seeing him wrestle that iconic ’69 Camaro to victory lane is a tradition in itself.
For a guy who usually shies away from the limelight, this accolade landed heavy. “It was cool to win 100 races, but this is probably the biggest honor of my career,” Fletcher admitted. “When you think of all the people who have raced… the gravity of this isn’t lost on me,” he added.
What’s Next?
This Top 75 crew joins last week’s honorees Tony Schumacher, Robert Hight, Erica Enders, Andrew Hines, and Peter Biondo. We’re still in the early stages of this rollout, with plenty more legends to come.
When the dust settles and all top 75 names are revealed, NHRA will release a commemorative book profiling every single driver. It’s shaping up to be a must-have for any gearhead who loves the smell of nitro in the morning. Stay tuned on Monday to see who makes it in the next round of five.
