AFTER ANOTHER WIN TO OPEN COUNTDOWN, JOHN HALL LOOKS TO KEEP ROLLING AT THE ROCK
Pro Stock Motorcycle rider John Hall
By: NHRA
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Sept. 24, 2026) – For the second season in a row, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider John Hall kicked off the Countdown to the Championship playoffs with a win. Now, he’ll look to carry that momentum into this weekend’s inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock at Rockingham Dragway.
Hall, rider of the Outlaw Beer Buell for Matt Smith Racing, raced his way to the winner’s circle last weekend at the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals and currently sits just one point out of first. After winning the first race of the playoffs last season, Hall knows the importance of a strong start to the playoffs and is looking for more success this weekend in Rockingham.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Hall. “You come in strong and get some momentum going. I did it last year and that was a tough race there, and it was a tough race in Michigan.
“I was ready to quit racing after the weekend. I’ve been so down on myself and that’s what drag racing does to you. It’s like if you go from high to a low to a low to a high, within seconds, minutes, hours. You’re on the top of the world, then you’re beating yourself up. I just haven’t been riding like I wanted to. I talked with Richard Gadson, and I actually told him I’m done. I washed up, and I can’t do this anymore. He then reminded me of that in the winner’s circle in Michigan. So, I’m happy that I’m back and I hope I stay back.”
This weekend’s inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock marks the 16th of 20 races on the season and will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 27. Hall, along with the other stars of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, will be on track starting Friday for the first round of qualifying.
Hall’s win in Martin gives him the same energy and confidence from last year’s playoffs. He finished sixth in the overall points and is looking forward to this weekend’s race as the Countdown continues. Going against a field that includes points leader Gadson, teammates Matt and Angie Smith, and Gaige Herrera, Hall knows he’ll have to be at his best the rest of the way.
“You just go and do it the best you can,” said Hall. “I was in this exact same position last year. I came in, we won the first race in the Countdown, and we were number two on points.
“The Countdown is tough. You have to string it all together. Everyone saw Richard do it last year. He had a really good Countdown and you have to have a really good Countdown. We have four really good bikes with MSR and we’re hoping one of them gets in that position to win this championship.”
The Top Fuel ranks have been dominated throughout 2026 by Kalitta Motorsports teammates Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta, and that continued at the Countdown opener when Langdon again laid waste to the record book. He moved back into the points lead with a win, while others to watch include Tony Stewart and Antron Brown.
Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff started the Countdown with a win in Martin, while four-time world champ Matt Hagan remains the points leader. The two will be up against the likes of former champs Ron Capps, Jack Beckman, J.R. Todd and two-time reigning champion Austin Prock.
Matt Hartford moved into the Pro Stock points lead in Martin as part of a wild Countdown opener. He’ll look to stay on top going against Glenn, Anderson, Greg Stanfield and Erica Enders.
The NHRA Nationals at The Rock will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the popular JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports.
On Sunday, race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. They are invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. Fans also get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. They can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1 and 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday and the final two rounds on Saturday at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations at 3 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Nationals at The Rock, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about the NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.
