VISIT ST. MARY’S MD AND NHRA SET FOR FAN FEST AHEAD OF MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY DEBUT

By: NHRA

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. (May 21, 2026) – To celebrate NHRA’s thrilling debut at Maryland International Raceway for next weekend’s inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, Visit St. Mary’s MD, the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development and NHRA have partnered together for a driver meet and greet featuring a huge lineup of NHRA stars.

The free, can’t-miss event will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 5-7 p.m. at The Barns at New Market (29133 Thompson Corner Rd., Mechanicsville, Md.). Driver autographs are slated from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and includes a host of NHRA standouts, including four of the points leaders in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Fans can meet and get autographs from Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon, Funny Car’s J.R. Todd, who is tied for the points lead, Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn and Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Richard Gadson, as well as NHRA standouts Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Southern Maryland native Kelly Clontz, Matt Hagan, Maddi Gordon, Jordan Vandergriff, Justin Ashley, Austin Prock, Justin Ashley, Daniel Wilkerson, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Josh Hart, Will Smith, Clayton Howey, Lex Joon, Troy Coughlin Jr., Dave Richards and more.

Along with a chance for fans to meet their favorite drivers and get autographs, the festive atmosphere and kickoff to the inaugural NHRA weekend will also include junior dragsters, live music, food and drink vendors, a classic car show and more. For fans traveling to St. Mary’s County for the race, they can visit www.visitstmarysmd.com for planning resources, including lodging options, area attractions, and local retail and restaurant options.

Following Thursday’s meet and greet, things heat up on the track with two rounds of qualifying on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race on Saturday – as well as two more rounds of qualifying – and eliminations on Sunday, plus a host of NHRA 75th anniversary events, including:

• An appearance from NHRA legend and three-time Top Fuel world champion Shirley Muldowney and a tribute to Muldowney’s trailblazing history in the sport.
• On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 4,000 fans in attendance.

The 2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS features action in all four pro classes and the race will be broadcast on FOX, with elimination coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 31. With an NHRA 75th anniversary Diamond Wally on the line and a chance to win the first-ever race at Maryland International Raceway, the event marks one of the early-season highlights during NHRA’s milestone year.

Past Top Fuel world champion Langdon has been on a tear, winning back-to-back races against a loaded field that includes reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Hart, Stewart, Pruett, Gordon, Clay Millican, Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher.

The Funny Car class continues to be ultra-competitive, with Todd and Ron Capps leading the way. Other standouts include Hagan, Vandergriff, Chad Green, Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria and Prock.

Reigning Pro Stock champ Glenn is the points leader, but it’s a tight field with Greg Anderson, Matt Hartford, Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield close behind.

Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Richard Gadson leads the way in the two-wheeled category, followed closely by M. Smith, Herrera, A. Smith and John Hall.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1:30 and 4 p.m. ET on Friday, May 29 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 30 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 31. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, with eliminations action on Sunday at 3 p.m on FOX.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more info about NHRA, visit NHRA.com.