The first-time event at Rockingham Dragway is the 16th of 20 races in 2026 and the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship. The event will be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Vandergriff’s weekend starts on Thursday evening in downtown Rockingham, as he will be part of NitroFest with 30-plus other NHRA drivers. NitroFest takes place from 6-9 p.m. around Harrington Square, featuring a free concert from The Lacs, vendors, food trucks, a free Kids Zone and much more. The meet-and-greet and autograph session with NHRA standouts takes place from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Thursday and features an incredible lineup, including Vandergriff and a wealth of NHRA champs and stars. From there, it’s down to business for Vandergriff, who is now second in points following his playoff victory. He’s just 23 points back of four-time champion Matt Hagan in what will be a grueling road to the championship in the loaded Funny Car category. Vandergriff’s teammate, Jack Beckman, is only 54 points back, while Ron Capps and J.R. Todd are both within 70 points of Hagan. Back-to-back defending world champ Austin Prock is also within range at 109 points behind, which means Vandergriff couldn’t celebrate the Martin win for long with a massive weekend coming up in Rockingham.
“Funny Car is a battle and it’s so close,” Vandergriff said. “Indy was my first real experience where the pressure is on and I tried to deal with it the best I could. I decided I’m going to be calm and collected and see what happens. I tried to carry that mindset (into Martin) and we were able to capitalize on the day. “I realize how hard these next five races are going to be. It wasn’t easy (on Monday) and it’s not going to get any easier. You have to recognize the work you have to do to win these races and win a championship and what it takes to beat these competitors. It’s a gauntlet and it’s anybody’s game.” 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. 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. Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Gadson holds a slim lead against John Hall, who opened the postseason with a win. Other standouts like Matt and Angie Smith, Gaige Herrera and Van Sant.
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. |
