Angie Smith Grabs Provisional No. 1 in Pro Stock Motorcycle at 2026 NHRA Gatornationals Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – Veteran rider Angie Smith stormed to the provisional pole position in Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying on the opening day of the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, posting a blistering 6.740-second elapsed time at 199.58 mph aboard her Denso Auto Parts Buell. The run vaults Smith to the top of the provisional ladder after Friday’s sessions, marking a strong start to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ historic 75th anniversary season.

Smith, a multi-time winner and former championship contender, overcame early setbacks—including a transmission issue in the first session—to deliver the field’s quickest pass in the final run of the day. The performance positions her for a potential third career No. 1 qualifier if it holds through Saturday’s remaining sessions.

Hot on her heels is defending world champion Richard Gadson, who clocked a 6.746 at an even 200.00 mph on his RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki, just six-thousandths behind. Gaige Herrera, a former champion and consistent threat, rounded out the top three with a 6.761 at 199.91 mph on his RevZilla/Mission/Vance & Hines Suzuki.

The competitive field showed depth, with multiple riders dipping into the 6.7s and hitting trap speeds near or above 200 mph. Matt Smith (6.764/200.77 mph) posted the session’s highest speed on his Denso/Outlaw Beer/MSR Buell, while newcomers and veterans alike—including Clayton Howey, Chase Van Sant, and John Hall—locked in solid provisional spots inside the top seven.

Provisional Qualifying Order – Pro Stock Motorcycle (After Day 1 – AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals)

1. Angie Smith (No. 4 Buell) – 6.740 sec. / 199.58 mph
2. Richard Gadson (No. 1 Suzuki) – 6.746 / 200.00
3. Gaige Herrera (No. 79 Suzuki) – 6.761 / 199.91
4. Matt Smith (No. 3 Buell) – 6.764 / 200.77
5. Clayton Howey (No. 7002 Suzuki) – 6.800 / 197.88
6. Chase Van Sant (No. 8 Suzuki) – 6.803 / 198.15
7. John Hall (No. 6 Buell) – 6.804 / 199.97
8. Ryan Oehler (No. 32 Buell) – 6.811 / 197.77
9. Jianna Evaristo (No. 7 Buell) – 6.834 / 200.32
10. Brayden Davis (No. 5 Buell) – 6.838 / 196.33
11. Kelly Clontz (No. 1981 Suzuki) – 6.843 / 197.68
12. Steve Johnson (No. 751 Suzuki) – 6.857 / 195.48
13. Geno Scali (No. 351 Suzuki) – 6.882 / 197.94
14. Marc Ingwersen (No. 370 Buell) – 6.922 / 195.73
15. Chris Bostick (No. 10 Suzuki) – 7.087 / 166.70

Qualifying continues Saturday with additional sessions that could shake up the ladder, bonus points opportunities, and set the stage for Sunday eliminations. The Pro Stock Motorcycle class remains one of NHRA’s most exciting categories, featuring high-horsepower Suzuki and Buell machines battling for supremacy in the quarter-mile.

MMTV (@mmtvlive) will continue providing updates, highlights, and analysis from Gainesville Raceway throughout the weekend. For full results, schedules, and tickets, visit NHRA.com.

photo and qualifying results courtesy of NHRA