Josh Hart Blasts to Provisional No. 1 in Top Fuel as 2026 NHRA Season Roars to Life at Gatornationals

GAINESVILLE, FL – The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series launched its landmark 75th anniversary season in explosive fashion on Friday at Gainesville Raceway, with provisional No. 1 qualifiers emerging across all four pro categories during opening-day action at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.

Top Fuel standout Josh Hart delivered the highlight of the day, powering his Burnyzz Speed Shop / Speedmaster dragster to a blistering 3.658-second pass at a track-record 340.30 mph. The run vaults Hart to the provisional pole and positions him for his first career No. 1 qualifier if it holds through Saturday’s final sessions.

In Funny Car, three-time world champion Ron Capps stormed to the top with a 3.890-second elapsed time at 334.07 mph in his NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra. The veteran is chasing his fifth career victory at Gainesville Raceway and his 38th career No. 1 qualifier.

Pro Stock saw Cody Coughlin seize the provisional lead with a sharp 6.523-second run at 210.01 mph in his Coughlin Construction Chevrolet Camaro. The performance marks a strong return for Coughlin, who is aiming for his second career No. 1 qualifier spot.

Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Angie Smith rounded out the provisional frontrunners, clocking a 6.740-second pass at 199.58 mph on her Denso Buell. If it stands, the run would secure Smith’s third career No. 1 qualifier.

These standout performances came amid competitive Friday sessions at the season-opening event (Race 1 of 20 in 2026), setting the stage for more action Saturday. Driver interviews and a selection of photos from the day are available on the official NHRA media site.

For complete results, schedules, and tickets to the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit NHRA.com.

video courtesy of NHRA