Inside the Triumphs of Gerber Route 66 NHRA Winners

The 2025 Gerber Route 66 NHRA Nationals brought fans up close to some of the sport’s top racers as the winners celebrated hard-fought victories at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago. Each season, the event draws attention for close finishes and dramatic races, and this year was no exception.

The atmosphere behind the scenes was filled with excitement as winners shared the moment with their crews and received words of respect from their closest competitors after the final round.

Sunday, May 18, marked the main event, with the Route 66 Nationals providing a showcase for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes. Drivers like Austin Prock continued their run of strong results, returning to the Funny Car winner’s circle with another impressive performance.

Many eyes were also on Brittany Force, who raced with determination after her history-making 341-mph pass earlier in the season. She pushed through tough rounds, adding to the suspense as the crowd followed each matchup on the Chicago dragstrip.

In the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, excitement peaked when Jamie Gadson earned his first career victory at the Route 66 Nationals. His breakthrough win came after a season of hard work and near-misses, earning cheers from both fans and fellow riders.

Gadson’s team celebrated their long-awaited success, bringing energy and pride to the winner’s area. Nearby, longtime racers like Jack Beckman looked to regain momentum at Chicago, coming off seasons with multiple final-round appearances and eager to add another Wally trophy to their collection.

Across all classes, the winning teams made time to accept handshakes from their defeated rivals, with many final rounds ending in close margins of victory. Drivers and crew members posed for official photos with the iconic NHRA Wally trophies, capturing memories at one of the season’s biggest events. For a glimpse of the event highlights, see the Route 66 NHRA Nationals photos.

Behind each celebration was a close-knit crew whose hard work in the pits paid off under the summer sun. The Route 66 NHRA Nationals consistently highlights the dedication and teamwork that define the sport. For more on the history and significance of NHRA events, visit the NHRA’s official website.

The action at Chicago was just one part of a busy 2025 NHRA schedule, with earlier events held in Gainesville, Phoenix, Pomona, Las Vegas, and Charlotte. Soon after the Route 66 Nationals, teams prepared for the next stops in Epping, Bristol, Richmond, and Norwalk, each packed with championship implications.

On the calendar, fans are already counting down to milestone events, including the season-ending NHRA Finals at Pomona in November. For a detailed look at the full season schedule, check out the NHRA’s official race calendar.

The Route 66 weekend further cemented its reputation as a spot where records are challenged and new stars emerge. Whether watching from the grandstands or behind the scenes, fans saw teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship on display.

After accepting their trophies, each winner set sights on the next round, aiming to build on Chicago’s momentum as the championship battle heats up across the summer stretch. For more insights into drag racing history and its evolution, explore the Smithsonian’s Motorsports Collection.

Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.