The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to Route 66 Raceway in Chicago for the 26th Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK, May 14-17.

It is the sixth round of the 20-race 2026 season and part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary at a venue renowned for 340 mph, 12,000 horsepower nitro runs.

Since returning in 2023, Route 66 has reestablished itself as a fan favorite, consistently delivering tight qualifying, high grip, and memorable Sunday eliminations.

Chicago native Chris Karamesines, “The Greek,” is honored this weekend, appearing at the track and featuring on a commemorative ticket unique to the event.

Sunday spectators can secure limited edition can coolers, reserved for the first 3,000 through the gates, while a refreshed Nitro Mall anchors anniversary displays around the facility.

Top Fuel headlines. Tony Stewart, last year’s winner and Pomona victor, carries momentum against Josh Hart, Shawn Langdon, and three time Route 66 winner Doug Kalitta.

Chicago’s eight time champion Tony Schumacher remains a local benchmark, while season leader Stewart sets the early competitive reference for the class.

Funny Car remains volatile. Jack Beckman claimed his second Route 66 win last year in the PEAK Chevrolet SS for John Force Racing, defeating two time champion Austin Prock.

Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, and Chad Green arrive with form, compressing the qualifying spread and increasing strategic pressure on lane choice and turnaround discipline.

Pro Stock returns with reigning champion Dallas Glenn alongside teammate Greg Anderson and Gainesville winner Matt Hartford. Erica Enders and the Stanfield brothers remain persistent threats in changing track conditions.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera targets another Route 66 statement after a third straight event win last season. Teammate Richard Gadson opened 2026 strongly, with Angie Smith and Steve Johnson chasing.

Chase Van Sant and John Hall add depth to a field sensitive to track temperature and clutch setup.

Saturday’s #2Fast2Tasty Challenge inserts meaningful rematches into qualifying, sharpening data collection and lane evaluation ahead of Sunday eliminations.

Route 66 also hosts the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, and the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.

Fans gain pit access, seeing crews rebuild engines between rounds. Pre race ceremonies introduce every driver, with the SealMaster Track Walk, autograph sessions, and a busy Manufacturers Midway building engagement.

Qualifying runs Friday and Saturday set the bracket, with eliminations beginning Sunday morning as teams manage turnaround times, clutch wear, and evolving lane rubber.

Television coverage includes qualifying on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the Route 66 finale live on FS1, Sunday, May 17, at 5 p.m. ET.

Visual Summary

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.