NHRA opens at Maryland International Raceway with a free Fan Fest. It runs 5–7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, The Barns at New Market in Mechanicsville, with Visit St. Mary’s MD.

Fans get a structured meet and greet, with autographs 5:30–6:30 p.m. Points leaders Shawn Langdon, J.R. Todd, Dallas Glenn, and Richard Gadson headline the four professional classes.

Star names bolster the roster: Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Matt Hagan, Jordan Vandergriff, Austin Prock, and local standout Kelly Clontz. Also attending are Justin Ashley, Daniel Wilkerson, and Angie Smith.

Fan Fest programming extends beyond autographs. Junior dragster exhibitions, live music, vendors, and a classic car show broaden appeal and reinforce NHRA’s connection with local communities.

Track activity starts Friday, May 29, with two qualifying sessions. Saturday features the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race alongside two further qualifying rounds.

Eliminations begin 11 a.m. Sunday, May 31. FS1 carries qualifying on Friday and Saturday evenings, with FOX airing eliminations live at 3 p.m. ET, supported by JEGS NHRA Maryland coverage.

This event folds into NHRA’s 75th anniversary program. Tributes include an appearance by trailblazer Shirley Muldowney, underscoring the series’ heritage as it expands into a new Maryland venue.

Shawn Langdon arrives with consecutive wins and title intent. He faces Doug Kalitta and a deep Top Fuel roster including Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett, sharpening demand for early‑season consistency.

Funny Car form remains volatile. J.R. Todd’s pace draws answers from Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, setting a tactical qualifying fight reminiscent of trends in Quick 32 season openers.

Pro Stock compresses at the top. Points leader Dallas Glenn faces pressure from Greg Anderson, Erica Enders, and Matt Hartford, making incremental qualifying gains especially valuable on a new surface.

Pro Stock Motorcycle is similarly tight. Richard Gadson leads a bunched field, while favorite Kelly Clontz plus Angie Smith and Will Smith target early qualifying to secure raceday lane choice.

The Maryland stop arrives amid a busy calendar that recently saw the NHRA SportsNationals postponed. That heightens interest in a fresh venue, television visibility, and chance to bank early points.

Between open access, packed fields, and a fresh track, the 2026 NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS shapes as an early‑season benchmark for teams and fans at Maryland International Raceway.

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.