The inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS runs this weekend at Maryland International Raceway, the second of four new events on the 2026 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar.

Four-time Top Fuel champion Antron Brown arrives buoyed by a runner-up in Chicago, targeting conversion with his 12,000-horsepower Matco Tools Eagle Experience dragster at his East Coast home race.

Brown says confidence rises after four consistent race-trim runs in Chicago, including low elapsed time during eliminations, suggesting the team’s baseline is stabilising ahead of three consecutive race weekends.

He concedes an aggressive approach in the Chicago final against points leader Shawn Langdon, arguing such commitment is mandatory when chasing marginal Top Fuel advantages.

Maryland’s debut also carries NHRA’s 75th-anniversary resonance, with a special Diamond Wally on offer and an appearance honouring three-time champion Shirley Muldowney. The first 4,000 Sunday fans receive a commemorative pennant.

Track action begins with qualifying on May 29-30, before eliminations on May 31. Live television coverage starts at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, marking round seven of a 20-event season.

Brown also contests the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, facing Leah Pruett, while Langdon meets Gainesville winner Josh Hart. The broader field includes Doug Kalitta, Tony Stewart, Clay Millican, Justin Ashley, and rookie Maddi Gordon.

Brown expects the Matco Tools team to hold form through warmer conditions, noting historical strength in heat. “We’re poised to replicate Chicago,” he says, eyeing consistency during back-to-back events.

Off-track, Brown’s inclusion on the NHRA Top 75 Driver List underscores his status alongside Tony Schumacher, Ron Capps, and Greg Anderson, recognition he describes as overwhelming and humbling.

Funny Car remains tightly compressed. Ron Capps holds two wins and shares the points lead with J.R. Todd, with four-time champion Matt Hagan third. Chicago winner Chad Green headlines a deep chasing pack.

Pro Stock features reigning champion Dallas Glenn on two victories, shadowed by two-time 2026 winner Matt Hartford and Pomona victor Greg Anderson. Heavy-hitters Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Jeg Coughlin Jr., and T.J. Coughlin join.

Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Richard Gadson fronts a field including Gaige Herrera, Matt Smith, Angie Smith, John Hall, Jianna Evaristo, and Maryland native Kelly Clontz.

The event folds into local celebrations through the region, including the motorsport-themed St. Mary’s MD FanFest, extending engagement beyond the racetrack during NHRA’s milestone season.

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.