Will Smith’s Recent Gains Fuel Excitement for NHRA New England Nationals

Will Smith enters his first full Top Fuel season targeting progress at this weekend’s 13th NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway, buoyed by back‑to‑back first career round wins.

He joined SCAG Racing for 2026, driving the 12,000‑horsepower Bluebird Turf dragster after eight prior Top Fuel starts. The step up has delivered a steep, predictable learning curve.

Recent starts underline progress on the tree and in execution. Those gains produced maiden Top Fuel round wins at consecutive events. “We want to carry this momentum forward,” Smith said.

The objective is a stronger qualifying base and repeatable race‑day pace. “The goal is to keep getting better and give everyone supporting us something to cheer for,” he added.

A significant group of SCAG dealers, customers, and guests will attend. That presence adds pressure, but also useful energy for a young group bedding in processes and communication.

At the Potomac Nationals, Smith beat rookie Maddi Gordon before losing to Leah Pruett. The bracket remains unforgiving, headed by Shawn Langdon and three‑time winner, reigning champion Doug Kalitta.

Depth is substantial beyond that. Tony Stewart continues his dual role as driver‑owner, while champions Antron Brown and Clay Millican, plus teammate Justin Ashley, shape a ruthless early‑round landscape.

Last year’s Epping winners were Brittany Force, J.R. Todd, and Greg Anderson. Bonus Mission #2Fast2Tasty winners included Doug Kalitta, Jack Beckman, and Matt Hartford.

Television coverage splits across FS1 and FOX. FS1 carries qualifying on Friday evening and Sunday midday. FOX broadcasts eliminations on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in NHRA’s 75th season.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd chases more wins against points leader Ron Capps and Chad Green. Contenders include Matt Hagan, Alexis DeJoria, and Jordan Vandergriff.

Six‑time Pro Stock champion Anderson won Epping last year, beating Erica Enders. KB Titan teammate Dallas Glenn leads, with Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford, and Greg Stanfield also prominent.

Support action includes the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and popular snowmobile runs. Fans can join pre‑race ceremonies, the SealMaster Track Walk, and Sunday’s Wally trophy presentation.

Open pits remain a hallmark. Spectators can watch between‑round rebuilds, meet drivers, and explore Nitro Alley and the Manufacturers Midway, with interactive displays, food, merchandise, and family activities.

On‑track, qualifying runs are Friday and Saturday, with eliminations Sunday morning. For Smith, sustained starts and clean turnarounds are the levers to convert momentum into deeper race‑day progress.

The field is deep and unforgiving, but the direction of travel is positive. Execution in qualifying and lane choice could define whether Smith’s recent gains translate to another step.

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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.