More than 50 NHRA stars will attend the Texas FallNationals Pre-Stage FanFest in Waxahachie on Thursday, October 15. The free event runs 6–9 p.m. at downtown’s Railyard Park.

The FanFest sits within the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series build-up and emphasizes access. Fans meet drivers away from their Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle machinery.

Presented by Red Line Synthetic Oil, the schedule includes a 7:00–8:30 p.m. autograph session. Organizers target maximum fan interaction ahead of competitive running at the Texas Motorplex.

This is the sixth straight year at Railyard Park near the historic square. Headliners include Ron Capps, Maddi Gordon, Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, and J.R. Todd.

Pro ranks are also represented by Greg Anderson, Dallas Glenn, Cody Anderson, Shawn Langdon, Jack Beckman, and Jordan Vandergriff, among others.

Local interest is strong. Texans Billy Torrence and Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson join the roster, alongside Matt Smith, Angie Smith, and additional Mission Foods Series contenders.

The program also welcomes JEGS All-Stars, bringing elite sportsman competitors into the mix. Their inclusion broadens autograph access and strengthens series-wide representation.

Texas Motorplex co-owner Christie Meyer Johnson underscores the momentum. She describes FanFest as the season’s largest free autograph session and credits downtown businesses for growing attendance.

Off-track offerings include food trucks, live music, and interactive sponsor displays. Drag Race Bracket Bonanza, the 1000 Round Win Club, JEGS, VP Racing Spirits, and Red Line Synthetic Oil participate.

Race cars will be on static display for photo opportunities and technical insight. Joe Castello, the voice of the Stampede of Speed, serves as emcee.

Top Fuel representation includes Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, Tony Schumacher, Maddi Gordon, Antron Brown, and Billy Torrence.

Funny Car features Jordan Vandergriff, Jack Beckman, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Cruz Pedregon, and Alexis DeJoria.

Pro Stock participants include Deric Kramer, Greg Anderson, and Dallas Glenn. Pro Stock Motorcycle stars Richard Gadson, Angie Smith, and Chase Van Sant are also slated.

Angelle Sampey is listed for Top Alcohol Dragster appearances, further deepening the roster.

The Texas NHRA FallNationals follow shortly, running October 14–18 at the Texas Motorplex as part of the Countdown playoffs. More detail sits in the Texas NHRA showdown preview.

Fans tracking the Countdown can revisit recent form and winners from the Midwest Nationals to benchmark expectations.

FanFest anchors the series’ community outreach. It offers direct interaction before competition intensifies, reinforcing Waxahachie’s role and the Motorplex’s broader event portfolio.

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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.