Doug Kalitta, the reigning Top Fuel champion, secured the quickest run of 2026 and his first No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Southern Nationals, clocking in at 3.657 seconds. J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also claimed top qualifying spots in an event attended by a sellout crowd. Kalitta's performance puts him in a strong position for eliminations after a recent victory and a strong start to the season. The highlight of the day featured a thrilling show for fans who braved a rain delay to support the racers.

By the Numbers
  • Kalitta's run time: 3.657 seconds at 342.37 mph
  • Number of career top spots for Kalitta: 67
  • Anderson's No. 1 qualifier run: 6.498 seconds at 210.60 mph
State of Play
  • Severe weather delayed the event, yet fans remained dedicated.
  • Kalitta leads the points standings and aims for back-to-back wins.
  • Eliminations set to begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday.
What's Next

With eliminations slated for Sunday, Kalitta aims to extend his winning streak, while Todd, Anderson, and Smith will look to capitalize on their strong qualifying performances to secure victories and boost their standings in the series.

Bottom Line

This NHRA Southern Nationals event showcased the excitement of drag racing, drawing a dedicated crowd that supports the sport, while top competitors prepare for critical eliminations that could impact the championship race.