The NHRA Gatornationals is an annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) national drag race event held each March at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. The 2026 event will officially be held March 5-8 and served as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opener kicking off the 75th anniversary season for the NHRA! All tickets will go on-sale starting on August 25th.
The event was held for the first time in 1970. The traditional East Coast opener is one of the sport’s most revered with a rich tradition of history-making performances. The Gatornationals has the title of being the drag race to see the first 260-mph Top Fuel and Funny Car runs in 1984 by Joe Amato and Kenny Bernstein, respectively, and the first 270-mph and 300-mph Top Fuel passes by Don Garlits and Kenny Bernstein in 1986 and 1992. Its 675-foot concrete launchpad is one of the longest on the tour.
GATORNATIONALS TICKETS
2026 Gatornationals tickets are now available to the general public! Click on the button below to purchase tickets!
GROUP SALES
Group outings at Gainesville Raceway create unbelievable memories that last a lifetime.
With 20 or more fans, you can experience the earth-shaking power, speed, and action of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Every group ticket includes great savings, pit passes and more!
EVENT SCHEDULE
The 2026 NHRA Gatornationals will be held March 5-8.
Pro classes will qualify twice on Friday and twice on Saturday – including the Top Fuel Callout on Saturday – with eliminations scheduled for Sunday, March 8.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Hospitality & Suites
Take in the thrill of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series from our luxury skybox suites!
Located above the pit-side spectator grandstands, private skybox suites offer unique comfort and convenience for the motorsports attendee and an excellent platform for corporate entertainment.
Top Eliminator Club
The Top Eliminator Club, affectionately known as the TEC, is the best all-around way to enjoy a day at the Gatornats!
From the members-only hospitality center to the complimentary weekend breakfasts and lunches – and much more in between – the TEC is the place to be!
FAN INFORMATION
Gate Policy
Our goal is to provide you with a safe and enjoyable day at our track. With that in mind, please review our Gate Policy before visiting us.
Motorhome Camping
Gainesville Raceway offers overnight RV camping options during the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals.
COMPETITOR SHIPPING NOTICE
Packages will be accepted at Gainesville Raceway for the NHRA Division 2 Baby Gators OR the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals.
Please see the following guidelines for shipping packages to Gainesville for the March 2026 races.
- All packages for the events are to be addressed to Gainesville Raceway 11211 North County Road 225
Gainesville, Florida 32609 - If you are sending any pallets please contact the track in advance.
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