For most families, weekends are spent around the dinner table, at youth sporting events, or relaxing after a busy workweek. For Chad and Hunter Green, weekends mean climbing into separate 12,000-horsepower Funny Cars capable of topping 330 mph and competing against the best nitro racers in the world.
The Midland, Texas, duo has carved out one of the most unique stories in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Chad and Hunter Green are the only father-son combination currently competing in NHRA’s nitro ranks, balancing responsibilities in the family’s oil industry business during the week before shifting their focus to professional drag racing on the weekends.
That family dynamic returns to center stage this weekend at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, where both Greens will chase success in one of the most competitive Funny Car fields in the sport.
Chad Green enters Sonoma firmly in the Funny Car championship hunt after a breakout first half of the 2026 season. Driving the CGM Bond-Coat/bproauto Ford Mustang Funny Car, the Texas businessman has already earned victories at the prestigious NHRA Gatornationals and the Route 66 Nationals, establishing himself as a legitimate contender for his first NHRA Mission Funny Car world championship.
While Chad battles for the title, Hunter continues building experience during his second season in the professional ranks. The former U.S. Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster champion shares driving duties of the CGM Bond-Coat Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car with veteran Blake Alexander, competing in select national events throughout the season.
The younger Green enters Sonoma with confidence after an encouraging test session following his most recent outing.
“I haven’t been in the race car for a few months, but I’m anxious to get back in the action at Sonoma,” said Hunter Green. “We had a testing session back at Norwalk (Ohio), and we learned a few things for this weekend’s races. We want to have some consistent runs for qualifying and then be ready for Sunday’s eliminations. I might have to race my dad again.”
That possibility isn’t far-fetched.
Earlier this season at the NHRA Southern Nationals, the father and son squared off in eliminations. Hunter emerged victorious, advancing to the semifinals after defeating his father in one of the season’s most memorable family matchups.
Rather than disappointment, Chad’s reaction reflected the pride of a father watching his son succeed at the highest level of the sport.
“I was right there with him, and I thought our car was quick enough to win,” said Chad Green. “But when we smoked the tires, I saw him drive away. And I had a big smile on my face. He has worked hard to drive these cars, and I am proud of him. Of course, I wanted to win and get to the next round. But, if I can’t win the race, I’m happy for Hunter to take it.”
As Sonoma approaches, Chad hopes both Funny Cars can make significant strides. Despite his two victories this season, he believes consistency will ultimately determine whether his team can remain in championship contention through the Countdown.
“We want to be a little more consistent at this time of the season,” said Chad Green. “We have been strong in the winning races, but I’d like to see us get past the first and second round of competition on a regular basis. After a recent test, I think we learned some things that will help us at Sonoma. I’m pleased we could put Hunter back in the car this weekend too.
“He has been getting better with each race, and I think we can get his car right with the contenders this weekend. I’d love to race against him again, but, this time, in the final round. That is our goal right now.”
Sonoma Raceway provides an ideal setting for another chapter in the Green family’s story. Known as one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA schedule, the California facility routinely produces outstanding elapsed times and top speeds, particularly during Friday night’s cooler qualifying session.
Another victory this weekend would strengthen Chad’s championship campaign. Hunter wants to lay down a strong qualifying effort and make his first deep elimination run of the season to continue his development as one of NHRA’s rising Funny Car talents.
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