Veteran nitro racer Joe Morrison is finally getting back where he feels most at home, behind the wheel of a Funny Car at an NHRA national event.
After spending much of the early 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season focused on growing the Right2Breathe® Project, Morrison will make his season debut this weekend at the inaugural Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway (MIR). Morrison will pilot the Herzhauser Racing Funny Car in one of the most anticipated new events on the NHRA schedule.
For Morrison, the opportunity to compete at a brand-new NHRA national event while continuing to promote lung health awareness makes the weekend especially meaningful.
Joe Morrison Returns To NHRA Funny Car Competition
Although Morrison’s 2026 schedule has been limited, the veteran driver hasn’t been far from the racing world. Between appearances in the Herzhauser Racing Funny Car and his growing involvement with Right2Breathe®, Morrison has remained heavily involved in the NHRA community.
Still, there’s nothing quite like racing under the lights at an NHRA national event.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to drive this Herzhauser Funny Car at Maryland International Raceway. When you can race an NHRA national event, that is a big deal,” said Morrison. “We have had a lot going on with Right2Breathe, so that has kept me off the track. Getting to race at an inaugural event is always cool because there will be so many new fans there.”
This weekend marks Morrison’s third time behind the wheel of the Herzhauser Racing Funny Car this season, giving the experienced nitro driver valuable seat time entering one of the NHRA’s newest venues.
Maryland International Raceway Brings New Energy To NHRA Schedule
The inaugural Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway continues NHRA’s push into new markets and facilities during the 2026 season. Morrison believes the enthusiasm surrounding the event could mirror the excitement seen earlier this year at South Georgia Motorsports Park.
Morrison is no stranger to MIR, having competed there multiple times in Nostalgia Funny Car competition. That previous experience could prove valuable against a stacked NHRA Funny Car field this weekend.
“I saw the reaction from the fans to the race at South Georgia Motorsports Park, and I think we will see the same kind of excitement this weekend in Maryland,” said Morrison. “The fans that come out this weekend will see some great racing action, and our goal is to get into the show and then give whoever we race in the first round all they can handle. I have a couple of races under my belt already this season, so I feel really good in the race car.”
Right2Breathe® Project Continues Raising Lung Health Awareness
While Morrison’s on-track career remains important, his work off the track through the Right2Breathe® Project has become equally impactful.
Since launching in 2016, the grassroots initiative has provided free lung screenings to thousands of NHRA fans at drag racing events across the country. The program focuses heavily on lung health education, awareness, and preventative screenings at motorsports venues nationwide.
The organization has maintained a strong presence at NHRA events, including Norwalk, Charlotte, Epping, Reading, Indianapolis, Dallas, Pomona, and the Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield.
This weekend, Morrison and the Right2Breathe® Project will also spotlight pneumonia awareness following the sudden passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, using the tragedy to reinforce the importance of lung health and early detection.
“Losing Kyle too quickly to pneumonia highlights how important early detection and preventative medical attention can be for anyone,” said Morrison. “Everyone at Right2Breathe is sending their prayers to the Busch family, and we are hoping this tragedy will raise awareness for everyone to listen to their body and take care of their lung health. Our mission with Right2Breathe is to help others live better and live longer by getting diagnosed as early as possible.”
Potomac Nationals FanFest Adds To Inaugural Event Excitement
Before qualifying begins, Morrison will participate in Thursday night’s Potomac Nationals FanFest at The Barns at New Market in Mechanicsville, Maryland.
The event will feature more than two dozen NHRA drivers, autograph sessions, live music, food vendors, Jr. Dragsters, classic cars, and fan activities leading into the inaugural race weekend.
For Morrison, FanFest events continue to be one of the most rewarding parts of the NHRA experience because of the direct interaction with fans.
“Getting to do FanFests before a race is one of the highlights of the weekend,” said Morrison. “I did the FanFest before the Gatornationals this year at Burnyzz Speed Shop, and it was awesome. This event is shaping up to be just as fun for the fans. I can’t wait to meet the Maryland fans and get them fired up for the race weekend.”
Joe Morrison Balances Racing Passion And Purpose
Even with a limited racing schedule, Morrison continues proving that his impact on drag racing extends far beyond elapsed times and reaction times.
Whether he’s climbing into a nitro Funny Car or helping fans prioritize lung health through Right2Breathe®, Morrison remains deeply connected to the NHRA community. This weekend’s return at Maryland International Raceway provides another opportunity to combine both passions on one of drag racing’s biggest stages.
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