The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues to evolve, and this weekend marks a major milestone for the sport. The NHRA Southern Nationals brings the series to South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) for the first time ever, one of four new facilities added to the schedule this season. For Elite Motorsports, the event represents an opportunity to capitalize on a fresh playing field and make an early-season statement across multiple categories.
South Georgia Motorsports Park, located just outside Valdosta, Georgia, has long been known as a premier facility in regional racing circles. Now, it steps onto the national stage as an NHRA host track. Elite Motorsports driver Jeg Coughlin Jr. is one of the few in the field with prior experience at the venue, having competed there over a decade ago.
“Being back in Georgia for the Southern Nationals is very exciting. SGMP was an amazing facility my last time there in 2011, and I have enjoyed reading and watching the improvements over the past year or so,” said Jeg Jr., who was named one of NHRA’s top 75 drivers. “We have a great fan base, and this event will surely not disappoint.”
Coughlin enters the weekend with plenty on the line. A three-time Southern Nationals winner (2000, 2010, 2014), he’s looking to add another victory to his résumé while continuing his pursuit of a milestone 70th Pro Stock win. Currently ninth in the standings after a challenging outing at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, the quick turnaround could be exactly what his team needs.
“Coming off some mechanical issues from Charlotte, the JEGS boys were happy about this quick turnaround. This back-to-back event couldn’t get here quick enough,” said Jeg Jr., who is competing for his 70th Pro Stock victory. “We look to unload and make some great runs to start things off right in qualifying.”
Pro Stock standout Aaron Stanfield also brings experience at SGMP and is eager to see how the facility has evolved ahead of its NHRA debut.
“I’ve tested a few times at South Georgia Motorsports Park, and it was a great facility even a handful of years ago. So, I’m really looking forward to seeing all the new upgrades,” said Stanfield, who drives the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage / Melling Performance / Janac Brothers Racing machine. “Adding this track to the schedule is exciting, especially bringing NHRA racing to new fans who may not have had the chance to attend before. Expanding to new locations like this is great for the sport of drag racing and can only help grow the fan base.”
Elite Motorsports arrives in Adel with one of the most diverse and competitive lineups in the pits.
Alongside Coughlin and Stanfield, the team fields six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders, veteran Greg Stanfield, and Troy Coughlin Jr. in a second JEGS Pro Stock entry. In the nitro ranks, motorsports icon Tony Stewart continues his Top Fuel campaign in the R+L Carriers dragster, while Mason Wright represents the team in Pro Mod competition.
With no NHRA national event data available at the facility, the Southern Nationals will test teams’ ability to read track conditions and make adjustments on the fly. For seasoned veterans like Coughlin and rising stars like Stanfield, that unpredictability could be the equalizer.
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