The kickoff to one of drag racing’s most iconic events is once again happening before a single pair of cars hits the track. The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will officially get rolling on March 4 with the fourth annual Gatornationals FanFest, hosted by Top Fuel standout Josh Hart and his wife Brittanie Hart at Burnyzz Speed Shop.
Set for 6:00–9:00 p.m., the free fan-focused event has quickly become a staple of race week, giving fans a chance to get up close with the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series before the action begins at Gainesville Raceway.
With the NHRA celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, this year’s FanFest carries even more weight. The event blends car culture and pro-level star power into one place, featuring a packed car show, live music, food trucks, and one of the most anticipated autograph sessions of the weekend.
From 7:00–8:30 p.m., fans will have access to a wide range of current stars and past champions, making it one of the best opportunities of the season to meet drivers outside the ropes.
Hart, who now competes under the John Force Racing banner and scored his first Gatornationals win in 2021, sees the event as more than just a meet-and-greet.
“Every year Brittanie and our Burnyzz Speed Shop team do a great job organizing the FanFest and I love showing off Burnyzz Speed Shop,” said Hart. “The Gatornationals is one of the most historic motorsports events in the country and we are excited to have it in our backyard. I am looking forward to showing our shop to some of my new John Force Racing teammates and getting that second Gatornationals win. I want to thank everyone at Burnyzz Speed Shop for supporting this great event.”
The FanFest lineup reads like a who’s who of drag racing, mixing legends with today’s top contenders. Fans can expect appearances from icons like Don Garlits, along with a deep roster of current standouts including Tony Schumacher, Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, and reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Richard Gadson.
John Force Racing will also be well represented, with drivers Jack Beckman, Jordan Vandergriff, and Alexis DeJoria scheduled to attend.
Rounding out the list are rising talents like 2025 Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde, alongside a long list of competitors and former winners who have helped shape the legacy of the Gatornationals.
Beyond the drivers, fans will also get a close look at the unique Gatornationals trophies, along with chances to score ticket giveaways throughout the evening. It’s all part of building momentum for one of the most prestigious events on the NHRA calendar.
For hardcore fans and casual attendees alike, the FanFest has become the unofficial starting line for race week, a place where the sport’s past, present, and future all come together before eliminations even begin.
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