The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series launched in thrilling fashion at Gainesville Raceway, where defending Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown secured victory at the 56th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Brown edged out defending event winner Shawn Langdon in the final round with a 3.673-second run at 333.99 mph, marking his 81st career win and second at Gainesville.

Antron Brown Kicks Off 2025 in Style

All photography/videography courtesy of NHRA

Brown entered the race as the No. 1 qualifier, defeating Krista Baldwin, Clay Millican, and Steve Torrence before clinching the win against Langdon. With this victory, Brown extends his winning streak to eight straight round wins, dating back to last season.

“These Top Fuel drivers are incredible this year,” Brown said. “Winning at the Gatornationals to start the season is a blessing.”

Langdon reached the final round for the 46th time in his career, getting past Justin Ashley, Tony Stewart, and Jasmine Salinas before falling just short in the finals.

Chad Green Scores Funny Car Victory

In Funny Car, Chad Green claimed his first Gatornationals win with a 3.921-second run at 329.18 mph, defeating three-time world champion Ron Capps. Green, who also took down Paul Lee, Buddy Hull, and Matt Hagan, now leaves Gainesville with the points lead for the first time in his career.

“This race is special—it’s the Gators,” Green said. “Starting the season No. 1 in points is amazing.”

Capps, who is still chasing his first win since 2023, advanced to his 148th career final round after eliminating John Smith, Bobby Bode, and Alexis DeJoria.

Dallas Glenn Wins Pro Stock in Revenge Match

Dallas Glenn opened his Pro Stock season with a statement win over reigning world champion Greg Anderson, posting a 6.549 at 211.13 mph in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. This marks Glenn’s 14th career win and second Gatornationals victory.

“I’ve made a lot of runs in this car, and I know I can beat Greg,” Glenn said. “Our KB Titan team looked strong all weekend.”

Anderson, who qualified No. 1 with a world-record 6.443, reached his 183rd career final round, defeating Chris McGaha, Derrick Reese, and Jeg Coughlin Jr.

Gaige Herrera Remains Unbeatable in Pro Stock Motorcycle

Back-to-back Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Gaige Herrera extended his dominance at Gainesville, securing his third straight Gatornationals win with a 6.722 at 200.23 mph to defeat Matt Smith.

Herrera, who now has 22 career wins since 2023, remained flawless throughout the event, taking down Geno Scali, Kelly Clontz, and Chase Van Sant before sealing the win. He now joins Eddie Krawiec as the only riders to win three straight Pro Stock Motorcycle races at Gainesville Raceway.

“This was a great day for Vance & Hines,” Herrera said. “We knew we needed more in the final, so we threw everything at it.”

Smith, a six-time world champion, advanced to his 82nd career final, eliminating Lance Bonham, John Hall, and Angie Smith before falling just short.

What’s Next?

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series moves to Phoenix for the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, March 21-23 at Firebird Motorsports Park. Stay tuned for more high-speed action as the season heats up!