The countdown to the start of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season is on with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals set to kick off in Gainesville, Florida from March 7-10. This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the race’s 55th anniversary. In honor of the occasion, the NHRA has unveiled the stunning Golden Gator trophy, which will be awarded to the winners along with the prestigious Wally trophy. This landmark event promises to be an electrifying experience for both drivers and fans alike.
The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar. For over five decades, the historic Gainesville Raceway has been a revered venue for NHRA drag racing. The introduction of the Golden Gator trophy further emphasizes the magnitude of this kickoff event and the cherished legacy behind it.
Evan Jonat, NHRA Vice President of Live Events, expressed his enthusiasm for the 55th anniversary and the exciting additions to this year’s race. Winning the Gatornationals represents a major moment in any driver’s career, and we wanted to make sure that is celebrated, especially during the 55th anniversary of the race, with the ‘Golden Gator’ trophy. It will be an incredible atmosphere all weekend, and we’re excited to announce even more special events leading into this first race of 2024.
Leading up to the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, teams will have the opportunity to test their skills at the esteemed Gainesville Raceway. The NHRA has scheduled three testing sessions for the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The first session will take place from February 8-11, followed by a second session from February 15-17 and February 18-19. The final testing session will be held on March 5-6, allowing teams to fine-tune their performance before the main event.
Fans attending the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals can expect an action-packed weekend both on and off the track. The event will feature exhilarating races in all four professional classes, including the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout specialty race, as well as thrilling competitions in NHRA Pro Mod, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Moreover, the race weekend will offer an expanded array of offerings in the pits, ensuring that fans have an unforgettable experience. From marching bands playing throughout the weekend to an exciting flyover from the Air Force, the Gatornationals are pulling out all the stops to thrill and entertain attendees. In addition, legendary names from the sport will be making appearances, adding to the excitement of this momentous occasion.
Prior to the race, fans are invited to attend the Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest, which will be held at Burnyzz Speedshop in Ocala from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. The event promises to be an incredible opportunity for fans to mingle with their favorite drivers and indulge in the racing atmosphere. Further details, including a full driver appearance list, will be released in the coming weeks.
The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals traditionally draws a massive crowd, and this year is no exception. Fans can look forward to witnessing the debuts and returns of several exciting names in the sport. Notably, legendary racer Tony Stewart will be making his Top Fuel debut at the Gatornationals, adding an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the event.
Last year’s Gatornationals saw thrilling victories by Mike Salinas (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) – all claiming their first wins at the historic race. Hagan and Herrera went on to become world champions in their respective classes. The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout was won by Josh Hart, who triumphed on his home track.
Qualifying rounds will take place on Friday and Saturday, with the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout adding further excitement to the proceedings. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday when the stars of NHRA will race to mark the beginning of their 2024 season in style.
To purchase tickets for the 2024 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit the NHRA website. Children aged 12 and under will receive free admission in general admission areas when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. For more information about the NHRA and the upcoming race, visit www.NHRA.com.
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is a globally renowned brand known for its tortillas, wraps, spices, and other Mexican food products. With a presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® focuses on providing high-quality, authentic flavors that cater to the local tastes of various regions. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/
About NHRA
Headquartered in San Dimas, California, NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents a series of national events, including the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock. NHRA offers a platform for drivers of all levels to compete, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. The organization also engages with young enthusiasts through programs like the NHRA Jr. Street® and Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League®. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA brings racing opportunities to various locations globally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program aims to inspire students to pursue automotive and racing-related careers. NHRA.tv® allows fans to stream events and access exclusive features. NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com or follow NHRA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
