Exciting Finishes Highlight NHRA Potomac Nationals Presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series delivered high-stakes drama during the final rounds of the 2026 Potomac Nationals, with several drivers claiming Wally trophies through clutch performances, perfect lights, and record-setting passes under clear conditions (air temperature 76 degrees, relative humidity 32 percent, barometer 29.99 inches, adjusted altitude 1,394 feet).
Top Fuel
Shawn Langdon (No. 1) defeated Doug Kalitta (No. 2) in a a close final winning by just 0.004 seconds.
Funny Car
Austin Prock (No. 1) defeated Jack Beckman (No. 3) in a tight final, winning by just 0.0281 seconds (about 13 feet). Prock recorded his quickest pass of the weekend for his first Wally of the season and 22nd of his career.
Pro Stock
Greg Anderson (No. 2) overpowered Dallas Glenn (No. 1) after Glenn suffered severe tire shake. Anderson ran his quickest pass of the weekend for his second Wally this season and 114th career victory.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Angie Smith (No. 4) edged out Ryan Oehler with a superior reaction time and the quickest pass of the event. It marked her first Wally of the season and fourth of her career.
Top Alcohol Dragster
Jackie Fricke (No. 3) dominated Gary Pritchett (No. 389) with a strong 5.478-second pass.
Top Alcohol Funny Car
Sean Bellemeur (No. 1) bested Robert McCosh (No. 4) by 0.0827 seconds for his fourth Wally of the season and 52nd career win.
Top Sportsman
In an incredibly close final, Ronald Riegel (No. 1736) chased down Vince Fourcade (No. 128V) to win by just 0.0028 seconds (approximately 9 inches). It was Riegel's first National event Wally in his second final round appearance.
Summit JDRL Shootout
Cole Rudy (No. R192) defeated Jordyn Willingham (No. 128) by 0.0497 seconds with a much better reaction time.
Final Round Winner vs. Loser Matchups
| Class | Winner | Loser | Margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funny Car | Austin Prock | Jack Beckman | 0.0281 sec | Prock's quickest pass of weekend; 22nd career Wally |
| Pro Stock | Greg Anderson | Dallas Glenn | 8.0470 sec | Anderson's quickest pass; tire shake for Glenn |
| Pro Stock Motorcycle | Angie Smith | Ryan Oehler | 0.0657 sec | Smith's quickest pass of event; 4th career Wally |
| Top Alcohol Dragster | Jackie Fricke | Gary Pritchett | 1.6041 sec | Strong performance by Fricke |
| Top Alcohol Funny Car | Sean Bellemeur | Robert McCosh | 0.0827 sec | Bellemeur's 4th Wally this season |
| Top Sportsman | Ronald Riegel | Vince Fourcade | 0.0028 sec | Extremely close; Riegel's first Wally |
| Summit JDRL Shootout | Cole Rudy | Jordyn Willingham | 0.0497 sec | Superior reaction time for Rudy |
Fans witnessed thrilling competition across all classes, with several drivers adding to their legacy at Maryland International Raceway. The event underscored the precision and power required at the highest levels of drag racing.