Maddi Gordon Wins First Top Fuel Race at Summit Nationals

Maddi Gordon clinched her first NHRA Top Fuel victory on June 28, 2026, at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, defeating Antron Brown in the final round.

What happened

In her tenth professional race, Gordon claimed the Diamond Wally trophy in her Carlyle Tools/Monster Energy dragster, recording a time of 3.786 seconds at 333.16 mph. Despite issues with parts earlier in the day, she secured her victory by running a 3.854 at 325.14 mph. Gordon overcame notable competitors, including Tony Stewart and points leader Shawn Langdon, on her way to the final match against Brown, who had previously bested Leah Pruett, Tony Schumacher, and Clay Millican.

Why it matters

This win is a pivotal milestone for Gordon, showcasing her talent within the NHRA community. It represents a significant achievement for Ron Capps Motorsports, completing both the Top Fuel and Funny Car sweep at the event. Gordon’s success reflects increasing diversity and young talent in motorsports.

Background

Gordon entered the Top Fuel circuit on May 20, 2026, quickly gaining recognition for her performances. This recent victory further establishes her as a competitor to watch, while Capps has revived his career with a third season win.

What's next

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series continues on June 10, 2026, as drivers gear up for the second half of the season with increasing competition.