Drivers posted close wins across classes at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway on May 18, 2026. Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle produced multiple one-thousandth-of-a-second margins and mechanical dramas[1].
What happened
Antron Brown narrowly beat local favorite T.J. Zizzo in the Top Fuel opening round, with Brown running 3.777 seconds to Zizzo’s 3.798 seconds[1]. Tony Stewart posted a 3.742 run, edging Tony Schumacher, who ran 3.785 seconds, while Justin Ashley lost by a .004-second margin to Josh Hart after a holeshot decided the pairing[1].
Will Smith advanced from the No. 14 qualifying position with a 3.776-second pass against Billy Torrence, and Shawn Langdon posted a 3.739 to defeat Shawn Reed and secure lane choice for his next match[1]. Krista Baldwin, returning to competition, lost traction late in her run, allowing Maddi Gordon to advance with a 3.813-second pass[1].
Funny Car highlights
Alexis DeJoria moved to the quarterfinals after Spencer Hyde spun at the start, allowing DeJoria to post a 3.947-second run[1]. The result marked her fifth advance in six starts since joining John Force Racing this season[1].
Austin Prock and the Motorcraft team recorded their first round win of the season with a 3.934-second run, and J.R. Todd posted the round’s top speed at 334.48 mph while running 3.957 seconds[1]. Matt Hagan advanced after Blake Alexander suffered tire trouble, setting up a match with low qualifier Jack Beckman[1].
Pro Stock action
Deric Kramer defeated Eric Latino with a 6.611-second run in Pro Stock opening eliminations, and Dallas Glenn turned his best pass of the event, a 6.588, to eliminate Troy Coughlin Jr.[1]. Aaron Stanfield advanced on a holeshot after posting a quicker reaction time than Matt Hartford[1].
Top qualifiers remained competitive: No. 1 Erica Enders won after her opponent fouled, while No. 2 Jeg Coughlin Jr. posted a 6.584 to set up a second-round pairing with Stanfield[1].
Pro Stock Motorcycle roundup
Chase Van Sant won a close Pro Stock Motorcycle opener, posting a 6.838-second pass after Clayton Howey held a marginally quicker reaction time[1]. Brayden Davis advanced when Kelly Clontz aborted her run, and Ryan Oehler recorded a 6.084 run to secure lane choice for his next match[1].
Angie Smith advanced with a 6.784 bye run, and Gaige Herrera beat Geno Scali with a 6.790, setting competitive pairings for round two[1].
Why it matters
The close margins and mechanical failures in round one reshaped early dynamics across the NHRA weekend, affecting lane choice and momentum for higher-stakes eliminations[1]. Early wins by veterans and returning drivers signaled an unpredictable ladder as the event moves toward later rounds[1].
Frequently asked questions
What happened at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals?
Round-one eliminations produced narrow victories and mechanical issues across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, with several veteran drivers advancing and notable upsets affecting lane choice for later rounds[1].
Who advanced in Top Fuel at Route 66 Raceway?
Antron Brown, Tony Stewart, Will Smith, Shawn Langdon, and Maddi Gordon were among those who advanced from the opening Top Fuel round, with several outcomes decided by thousandths of a second and one engine failure recorded at the finish line[1].
Related coverage on CR Today
Sources
- Event report: Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals (accessed 2026-05-18)
