Published on October 2, 2026 7:33 am
Last Updated on October 2, 2026 7:33 am
MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – World Wide Technology Raceway will celebrate the rich history of NHRA drag racing at its facility with the unveiling of the inaugural Gateway’s Greatest Class of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, during the opening day of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.
The new recognition program, created as part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, honors professional-category NHRA competitors who have achieved four or more victories in the history of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals contested at World Wide Technology Raceway (which began hosting NHRA events in 1997 while known as Gateway International Raceway).
The first-ever induction ceremony will take place prior to Friday’s professional qualifying sessions and will be led by WWT Raceway Owner and CEO Curtis Francois, NHRA President Glen Cromwell, and WWT Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair.
Each inductee will receive a specially designed commemorative arch trophy recognizing their accomplishments at the track. The custom award will feature each driver’s championship victories at the Madison, Ill. venue, including the years in which those wins were earned.
“World Wide Technology Raceway has hosted some of the most memorable performances in NHRA history, and it is only fitting that during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season we recognize the drivers who have consistently excelled on this racetrack,” said Francois. “These competitors helped build the legacy of professional drag racing in the St. Louis region, and Gateway’s Greatest will permanently honor their achievements and contributions to our sport.”
“The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals has produced countless historic moments and championship-caliber performances over the years,” said Cromwell. “The inaugural Gateway’s Greatest class includes some of the most successful and respected racers in NHRA history, making this a fitting tribute as we celebrate 75 years of NHRA competition.”
“Much like traditional sports venues recognize team championships, points scored or MVP titles, our program is designed to recognize excellence at one of the most competitive tracks on the NHRA tour,” said Blair. “The accomplishments represented by this inaugural class are remarkable and serve as a benchmark for future generations of racers who compete at WWT Raceway. We are already working on the 2027 list of inductees that will focus on accomplishments for outstanding performance for drivers, car owners and crew chiefs.”
Gateway’s Greatest – Class of 2026
Erica Enders – 6-Time Winner
Pro Stock
- 2012
- 2013
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
Doug Kalitta – 5-Time Winner
Top Fuel
- 2001
- 2003
- 2004
- 2020
- 2025
Antron Brown – 5-Time Winner
Top Fuel
- 2009
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
Matt Smith – 5-Time Winner
Pro Stock Motorcycle
- 2007
- 2013
- 2018
- 2020
- 2022
Gary Scelzi – 4-Time Winner
Top Fuel
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
Funny Car
- 2004
Ron Capps – 4-Time Winner
Funny Car
- 1997
- 2005
- 2007
- 2017
Greg Anderson – 4-Time Winner
Pro Stock
- 2004
- 2017
- 2023
- 2025
Steve Torrence – 4-Time Winner
Top Fuel
- 2017
- 2018
- 2021
- 2022
The Gateway’s Greatest induction ceremony will become an annual tradition at WWT Raceway, with additional NHRA legends added as they meet the established performance criteria. The program is intended to preserve and celebrate the remarkable history of NHRA competition at one of the sport’s most critical stops.
The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals returns to World Wide Technology Raceway Oct. 2-4, 2026, bringing the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series to the St. Louis region for one of the most anticipated events of the season.
To purchase tickets, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.