{"id":48156,"date":"2026-10-02T07:33:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T12:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/?p=48156"},"modified":"2026-10-02T07:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T12:33:37","slug":"eight-nhra-legends-to-be-honored-as-part-of-nhras-75th-anniversary-celebration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/sports\/more-sports\/48156-eight-nhra-legends-to-be-honored-as-part-of-nhras-75th-anniversary-celebration\/","title":{"rendered":"Eight NHRA Legends To Be Honored As Part Of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"image_print\"Print<\/span><\/a><\/div>

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026)\u00a0\u2013 World Wide Technology Raceway will celebrate the rich history of NHRA drag racing at its facility with the unveiling of the inaugural\u00a0Gateway’s Greatest Class of 2026\u00a0on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, during the opening day of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals.<\/p>\n

The new recognition program, created as part of\u00a0NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, honors professional-category NHRA competitors who have achieved\u00a0four or more victories\u00a0in 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).<\/p>\n

The first-ever induction ceremony will take place prior to Friday’s professional qualifying sessions and will be led by\u00a0WWT Raceway Owner and CEO Curtis Francois,\u00a0NHRA President Glen Cromwell, and\u00a0WWT Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorld 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.”<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch 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.\u00a0 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.”<\/p>\n

Gateway’s Greatest \u2013 Class of 2026<\/p>\n

Erica Enders \u2013 6-Time Winner<\/p>\n

Pro Stock<\/p>\n