Doug Kalitta Dominates Again at NHRA Winternationals

POMONA, CA – Doug Kalitta clinched his second consecutive win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on April 12, 2026, at the In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the NHRA. The victory, marked by a blistering run of 3.747 seconds at 333.66 mph, came after he defeated rookie Maddi Gordon in the final round of the 66th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals.

Kalitta’s win added to an impressive tally, making it his seventh victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge since its inception in 2025. As the reigning world champion and current points leader, Kalitta is looking to extend his legacy at Pomona, where he has already set records as the winningest Top Fuel driver.

“I think the fans like racing on Saturday. I think it’s cool just to be able to just try to outrun the people you raced the previous race, and winning these things on Saturday is huge momentum for everybody on our team,” Kalitta said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “Every time we go up there, regardless of what we’re doing with somebody in the other lane, I’m always just trying to get the win light to come on in our lane.”

Kalitta’s performance on Saturday was not an isolated incident; he has consistently shown prowess throughout the season. He will be aiming for his eighth win at Pomona in the main event on April 13, 2026, as he continues to build on his already impressive career.

Alongside Kalitta, Matt Hagan in Funny Car and Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock also emerged victorious in their respective Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge finals. Hagan defeated Paul Lee with a time of 3.940 seconds at 329.58 mph, marking his first bonus race win of the season. “It’s a race inside of a race, and I hope I used up all my adrenaline for today,” Hagan remarked, highlighting the unique competitive nature of the event.

Glenn, who remains undefeated in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge this year, triumphed over Aaron Stanfield with a strong run of 6.525 seconds at 208.55 mph. He expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “The Mission Challenge brings that race day mentality and gets you ready for Sunday.”

Leah Pruett, who qualified No. 1 in Top Fuel with a run of 3.724 seconds at 329.75 mph, is also looking to capitalize on her strong performance. She secured her first No. 1 qualifier since 2023 and will open eliminations with a bye run. “We’re thrilled with where our performance is at and the confidence and momentum is building with this team,” Pruett said.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd qualified No. 1 for the first time in five years with a time of 3.896 seconds at 335.32 mph. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming eliminations, especially with the milestone of potentially winning the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history. “It was awesome to see that 3.89 come up on the scoreboard when I went by,” Todd noted, acknowledging the significance of the moment.

As eliminations approach, the competition is heating up. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series has seen thrilling performances across all categories, with Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock drivers vying for supremacy. The first round of eliminations is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT on April 13, 2026.

In the Top Fuel category, Justin Ashley and Tony Stewart emerged from the first round, with Ashley defeating Maddi Gordon and Stewart taking down Will Smith. Stewart would go on to win the final in Top Fuel, clocking in at 3.683 seconds to defeat Ashley, who recorded a time of 3.714 seconds.

In the Funny Car division, after a series of intense rounds, Matt Hagan triumphed over Ron Capps in the final, finishing with a time of 3.876 seconds at 330.39 mph. Hagan’s victory adds to his accolades and sets the stage for a competitive season as he aims for more wins.

Dallas Glenn continued his impressive streak in Pro Stock, advancing through the rounds with consistent performances, culminating in a final where he faced off against Greg Anderson. Glenn's time of 6.526 seconds was not enough to clinch the win against Anderson, who finished with a slightly faster time of 6.505 seconds.

The atmosphere at the In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip was electric, with fans eager to witness the high-speed action and the fierce rivalry between drivers. The NHRA has long been a staple in American motorsports, and events like the Winternationals showcase the talent and dedication of the competitors.

As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series progresses, all eyes will remain on Kalitta, Hagan, Glenn, and the rest of the talented drivers as they vie for the championship title. The excitement of the sport and the unpredictability of each race keep fans engaged and eager for more.

For those looking to catch the action, eliminations for the 66th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals will commence at 10 a.m. PT on April 13, 2026. Fans can purchase tickets and find more information at NHRA.com/tickets.