The season opening Gatornationals awaits the NHRA drivers and teams. (Photo: Taylor Frost)
This weekend, the National Hot Rod Association will kick off the 2024 drag racing season at the 55th annual Amalie Oil Gatornationals.
Tucked away down the back roads of Gainesville, Florida, fans, competitors and press will find the iconic gem that is Gainesville Raceway, home of the NHRA Gatornationals. Over the years, many exciting milestones and memories have been made at this historic track.
The Gatornationals have been the East Coast season opener since the inception of the NHRA. However, in 2023, it became the first race of the season overall. This was an exciting change for the NHRA staple.
In the 54 years leading up to the historic 55th running, there has been a lot of history made. NHRA Top Fuel legends Kenny Bernstein and Joe Amato have both made groundbreaking passes at Gainesville Raceway.
In 1984, Amato broke the 260 mph speed barrier. Later, in 1992, Bernstein broke the 300 mph speed barrier with a speed of 301.70 mph. Fast forward to 2018, Hector Arana Jr, also known as Mr. 200 of the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, broke the 200 mph speed barrier for the class.
As a new season of NHRA Drag Racing kicks off, the Gatornationals will be honored for its past and will celebrate what is to come in the future.
