In 2026, diamonds—not gold—will define winning in NHRA competition as the sanctioning body marks its 75th anniversary with a one-year-only Diamond Wally trophy awarded across every level of the sport.
Every racer competing at an NHRA event next season, from national and divisional competition to the E.T. Series, will race for the Diamond Wally, a commemorative version of drag racing’s most recognizable prize available only during the milestone year.
The Diamond Wally will be contested at all NHRA-sanctioned events throughout 2026, including the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, divisional races and grassroots categories nationwide.
NHRA officials positioned the anniversary trophy as a unifying symbol of the organization’s past and present, ensuring that every winner during the season earns a trophy tied directly to the sport’s 75-year history.
While the Diamond Wally serves as the centerpiece, it is only one element of a season-long celebration designed to honor the drivers, moments and records that shaped modern drag racing.
The anniversary campaign begins March 6–9 at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, where the first Diamond Wally of the season will be awarded and the year’s historical tributes officially begin.
A commemorative ticket program will run alongside the on-track competition, giving fans the option to purchase a special ticket for each national event in 2026.
Each ticket will feature a defining moment from that track’s history, making every stop on the schedule distinct and tying the anniversary celebration to the venues that helped build the sport.
NHRA will also honor legends from its 75-year history at each national event, integrating former champions and pioneers into race weekend ceremonies tied to their achievements at specific tracks.
Drivers including Don Prudhomme, Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, John Force, Kenny Bernstein and Joe Amato are expected to appear during the season, with a complete list of participating legends to be released in early 2026.
Another centerpiece of the anniversary effort is the release of the NHRA Top 75 Driver List, recognizing the most influential competitors in the organization’s history.
The list will be published in book form and will include historic photography and detailed biographies documenting the careers that defined multiple eras of drag racing.
NHRA publications will also release a 208-page hardcover coffee table book chronicling the organization’s evolution from its earliest days to its current status.
The book will feature previously unpublished photos and stories intended to provide a comprehensive visual record of NHRA’s first 75 years.
A dedicated 75th anniversary website launching in early 2026 will serve as a digital archive, offering season-by-season historical timelines, curated photo galleries, video playlists, merchandise access and ticket information.
The anniversary build-up extends to television with the six-part Chasing Speed documentary series on VICE TV, debuting Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. ET, with weekly episodes leading into the Gatornationals.
NHRA will also introduce a new mobile game early in 2026, allowing fans to race nitro and classic cars on mobile platforms, with additional details scheduled for release next month.
Special 75th anniversary apparel is already available through NHRA’s online store, with additional items planned throughout the season.
Fans will play a direct role in the celebration through voting for the Top 75 Moments in NHRA history, helping define the most memorable highlights from the organization’s first three-quarters of a century.
Together, the Diamond Wally and the surrounding initiatives are designed to make the 2026 season a singular moment in NHRA history, described by the organization as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
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