The third annual Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest will take place at Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala on March 5 from 6-9 p.m. as part of the 2025 NHRA season opener at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
This free event includes a car show, live music, food trucks, and a driver autograph session featuring NHRA legends and current drivers from 7-8:30 p.m. Fans will also have the opportunity to view the “Golden Gator” trophy awarded to Gatornationals winners.
“This year we have well over 40 drivers signed up to be here, autographing hero cards and items that fans may bring,” said Brittanie Hart, co-owner of Burnyzz Speed Shop. “We’re super excited that this is our first year that we’ve had a sponsor for the event. Citizens First Bank wanted to be a part of it.”
Hart also emphasized the charitable aspect of the event, stating, “All funds we raise will be donated to EARS, a local endangered animal sanctuary.” The event will feature a live band, approximately eight food trucks, balloon animals, face painting, and handmade trophies for the car show.
The autograph session will include more than 30 NHRA drivers, providing fans the chance to meet favorite competitors before the season begins. Notable attendees include past Gatornationals winners Josh Hart, Brittany Force, Jack Beckman, reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock, and NHRA legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits.
The 2024 Gatornationals saw winners Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle). This year’s race will air on FS1, with eliminations scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 9.
Fans can also witness the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday, featuring eight star drivers. Antron Brown is the defending champion of this specialty race.
The NHRA Gatornationals will introduce the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and the Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown, alongside various sportsman classes in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Race fans can enjoy special pre-race ceremonies on Sunday that celebrate each driver competing for the prestigious Wally. The event will include the SealMaster Track Walk, benefiting the Darrell Gwynn Foundation.
Throughout the weekend, the Nitro Alley Stage will serve as the primary entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet-and-greet sessions, and more. Before the first round of eliminations on Sunday, fans can experience a C-17 flyover by the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing.
