GESi will continue its sponsorship of the Pro Stock No. 1 Qualifier Award in 2026, reinforcing its growing presence in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The multi-year extension ensures the bonus program remains a weekly storyline beginning with the NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
The award will pay $2,000 to the top qualifier at each Pro Stock event, adding a financial incentive to an already competitive qualifying ladder. It also places added emphasis on performance during qualifying sessions, where track conditions and tuning decisions often define race-day outcomes.
That added focus comes at a time when Pro Stock remains one of the most technically precise categories in drag racing. Teams operate within narrow performance windows, and qualifying No. 1 can provide both lane choice and a measurable competitive edge.
“I love being part of this class and seeing the impact we were able to make last season,” GESi CEO Eric Latino said. “The level of competition is incredible and recognizing the No. 1 qualifier is something we believe in. Building on what we started last year, it was an easy decision to come back and continue that momentum. We’re excited to be involved again and see how it all unfolds this season.”
GESi’s continued investment reflects a broader commitment to the sport, where technical partners often play a role beyond branding. The company specializes in emission systems, aligning its engineering focus with the precision demands seen in Pro Stock competition.
The 2025 season underscored just how competitive the category has become, with multiple drivers trading control of the qualifying leaderboard. That parity is expected to carry into 2026, making the No. 1 position both harder to secure and more valuable.
Greg Anderson led the way last season with eight No. 1 qualifiers, continuing a career that already includes 141 top qualifying efforts. Dallas Glenn followed with six No. 1 positions on his way to a championship, while Matt Hartford and Cody Coughlin also contributed to a tightly contested field.
Those results highlight a class where multiple teams are capable of delivering top performances on any given weekend. It also reinforces why a qualifying-based bonus program can influence strategy, particularly in changing track conditions.
NHRA officials view the award as a way to further elevate the importance of qualifying rounds, which often set the tone for eliminations. The program also provides a consistent storyline across the season as drivers chase both points and payouts.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with GESi on this award, which adds even more incentive for Pro Stock drivers to chase that No. 1 position,” NHRA Director of Advertising/Sponsorship Sales Jeff Morton said. “GESi has been an outstanding partner across multiple categories and they have a strong passion for NHRA drag racing, especially within the Pro Stock class. This award will once again be a great storyline throughout the season as teams push to qualify No. 1.”
As the 2026 season opens, the return of the GESi award ensures qualifying will remain more than a setup for Sunday. It becomes a battleground of its own, where performance, precision, and timing carry immediate rewards.
