A new performance-based incentive program will reward starting-line consistency throughout the 2026 NHRA Division 4 season, as TC Racing and Green Lights Coffee launch a reaction-time bonus initiative for Competition eliminator racers. The program will pay $250 at each of six divisional events and award a $500 season championship bonus following the final Division 4 race in Dallas ahead of the October national event.
The program shifts emphasis from traditional No. 1 qualifying incentives to performance during qualifying sessions, recognizing the driver with the best average reaction time at each divisional event. Organizers say the initiative underscores the importance of precision on the starting line regardless of elapsed-time performance or ladder strategy.
Green Lights Coffee, an Austin, Texas-based brand, enters drag racing through the partnership, aligning its slogan, “Let Green Lights Fuel Your Day,” with the program’s performance-focused format. The initiative was developed through discussions between TC Racing’s Taylor Chomiski and company co-founder Daniel Garcia.
“We’re proud to welcome Green Lights Coffee into the Division 4 family and really appreciate their support of our racers and the Comp category,” Division 4 Director Johnathan Johnson said. “Programs like this put the spotlight on a key part of our sport, performance on the starting line. Reaction time matters, and this gives our drivers something extra to race for every qualifying session.”
Johnson added the program strengthens engagement between racers, fans and partners throughout the season. “It’s also great partnering with a brand that wants to be at the races, interact with our racers and fans, and be part of the overall experience throughout the season. We’re looking forward to growing this program together in 2026 and beyond.”
Chomiski said the partnership developed from a long-standing friendship with Garcia and a shared interest in expanding grassroots involvement in the sport. He emphasized that the program recognizes the effort racers put into refining their craft during qualifying sessions.
“Daniel has become a great friend over the past few years and when he told me about his new venture into the world of coffee, I was excited for him of course, but when he told me the name was ‘Green Lights Coffee’ and their slogan is ‘Let Green Lights Fuel Your Day,’ I was ecstatic and the light bulb went off,” Chomiski said. “I’m always in search of new relationships for my program and the great D4 Division, which in my opinion has the best class of Comp racers in the country.”
Chomiski said the initiative allows racers to compete for recognition even during off weekends or while developing new combinations. “I knew I had to present NHRA Drag Racing to Daniel and the Green Lights Coffee team and what an opportunity we now have for the 2026 season to give back to the racers, while also promoting a fantastic product. Their coffee is amazing, I have a cup in my office every morning to start my day, and I could not be more honored to have the Green Lights Coffee family supporting and riding with me all season long.”
Garcia said the partnership represents a strategic step as the company works to build brand awareness within motorsports. He pointed to the alignment between the company’s identity and the competitive nature of drag racing.
“When Taylor approached me about the opportunity within the NHRA Division 4 Drag Racing Series, it’s a great time for a partnership as we look to grow the awareness about our brand,” Garcia said. “I like the similarities between his program and our company and am excited to hit the track with Taylor during the 2026 season introducing Green Lights Coffee to the NHRA community.”
A major activation is planned for the Dallas Double Divisional, where Green Lights Coffee will operate a trackside stand selling merchandise and product. The company also will provide complimentary coffee during both RFC chapel services at the event.
Under program rules, drivers must stage and make an attempt during every qualifying session to remain eligible for each race’s award, with any red-light disqualifying the competitor for that event. Season championship eligibility requires participation in all six divisional races, with the title determined by the best five event averages.
Each event winner will receive $250, a bag of coffee and sign a ceremonial check for promotional purposes, while the season champion will receive an additional $500 bonus following the final Division 4 race in Dallas.
