The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals FanFest will return to Burnyzz Speed Shop on March 4, opening race week ahead of the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
Hosted by Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel driver Josh Hart and his wife Brittanie Hart, the free event will run from 6-9 p.m. and serve as the public kickoff to NHRA’s 75th anniversary season.
The annual FanFest has evolved into a key prelude to one of drag racing’s most historic events. By bringing together current stars, past champions and fans in an informal setting, it bridges the gap between preseason anticipation and race-day reality.
Hart, the 2021 Gatornationals Top Fuel winner and current John Force Racing driver, again opens his Ocala-based performance shop to the public. The evening will include a large car show, live music, food trucks and a driver autograph session scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m.
“Every year Brittanie (Hart, Josh’s wife) and our Burnyzz Speed Shop team do a great job organizing the FanFest and I love showing off Burnyzz Speed Shop,” said Hart. “The Gatornationals is one of the most historic motorsports events in the country and we are excited to have it in our backyard. I am looking forward to showing our shop to some of my new John Force Racing teammates and getting that second Gatornationals win. I want to thank everyone at Burnyzz Speed Shop for supporting this great event.”
The appearance list reflects both NHRA’s history and its current competitive landscape. Hall of Fame legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits is scheduled to attend alongside Hart and his John Force Racing teammates Jack Beckman, Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria.
Top Fuel contenders Justin Ashley, Tony Schumacher and Jasmine Salinas are also expected, along with Tony Stewart and 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde. Pro Stock Motorcycle reigning world champion Richard Gadson is among the two-wheel representatives slated to appear.
Former Gatornationals winners Darrell Gwynn, David Grubnic, Frank Hawley and Jim Yates are part of the lineup, offering fans direct access to drivers tied closely to the event’s legacy. Additional Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors will round out the autograph session.
The full roster of scheduled appearances includes Frank Hawley, Don Garlits, Darrell Gwynn, David Grubnic, Jim Yates, Josh Hart, Justin Ashley, Doug Foley, Jasmine Salinas, Shawn Reed, Tony Schumacher, Tony Stewart, Ida Zetterstrom, Will Smith, Scott Farley, Joe Morrison, Jack Beckman, Jordan Vandergriff, Buddy Hull, Alexis DeJoria, Spencer Hyde, Chad Green, Hunter Green, Chris King, Dan Wilkerson, Paul Lee, Dave Richards, Stephen Bell, Eric Latino and Ryan Oehler.
NHRA will also display specialty Gatornationals trophies during the event. Organizers have planned ticket giveaways for car show participants and fans in attendance.
The FanFest has grown steadily since its inception, drawing large crowds to Burnyzz Speed Shop in the days leading into competition at Gainesville Raceway. Its timing allows teams to connect with supporters before qualifying begins and championship points are at stake.
For Hart, the event carries both promotional and competitive significance. As a past Gatornationals winner now aligned with John Force Racing, he views the FanFest as an opportunity to energize local fans while setting his sights on another title in Gainesville.
The 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will take place March 5-8 at Gainesville Raceway, marking the opening event of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the start of NHRA’s 75th anniversary campaign.
