NHRA has announced Tony Schumacher, Robert Hight, Erica Enders, Andrew Hines, and Peter Biondo as the first five additions to its Top 75 Drivers list, part of the sanctioning body’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2026. Five additional drivers will be revealed each Monday through Feb. 2 as the organization completes the expansion of its original Top 50 Drivers list.
The expanded list reflects a deliberate effort to recognize competitive excellence across the past quarter-century while preserving the historical foundation established during NHRA’s 50th anniversary in 2001. A panel of drag racing experts was assembled to evaluate accomplishments across professional and Sportsman categories, resulting in 25 new inductees joining the original 50.
Tony Schumacher anchors the first group with a résumé that includes eight Top Fuel world championships and 88 national event victories, including a record 10 wins at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. His career unfolded alongside the rise of Don Schumacher Racing, the powerhouse team founded by his late father, Don, which compiled 367 national event wins and 19 championships.
“I’m proud as hell to be recognized on this list,” Schumacher said. “I think I have been blessed with having teams that are capable, at any given time, of putting me in record books, and I’m going to be able to look back at this with pride. It’s little moments like this that remind me how much fun the sport is.”
Robert Hight spent three decades shaping the competitive identity of John Force Racing, progressing from clutch specialist to three-time Funny Car world champion. Hight debuted as a driver in 2005, earned 65 national event wins, and captured championships in multiple competitive eras before retiring at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
“This is really cool,” Hight said. “I’m a big fan and still love the history of the sport, and to be named alongside some of the historic and current people on this list is very cool. I’m honored.”
Erica Enders emerged as one of the most accomplished drivers in Pro Stock history after beginning her racing career at age 8. She became the first woman to reach a Pro Stock final in 2005, claimed her first class victory in 2012, and has since amassed six world championships and 50 national event wins.
Enders’ 2022 campaign stands among the most dominant seasons in class history, with 10 victories in 13 final-round appearances. Her sustained success helped redefine expectations in one of NHRA’s most competitive categories.
“This is a huge honor,” Enders said. “I/we have dedicated our whole lives to the sport, and to see the success that we’ve had, especially over the last 10 to 12 years at Elite, is nothing short of amazing. I’m honored to be added to the list with some of my childhood heroes, including Bob Glidden, with whom I had the honor of working during my career. I’ve come a long way from Jr. Dragster back in the early ’90s to getting ready to start my 22nd year in Pro Stock, and being able to work with a legend like Bob Glidden, and to join him and the greats of all time, is pretty surreal.”
Andrew Hines extended a family legacy in Pro Stock Motorcycle by becoming the winningest rider in class history. Following in the footsteps of his father, Byron, and brother, Matt, Hines captured six world championships and 56 national event victories.
He earned his first win at the 2004 NHRA Gatornationals, followed by three consecutive championships, and made history in 2005 by recording the first six-second elapsed time in the category.
“Starting off, I never thought I’d do something like this,” Hines said. “It all goes back to the day my dad said, ‘This [racing] would probably be a good career move for you.’ Obviously, that has paid off in spades. Early on, I got to chase some of the greats of the class, including Dave [Schultz], John [Myers], and my brother, Matt. Tying Dave with six championships was pretty special. I also remember NHRA’s 50th anniversary and seeing all the legends. That was cool, and it’s cool to see it come full circle and be here 25 years later.”
Peter Biondo rounds out the opening group as one of the most decorated Sportsman competitors in NHRA history. The Maspeth, New York, native earned seven world championships across multiple classes and 52 national event wins, building a reputation for consistency and adaptability unmatched in Sportsman racing.
“I haven’t raced for a bit since I started a family but this is a great surprise,” Biondo said. “I feel privileged and honored. I would say that I did all I wanted to do. I put forth the dedication and commitment, and, luckily, the results followed. I still have the itch, and there’s a good chance you’ll see me out there again soon.”
The remaining 20 additions will complete a list that blends foundational legends with modern-era standouts, reflecting NHRA’s competitive breadth across generations. When the full roster is revealed, fans will be able to purchase a commemorative book honoring all 75 drivers, featuring archival photography and career profiles celebrating the sport’s enduring legacy.
