Antron Brown, the reigning Top Fuel world champion, launched the 2025 NHRA season with a spectacular victory at the 56th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals held at Gainesville Raceway. The four-time world champion overpowered last year’s event winner, Shawn Langdon, in a thrilling final round.
Brown, driving his Matco Tools dragster, clocked an astounding 3.673 seconds at a speed of 333.99mph, narrowly edging out Langdon who ended with 3.684 seconds at 332.67mph. This victory marks Brown’s 81st career win and his second at the Gainesville Raceway, further cementing his status as a motorsport legend.
Before his triumph in the final round, Brown had to overcome the formidable trio of Krista Baldwin, Clay Millican, and Steve Torrence. He also started the event as the number 1 qualifier, reflecting his exceptional form this season. Notably, Brown’s streak of eight consecutive round wins, including his brilliant reaction times of 0.032 seconds and 0.036 seconds in the semifinals and finals, respectively, underlines his dominance in the sport.
Brown paid tribute to his team’s dedication and hard work after the victory, acknowledging the tough competition from Langdon and his crew chief, Brian Husen. He also praised the caliber of drivers in the Top Fuel category this year, signaling an exciting season ahead.
Meanwhile, in the Funny Car category, Chad Green emerged victorious, his Bond-Coat Ford Mustang clocking 3.921s at 329.18mph to defeat Ron Capps. This win, which marks Green’s first Gatornationals victory and second career triumph, was underscored by his consistent runs against Paul Lee, Buddy Hull, and Matt Hagan.
Green, in his post-win interview, expressed his delight at starting the year on a high note. He also noted the historical significance of the Gatornationals, recalling that his first official race car run took place at Gainesville Raceway.
The Pro Stock category saw Dallas Glenn, driving his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro, defeat reigning world champion and teammate Greg Anderson. Glenn clocked 6.549 seconds at 211.13mph, marking his 14th career win and second at Gainesville. Glenn’s journey to the finals was paved with victories over Brandon Miller, Troy Coughlin Jr., and Cory Reed.
In the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, the spotlight was on Gaige Herrera, who clinched his third straight Gatornationals victory with a run of 6.722s at 200.23mph on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. Herrera’s winning streak since the start of the 2023 season now stands at 22 victories, matching Eddie Krawiec’s record for three consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle wins at Gainesville Raceway.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will continue with the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix from March 21-23, promising more high-octane excitement and fierce competition.