MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Qualifying concluded Saturday at Maryland International Raceway as thousands of fans packed the grandstands, pit areas and vendor midway during the second day of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, setting the stage for Sunday’s championship eliminations.
Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle completed the final rounds of qualifying Saturday, locking in elimination brackets for the first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national event ever held in Maryland. The event has drawn competitors and spectators from across the country while placing Southern Maryland and Maryland International Raceway in the national motorsports spotlight.
Saturday’s action featured a sellout crowd at Maryland International Raceway, continued fan engagement throughout Nitro Alley and the professional pit areas, and several standout qualifying performances as drivers made their final attempts to improve positions before eliminations begin Sunday.
The following drivers secured No. 1 qualifying positions heading into Sunday’s eliminations:
- Top Fuel: Shawn Langdon, 3.744 seconds, at 334.98 mph
- Funny Car: Jack Beckman, 3.935 seconds, at 326.79 mph
- Pro Stock: Greg Stanfield, 6.482 seconds, at 212.39 mph
- Pro Stock Motorcycle: Angie Smith, 6.690 seconds, at 202.97 mph
- Top Alcohol Dragster: Joey Severance, 5.188 seconds, at 279.79 mph
- Top Alcohol Funny Car: Sean Bellemeur, 5.391 seconds, at 270.64 mph
With qualifying complete, attention now turns to Sunday’s elimination rounds, where drivers will compete head-to-head in pursuit of the inaugural Potomac Nationals championship.
In addition to setting the elimination field, Saturday’s qualifying sessions featured the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, where drivers battled for bonus money and valuable Countdown to the Championship points.
Austin Prock (Funny Car) earned his first victory of the year when he won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
During Saturday’s races, fans at the Maryland International Raceway continued taking advantage of NHRA’s unique pit access, watching crews service race cars between rounds, meeting drivers and collecting autographs. The combination of national-caliber competition and close fan interaction remained one of the event’s defining features.
A Long-Awaited Arrival for Local Fans
Charles Harris of Lusby said attending the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals was the realization of a goal many local racing fans had hoped to see for decades. Harris said he has been coming to Maryland International Raceway for approximately 20 years and described the arrival of NHRA’s premier national series as a milestone moment for both the raceway and Southern Maryland’s racing community.
“I’m excited they finally brought it here. I’ve been wishing for this for 20 to 30 years,” Harris said. “They finally came to Maryland with the big guys — NHRA. I hope they keep coming back.”
Harris recalled many years ago being inspired by Maryland International Raceway through outreach programs led by track owner Royce Miller, who visited local schools to discuss the dangers of street racing and encourage students to race in a safer environment at the track. Harris said those early experiences helped build a connection to the raceway that has continued into adulthood.
“He used to do a seminar for the high school students. He would talk about the dangers of street racing and try to get kids to go to the track,” Harris said. “It was kind of an incentive to go race on the track and not on the street.”
Harris said Maryland International Raceway has long maintained a reputation as a top-tier drag racing facility and believes the quality of the venue has remained consistent throughout the years. He said the arrival of the NHRA Potomac Nationals validates what many local fans have known for decades about the raceway’s standing within the sport.
“MIR has always been a top-tier track in my opinion. It was the same quality drag strip back then as it is now,” Harris said. “I don’t know why they never came here before, but they finally got it done.”
Harris encouraged Southern Maryland residents who have never attended an event at Maryland International Raceway to give it a try, describing the facility as family-friendly and welcoming to fans of all ages and experience levels. He said the variety of racing offered throughout the season provides something for nearly everyone.
“Go. Go as fast as you can go. It’s fun for all ages. Whatever your cup of tea is, they’ve got it here,” Harris said. “It’s definitely family-friendly. It’s a welcoming environment for everybody of all ages.”
Kelly Clontz’s Local Following Spans Generations, Union Labor Inspires Youth
Outside the Kelly Clontz Racing pit area Saturday, Robert and Sammy Carter of Calvert County represented the type of local fans who have helped make Maryland International Raceway a fixture in Southern Maryland for decades. While Robert has been attending races at MIR since the 1980s and was determined not to miss the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, his son Sammy found inspiration in more than just the racing.
Standing beside Clontz’s Pro Stock Motorcycle team, the younger Carter spoke about his goal of becoming a Steamfitters UA Local 602 apprentice, following a career path represented by one of the team’s longtime sponsors.
For both father and son, the Potomac Nationals offered a chance to celebrate Southern Maryland’s racing culture while connecting with the people, careers and community relationships that have long been part of the sport.
Robert Carter said the arrival of the NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway was an event he had been anticipating for years.
“Once I heard it was coming here, I knew I was going to be here,” Carter said. “There was no way I was going to miss it.”
Robert said one of the biggest benefits of hosting the Potomac Nationals at MIR is that local fans no longer need to travel to neighboring states to experience NHRA competition. He described the event as a major opportunity for Southern Maryland racing enthusiasts and said he hopes the series returns to the region in future years.
“I used to travel further out to other states. To have it right here an hour from my house has been great,” Carter said. “I hope they come back next year.”
Robert said he is a longtime supporter of local Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Kelly Clontz and admires the skill required to compete at speeds exceeding 200 mph on two wheels. He described Pro Stock Motorcycle as one of the most exciting classes in the sport.
“Kelly Clontz, Pro Stock Motorcycle, very exciting to watch,” Carter said. “You’ve got to have a lot of nerve to sit on these bikes and go that fast. I admire all of them.”
Sammy Carter, 19, said attending the NHRA Potomac Nationals gave him an opportunity to support local racer Kelly Clontz while also connecting with one of the sponsors that inspires his own career goals. Carter said he specifically visited Clontz’s pit area because of her longtime association with Steamfitters UA Local 602, a union he hopes to join through its apprenticeship program.
“I came over here because I wanted some 602 merchandise. I saw the 602 logo on the shirt with the bike, and I wanted that shirt,” Carter said. “I’m in the process of trying to get into the 602.”
Sammy said he currently works as a helper with W.E. Bowers, a contractor whose workforce includes Steamfitters UA Local 602 members and plans to apply for the union’s apprenticeship program when applications open in November 2026. He said his long-term goal is to become a union steamfitter and pursue welding as a career.
“Right now, I’m a helper. I’m trying to stick it out until Nov. 2026. That’s when the application period starts,” Carter said. “That’s when I hope to get into the apprenticeship. All other things aside, yes, it is my dream. In particular, I’d like to weld. I already have certifications.”
Sammy said Steamfitters UA Local 602’s presence on Kelly Clontz’s motorcycle and racing program was a source of motivation, saying it creates a connection between the local racing community and the skilled trades. He said seeing Steamfitters UA Local 602 represented at a national NHRA event reinforces the sense that Southern Maryland residents can build successful careers through union apprenticeship programs and skilled trades.
“It gives a sense of that small-town, home feeling,” Carter said. “It makes me realize we’ve got local people here supporting us.”
National Drivers Praise Maryland International Raceway and Southern Maryland Fans
Several drivers also praised Maryland International Raceway’s racing surface and the hospitality of Southern Maryland fans throughout the weekend, noting the area’s long-standing connection to drag racing.
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Rider Jianna Evaristo, of Scrappers Racing, said the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals has provided an opportunity for NHRA competitors to connect with a new fan base while bringing professional drag racing to one of the sport’s most passionate racing regions. Competing at Maryland International Raceway for the first time, Evaristo praised both the facility and the enthusiasm of Southern Maryland fans, describing the atmosphere throughout the weekend as energetic and welcoming.
“The fans are amazing. The energy is amazing,” Evaristo said. “I’m really happy to be here. The fan energy is just unmatched.”
Evaristo said Maryland International Raceway’s location and layout make a strong first impression for visiting competitors. She described the track as clean, smooth and well-maintained, noting that the heavily wooded surroundings create a unique setting that many racers would not expect when arriving at the facility.
“It’s a beautiful track. Really clean, smooth, great shutdown,” Evaristo said. “Driving up, you almost wouldn’t even know there’s a racetrack here because you’re surrounded by trees. It’s very beautiful.”
Evaristo also said many local fans have expressed appreciation for finally having an NHRA national event at their home track. She said fans are now able to experience professional competition in Southern Maryland for the first time.
“We’ve had fans come up and say, ‘We’re so happy you guys are here,’” Evaristo said. “A lot of fans that have to travel pretty far to come see us now get to experience us at their home track. It’s really awesome.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s eliminations, Evaristo said she remained optimistic despite not being fully satisfied with her qualifying position. She said drag racing remains unpredictable and emphasized that any competitor can contend for a victory once eliminations begin.
“Hopefully I can win this race and create some new Maryland fans. On any given Sunday, it’s anybody’s race,” Evaristo said. “I’m going to do my best and just go out there and have fun.”
Austin Prock of Tasca Racing, two-time the reigning NHRA Funny Car world champion, said Maryland International Raceway’s debut as an NHRA national event has already demonstrated the strength of Southern Maryland’s racing culture. Following his Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge victory Saturday, Prock praised local fans for their enthusiasm and support, describing the crowd as one of the most passionate he has encountered on the NHRA tour.
“One thing I noticed right off the bat is how passionate the fans are here. Great crowd,” Prock said. “I know how excited they are for the NHRA to be here. So far, I love this place.”
Prock said Maryland International Raceway has a proven history of developing racers who advance to the professional ranks of drag racing. He pointed to several competitors and crew members with roots at MIR as examples of how local racers can build successful careers in motorsports through dedication and persistence.
“Some of my best friends, Gary Pritchett and the Cave brothers, grew up racing here, and they’re all professional racers now,” Prock said. “Aaron Cave is the assistant crew chief on Shawn Langdon’s car. Gary Pritchett has his Top Fuel license. There’s proof here right now.”
Prock encouraged young racers and aspiring drivers to remain committed to their goals, noting that his own journey to becoming a professional driver and world champion was built on years of focus and hard work. He said persistence remains one of the most important qualities for anyone hoping to advance in the sport.
“If you’re a racer and you’re passionate about it, just keep digging,” Prock said. “I knew I wanted to be a race car driver as soon as I could. It’s all I ever worked for. If you keep that persistence, you’ll go somewhere.”
Prock also said he has enjoyed competing at Maryland International Raceway and appreciates the opportunity NHRA has created by bringing national events to new markets. After earning his first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory of the season, he said he hopes to carry that momentum into Sunday’s eliminations and contend for an overall event victory.
“Got the Mission #2Fast2Tasty win. To cap it off with a Wally at the end of the weekend would be even better,” Prock said. “We’ve had a decent car all weekend. We’re going to have a fast rocket in the morning; I can guarantee that.”
Jack Beckman of John Force Racing, the No. 1 Funny Car qualifier at the NHRA Potomac Nationals, said he entered the weekend with concerns about how the world’s fastest Funny Cars would perform at Maryland International Raceway because the facility was new to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule. After two days of qualifying, however, Beckman said both the raceway and NHRA track crews exceeded expectations, producing competitive side-by-side racing and strong performances throughout the field.
“I was really concerned. We’ve got four tracks this year that we’ve never raced on before,” Beckman said. “I’m very pleasantly surprised at the ETs and the speeds that this track’s dishing out. Tons of side-by-side runs this weekend.”
Beckman said Maryland International Raceway presented unique technical challenges due to the transition from concrete to asphalt approximately 330 feet down track. He explained that teams had to adjust their setups to account for changing track conditions, but credited track officials and NHRA personnel for preparing a racing surface capable of handling 12,000-horsepower Funny Cars.
“I salute the track. I salute NHRA track crew for coming out here and doing the prep the right way,” Beckman said. “Our cars see our highest g-meter from 200 feet to 500 feet. There’s nothing we can do about it except manage it in the tune-up.”
Beckman also praised the enthusiasm and knowledge of Southern Maryland race fans. He said packed grandstands throughout the weekend created an atmosphere that stands apart from testing sessions and highlighted the importance of fan support in professional drag racing.
“It makes a difference. There’s points and there’s trophies, but there’s not many races where you look out and the stands are packed to capacity,” Beckman said. “I love coming out to this area of the country. Super nice people.”
Drawing from his own experience, Beckman encouraged local racers working their way through the sport to enjoy every stage of their racing careers. He noted that he spent two decades competing in Sportsman racing before advancing to the professional ranks and said persistence and passion remain critical for anyone hoping to pursue opportunities in motorsports.
“I was a Sportsman racer for 20 years before I became a pro racer. Enjoy what you’re doing right now,” Beckman said. “I loved all 20 years that I ran a Sportsman car. I was fortunate enough to be in a position to take advantage of some opportunities.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s eliminations, Beckman said his team has made significant progress throughout the weekend and expressed confidence that the PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car will be a contender on race day after earning his second consecutive No. 1 qualifying position of the season.
“We’ve been stumbling a little bit with the PEAK car. We’re zeroing in on making this car more consistent,” Beckman said. “This is one of those Saturdays where I’m counting down the hours until the national anthem. I can’t wait to get back out here tomorrow.”
Sunday Set to Crown First Potomac Nationals Champions
For many local spectators, the weekend has represented more than just a major sporting event. The Potomac Nationals have brought national television coverage, NHRA’s biggest stars and thousands of fans to Maryland International Raceway, a facility that has spent decades building a reputation as one of the premier drag racing venues on the East Coast.
With qualifying complete and elimination brackets set, Sunday’s final rounds will crown the first NHRA Potomac Nationals champions in Maryland history. Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars capable of exceeding 330 mph will headline the action alongside championship battles in Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competition.
As the inaugural event enters its final day, race officials expect the largest crowd of the weekend, with fans gathering to witness a milestone moment for Maryland International Raceway and Southern Maryland’s racing community.
Fast Facts About NHRA Potomac Nationals
- Event: NHRA Potomac Nationals (NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series)
- Dates: May 29–31, 2026
- Location: Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, Md.
- Final Eliminations: Sunday, May 31
- Spectator Gates Open: 9 a.m. daily
- Track Walk & Driver Introductions: 10 a.m. Sunday
- Mission Foods Series Eliminations Begin: 11 a.m. Sunday
- Hotels: MIR hosting hotels
- Results:Live results page
Featured NHRA Classes
- Top Fuel
- Funny Car
- Pro Stock
- Pro Stock Motorcycle
What To Expect
- NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competition
- Professional qualifying rounds Friday and Saturday
- Final eliminations Sunday
- Nitro Alley fan experiences and stage programming
- Driver autograph sessions and meet-and-greets
- Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge events Saturday
- Featured NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney
Tickets And Information: Tickets, schedules, maps, camping and event information are available through the NHRA and Maryland International Raceway event pages.
How To Watch the NHRA Potomac Nationals
Fans unable to attend in person can watch the NHRA Potomac Nationals on NHRA.tv and through FOX Sports television coverage throughout race weekend.
Television Schedule:
- Sunday, May 31
Final Eliminations — 3–6 p.m. ET (FOX)
Additional re-airings are expected on FS1 and FS2 following the event weekend. More information about Maryland International Raceway can be found at https://goracemir.com.
