NHRA Potomac Nationals Crown First Champions In Maryland History At Maryland International Raceway

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — History was made Sunday at Maryland International Raceway as the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals concluded before one of the largest crowds in track history, crowning the first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series winners ever awarded national event victories in Maryland.

Thousands of fans packed the Budds Creek facility throughout the weekend as NHRA’s premier professional categories — Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle — competed in the first NHRA event held in the state. Sunday’s eliminations brought the three-day event to a close with championship rounds, Diamond Wally trophies, and a celebration decades in the making for Maryland International Raceway and Southern Maryland’s racing community.

The event marked a milestone for Maryland International Raceway, which has spent decades building a reputation as one of the nation’s premier drag racing facilities and finally welcomed NHRA national competition to Maryland for the first time.

Fans lined the grandstands, crowded Nitro Alley and filled the professional pit areas throughout the day as the NHRA Potomac Nationals eliminations progressed toward the final rounds. Unlike many major sporting events, spectators remained within arm’s reach of crews and competitors, watching teams rebuild race cars between rounds, while collecting autographs and photographs from some of the sport’s biggest names.

In the pits, fans were often presented with the opportunity to collect used parts from the high-performance machines. Many took the opportunity to have professional drivers autograph discarded piston crowns, worn belts and other parts from the high-performance machines maintained by their favorite teams.

The four professional champions each received special Diamond Wally trophies commemorating the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, creating a unique place in NHRA history for the event’s first winners.

Royce Miller Reflects On A Historic Weekend

For many local fans, Sunday’s championship rounds fulfilled decades of anticipation. Maryland International Raceway owner Royce Miller has long pursued an NHRA national event, and the successful debut drew praise from competitors, fans and racing officials throughout the weekend.

Royce Miller, owner of Maryland International Raceway, described the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals as a highly successful debut for both the raceway and Southern Maryland. Speaking after the conclusion of the event, Miller said favorable weather, strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans, racers and NHRA officials helped make the first-year event exceed expectations.

“It’s been awesome. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The feedback we’ve had from the fans, the racers and the NHRA has just been great,” Miller said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better first-year event.”

Miller said the weekend was memorable not only because it marked the first NHRA national event held in Maryland, but also because it produced numerous historic moments, including the crowning of the first Potomac Nationals champions and several notable records and achievements throughout the event.

“It’s really rewarding. A lot of these guys I know. There were a lot of firsts, not only from a winning standpoint, but things that happened during the race and records and everything that was set,” Miller said. “It was truly a memorable weekend.”

Looking ahead, Miller said that the NHRA Potomac Nationals are expected to return to Maryland International Raceway in 2027. He expressed hope that the local tourism community and service providers experienced the economic benefits generated by the influx of visitors attending the three-day event.

“We will be here next year. Probably somewhat close to the same date,” Miller said. “We hope that the businesses, hotels and restaurants, service stations and parts stores all saw the benefits of the economic impact this event brings to the region.”

Miller also said that while the Potomac Nationals represented a major milestone, it is only one weekend from Maryland International Raceway’s busy annual schedule. He said that the raceway hosts more than 100 race days each year and credited the support of the local community and St. Mary’s County for helping the facility grow into a nationally recognized motorsports destination.

Four Champions Etch Their Names Into Potomac Nationals History

Angie Smith captured a career best run and the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals Pro Stock Motorcycle championship Sunday, earning a place in Maryland International Raceway history as the first rider to win the class at NHRA’s first national event in Maryland. Smith said the victory was especially meaningful because the Potomac Nationals can only have one first-time winner, and she said the accomplishment carries added significance because of her longstanding connection to Maryland International Raceway and its fans.

“It’s just remarkable because it’s only first, one time. The Miller family do such a great job. I was very ecstatic when the schedule came out and we got to come here,” Smith said. “A lot of fans knew me from when I raced here before. So, I’ve developed a fan base here. It’s just remarkable to be the first person to win here at MIR.”

Smith said the win carried additional historical significance because it marked the 200th professional NHRA national event victory by a female competitor. She credited generations of female racers who paved the way for women in NHRA competition and said she was honored to represent that legacy while adding her own chapter to the sport’s history.

“I will always be the 200^th, and that is very intriguing to me, because you never know when you’re going to get another one, and these things are hard to get,” Smith said. “I couldn’t be more happy and I’m glad I can represent the women of NHRA.”

Greg Anderson, the winningest Pro Stock driver in NHRA history, captured the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals Pro Stock title Sunday and said the victory carried special significance because of his longstanding connection to Maryland International Raceway. Anderson said he has competed at the facility for decades and believes that familiarity helped him feel comfortable racing at the first NHRA national event ever held in Maryland.

“I don’t know how many other people in the class have history here. I’ll bet I have the most history here. It made me feel good about being here,” Anderson said. “It made me feel like I understood the place and I knew the place and I raced here before. I know I can do well here.”

Anderson said winning the first Pro Stock championship in Potomac Nationals history is particularly meaningful because opportunities to become a first-time winner at a new event only happen once. He noted that many younger competitors had never raced at Maryland International Raceway before, while he was able to draw on years of experience and memories at the track.

“It meant a lot to me. To be the first winner here at the Potomac Nationals, pretty damn cool,” Anderson said. “I heard a quote two weeks ago from the great Kyle Busch. He won a race, and he got out, and he was asked the question, how special is it? It’s so special because you just don’t know when it’s going to be your last one. You don’t know that we don’t know what tomorrow brings, so you’ve got to enjoy every one you get, and I hope and pray to God this is not the last one.”

Anderson also praised Southern Maryland race fans and the region’s support of Pro Stock racing. He said the East Coast crowd’s appreciation for the class helped create a unique atmosphere throughout the weekend and contributed to one of the most enjoyable events of the season.

“I love racing up and down the East Coast. It seems like the fans really appreciate it and appreciate a lot of Pro Stock up here,” Anderson said. “It makes you want to win even more. Cool place to be, cool place to race.”

Shawn Langdon captured the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals Top Fuel championship Sunday, becoming the first Top Fuel winner in event history and extending one of the hottest streaks in professional drag racing. Langdon’s victory marked his fourth win of the season and third consecutive NHRA national event victory, further strengthening his position among the championship contenders.

“Obviously I’m excited to win the race, any race for that matter,” Langdon said. “To win here, to continue the streak as well. It’s all good things.”

Langdon said winning the first NHRA national event held at Maryland International Raceway was especially rewarding because of the competitive nature of the field and the opportunity to help deliver an exciting show for fans attending the inaugural Potomac Nationals. He noted that success at a new venue requires both drivers and teams to perform at their highest level.

“It’s always great to come to a new facility and be able to make good runs like that. It’s a good show for the fans,” Langdon said. “It’s very competitive. Your team’s got to be at their best, and you’ve got to be at your best inside the car.”

The veteran driver said he has a personal connection to Maryland International Raceway dating back approximately 15 years, when he visited the facility to compete in bracket racing. Langdon said he enjoys racing at tracks like MIR because they provide a close connection between fans, teams and competitors while maintaining the atmosphere that helped build the sport.

“I enjoy coming to tracks like this. I came here 15 years ago and came here to bracket race. So, I enjoy coming to these smaller tracks,” Langdon said. “The fans are awesome. Everything’s kind of close. It feels like it’s all right there.”

Austin Prock captured the Funny Car title at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals on Sunday, earning his first national event victory of the season and adding a Diamond Wally trophy to his collection. The reigning two-time Funny Car world champion said the victory was especially meaningful because it came during a season of transition for his team and marked an important milestone for the new Ford Racing program.

“We’re with a new team, all the same faces in different places,” Prock said. “All the work that we put in and everything that we learned, it was like restarting. So, to be seven races in and with the Mission #2Fast2Tasty this weekend and win the Diamond Wally, I think it says a lot about this team and what we’re capable of.”

Prock said the support he received from Maryland International Raceway fans throughout the weekend was unlike anything he had experienced in his racing career. He described the Southern Maryland crowd as exceptionally welcoming and said fans embraced both him and his team from the moment they arrived at the track.

“A lot of fans came up to me, and everyone kept saying, ‘This is your weekend,’” Prock said. “The fans were right, and that’s awesome to say. We had a bunch of them down in the winner’s circle. We got a few of them in there for pictures and let them hold the Wallys.”

According to Prock, those interactions created a special connection with spectators and made the victory even more rewarding.

“I have to say it’s the fans. I have never felt more loved at a racetrack than I have today,” Prock said. “It has been exceptional, unbelievable. Everybody’s had my back since we walked in here on Thursday.”

National Event Brings Economic Impact And Fan Engagement

Rob Fisher, director of marketing for JEGS, said the company’s decision to become title sponsor of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals was driven by both business opportunity and a desire to connect with drag racing fans in an underserved market. Fisher said Southern Maryland and the greater Mid-Atlantic region provide access to passionate racers and fans who have supported drag racing for decades but had never hosted an NHRA national event.

“This area of Maryland is kind of an underserved market for us,” Fisher said. “It allows us to bring JEGS to the fans and the local racers.”

Fisher said the Potomac Nationals allowed JEGS to bring its brand directly to local fans through interactive displays, merchandise and fan engagement activities. 

“One of the initiatives that we’re doing this year is to bring JEGS to the masses,” Fisher said. “We bring the JEGS experience.”

Fisher said the Potomac Nationals helps fill a geographic gap in NHRA’s national footprint, attracting fans from throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. He noted that events like this also generate economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants and businesses as competitors, sponsors and spectators travel to the region.

“People will travel to these races. Having this race here is good for marketers, sponsors and the region,” Fisher said. “We go spend our money with the local businesses.”

Fisher praised the turnout and atmosphere throughout the weekend, describing Southern Maryland fans as highly engaged and enthusiastic. He said packed grandstands, strong midway traffic and fan participation exceeded expectations and demonstrated the area’s appetite for national-level drag racing.

“The grandstands were packed the whole time. People were excited to be here,” Fisher said. “Your fan base here is very engaged. We’ve eclipsed our goals here.”

A Homegrown Track Earns The National Spotlight

Drexel Crowson of Upper Marlboro said the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals gave Mid-Atlantic drag racing fans what they had wanted for years — a national NHRA event close to home. A longtime Maryland International Raceway supporter, Crowson said the arrival of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series validates the raceway’s reputation as one of the region’s premier drag racing facilities.

“For me, I only have to travel an hour versus two hours, three hours or getting on a plane,” Drexel said. “It’s nice that this is the closest place to see a national event. I can sleep in my own bed, get up, drive here and go back home.”

Crowson said he has watched Maryland International Raceway evolve through years of improvements, including upgrades to grandstands, race infrastructure and safety barriers. Throughout those changes, he said racers from across the DMV region have consistently praised the facility’s racing surface and overall quality.

“I’ve been coming here for at least 20 years,” Crowson said. “A lot of racers from the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area say this is a great racing surface. “They love racing here.”

Crowson encouraged Southern Maryland residents who have never attended a drag racing event to experience Maryland International Raceway firsthand, describing the atmosphere as welcoming, family-friendly and unlike anything television can fully capture.

“There’s nothing like it,” Crowson said. “The adrenaline is something that you can’t describe. You really have to be here to experience it.”

NHRA Potomac Nationals Draws Visitors To Southern Maryland

Visitors traveled from across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond to attend the event, generating activity for local hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and businesses while introducing many first-time visitors to Southern Maryland.

April Brown traveled from New Jersey to attend the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, making the trip specifically because NHRA brought a national event to Maryland International Raceway. A longtime NHRA fan, Brown praised both the facility and the Southern Maryland community, describing the event as well worth the trip.

“The NHRA is what brought us here for this weekend,” Brown said. “It’s so exciting. There’s nothing like NHRA drag racing.”

Brown praised Maryland International Raceway and Southern Maryland hospitality, describing the facility as clean, beautiful and welcoming. She said the atmosphere throughout the weekend made the trip worthwhile.

“I love this track. It’s beautiful. The facility is very clean. The people are very friendly,” Brown said. “I hope everybody came out and saw it.”

Janaj Carmichael of New Jersey attended the NHRA Potomac Nationals for his first-ever drag racing event, traveling to Maryland International Raceway to experience the sport in person.

“I’m here to just experience my first ever race. I’m here to see the track and see the fast cars,” Carmichael said. “I wanted to experience it for myself.”

He said he watched drag racing videos online and knew of the sport through family members, but nothing prepared him for the sensory experience of watching Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars compete live. 

“It’s not the same feeling when you really see it in person,” Carmichael said. “When you’re on the bleachers, it feels like everything around you is shaking.”

Hakim Jackson of New Jersey traveled to Maryland International Raceway for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals after losing access to nearby NHRA national events in his home region.

“I saw this year they came down to Maryland, so that’s not too far,” Jackson said. “So I came down to experience it.”

Jackson said he previously attended NHRA events at Englishtown, New Jersey, and later Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania. When those venues no longer hosted NHRA national events, he found himself traveling farther to attend races. He said the addition of Maryland International Raceway to the NHRA schedule helped fill an important gap for Mid-Atlantic fans.

“There really weren’t any NHRA events nearby,” Jackson said. “This race fills that gap. It’s nice to have one this close.”

Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Connects NHRA Fans Worldwide

One of the weekend’s more unique fan-engagement initiatives was Drag Race Bracket Bonanza, a free online prediction game that allows NHRA fans to compete by selecting winners in each professional elimination bracket.

Created by Elon Werner of Werner Communications, the game is played at every NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national event and has grown to approximately 9,000 registered participants worldwide. Fans complete brackets for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle before eliminations begin, earning points for correct picks and bonus points for predicting upsets.

“We do it for every national event. It’s totally free,” Werner said. “We have about 9,000 registered players, and we have people playing around the world.”

Participants compete for event victories, season-long championships and specialty awards. Event winners receive commemorative plaques signed by NHRA race winners, while larger competitions throughout the season feature custom trophies and championship-style belts.

Werner said the program creates interaction between fans, drivers and teams while encouraging participants to follow all four professional categories.

“Drivers are talking about it. Fans come up to them and say, ‘I’ve got you in my bracket,’” Werner said. “You have to fill out all four categories, and it makes people understand all the classes a little more.”

According to Werner, winners have come from across the United States and countries including Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, demonstrating the global reach of NHRA drag racing and the growing popularity of the fan-driven competition.

Maryland International Raceway Takes Its Place On NHRA’s National Stage

After years of planning, facility improvements and anticipation from local racers and fans, Maryland officially joined the list of states to host NHRA national event competition.

For Maryland International Raceway, the weekend delivered more than champions and trophies. It brought national television exposure, sold-out crowds, and validation of what generations of Southern Maryland racers and fans have long believed: that Maryland International Raceway belongs on drag racing’s biggest stage.

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