A Historic Milestone in Drag Racing
Shawn Langdon made history on Saturday (AEST) by breaking the NHRA speed record with an astonishing 555km/h during a Top Fuel qualifying run at South Georgia Motorsports Park. This incredible achievement surpassed the previous record of 552.8km/h, set by Brittany Force last year in Indianapolis. Langdon managed to cover the 305-metre track in just 3.7 seconds, coming very close to Force’s record time of 3.6 seconds from her 2025 run.
Langdon’s record-breaking performance took place during the NHRA’s debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park, which has become one of the newest additions to the drag-racing series’ 20-event schedule. This event marked a significant milestone for the sport and its fans, as it brought high-speed competition to a fresh location.
A Journey of Determination
The 2013 Top Fuel champion captured attention with several impressive runs of 547.1km/h during preseason testing. Entering the weekend, Langdon was ranked second in points, trailing only Doug Kalitta after four events. His performance throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport.
Reflecting on his achievement, Langdon expressed his pride in the team effort. “It was special for the guys,” he said. “I was happy for them, especially (crew chief) Brian (Husen). We were able to do that testing, and some people had different ideas on what they thought – if it was legit or not. We kind of talked about it and Brian was like, ‘Well, we’ll just do it in the season to prove it was legit.’”
Other Notable Performances
In addition to Langdon’s record-breaking run, other drivers also made their mark during the event. Three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart, competing in his third full season in NHRA’s top division, secured second place in qualifying with a 3.7-second run at 538.6km/h. His performance highlighted the competitive nature of the event and the talent present among the drivers.
Expansion of the NHRA Schedule
The NHRA continued its growth by adding two new tracks to its 2026 schedule. This marks the drag-racing series’ first expansion in over a decade, signaling a promising future for the sport. The inclusion of new venues not only provides more opportunities for drivers but also brings excitement to fans across different regions.
Looking Ahead
With the success of the South Georgia Motorsports Park event and the addition of new tracks, the NHRA is setting the stage for even more thrilling races in the coming seasons. The combination of skilled drivers, cutting-edge technology, and passionate fans ensures that drag racing will continue to captivate audiences around the world.
As the sport evolves, it remains a testament to the spirit of competition and innovation. Whether it’s breaking records or introducing new locations, the NHRA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of motorsports.
