What changed
2026-08-24 00:50 UTC → 2026-08-24 17:18 UTC ·
added
removed
In late July 2026, Kalitta Motorsports dominated Following his dominant performance at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle, with Brainerd Nationals, Doug Kalitta securing a second straight Top Fuel win and teammate J.R. Todd breaking a long winless streak to capture his first Funny Car victory of the year. The sweep tightened has regained the points race as the team closed the gap to rival Shawn Langdon. A week later, the Kalitta family expanded its on‑track presence when 25‑year‑old Mitch Kalitta, son of Doug Kalitta, announced his debut lead in the Top Alcohol Dragster class with Randy Meyer Racing at the NHRA Nationals in Brainerd. Drawing on his lifelong involvement with the team and recent success in Pro Mod, Mitch’s entry marked the next chapter Fuel standings, moving ahead of the family’s participation in the 2026 NHRA season. As the family prepared for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, Doug Kalitta entered as a contender for a third world title in four years, supported by crew chief Alan Johnson. Mitch teammate Shawn Langdon. Kalitta’s debut dragster featured branding from Kalitta Air, a Michigan-based global air cargo company, intended to promote career opportunities for pilots and mechanics. At the conclusion victory was characterized by total control of the Brainerd Nationals, Doug Kalitta secured event; he led every qualifying session, set a dominant weekend by winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge meet low elapsed time of 3.673 seconds, and claiming won the NHRA Brainerd Nationals title after final round by defeating rookie Maddi Gordon in the final. Gordon. In addition to the Top Fuel success, the Brainerd Nationals saw significant results in other professional classes, classes. Matt Hagan won secured the Funny Car title, and title after defeating Jordan Vandergriff, while six-time world champion Greg Anderson took won the Pro Stock victory category at his home track. Anderson’s victory extended his championship points lead, providing momentum heading into the regular-season finale at the U.S. Nationals. Family participation continued with Mitch Kalitta’s debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. During his first appearance, Mitch secured a first-round victory before being eliminated in the second round.