Gatornationals 2017: Racing Legends Conquer the Drag Strip with Ferocious Speed and Unyielding Determination.

March 18th, 2017

The 48th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals held at Gainesville Raceway was a high-octane spectacle that left fans breathless. Tony Schumacher, John Force, Shane Gray, and Eddie Krawiec stood atop the podium as champions in their respective categories, showcasing their mastery of the drag strip.

Tony Schumacher, an eight-time Top Fuel world champion, powered his U.S. Army dragster to a scorching victory. With a blistering 3.703-second pass at 329.26 mph, Schumacher claimed his 83rd career win and his first of the season. In a thrilling showdown, he defeated reigning champion Antron Brown, leaving him in his rearview mirror with a time of 3.764 at 322.65 in his Matco Tools dragster. Schumacher’s triumph also earned him the title of the winningest Top Fuel driver at Gainesville Raceway with an impressive five victories.

In the Funny Car category, John Force, the legendary sixteen-time world champion, once again demonstrated his remarkable skill. Force piloted his PEAK Chevy Camaro with finesse, clocking a swift 3.928 at 328.14. This win marked the 148th victory of his storied career, eighth at Gainesville, and his first of the season. Force faced off against rookie Jonnie Lindberg, whose valiant effort of 3.971 at 314.83 in his Head Racing Toyota Camry fell short in the face of Force’s relentless drive.

Pro Stock witnessed an exhilarating battle between Shane Gray and Greg Anderson. Gray, racing in his Gray Motorsports Chevy Camaro, clinched his first victory at Gainesville Raceway with a remarkable 6.535 pass at 212.96. Anderson, a four-time champion, fought hard in his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro, posting a competitive 6.560 at 213.43. In the end, Gray’s tenacity prevailed, securing him the coveted trophy.

Eddie Krawiec, the three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion, roared to triumph on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson. With a blistering 6.763 pass at 199.76, Krawiec powered past teammate Andrew Hines to claim his 37th career victory. This marked Krawiec’s second consecutive win and his fifth triumph at Gainesville Raceway, leaving his rival in the dust with a time of 6.802 at 197.10.

The Gatornationals 2017 was a relentless showcase of speed, skill, and raw power. As the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series continued its thrilling journey, fans eagerly anticipated the upcoming battles that would unfold on the hallowed grounds of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from March 31 to April 2.