WWT Raceway to Unveil Inaugural "Gateway's Greatest" Class During NAPA Auto Parts NHRA

Eight NHRA legends to be honored as part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2026) – World Wide Technology Raceway will celebrate the rich history of NHRA drag racing at its facility with the unveiling of the inaugural Gateway’s Greatest Class of 2026 on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, during the opening day of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. The new recognition program, created as part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, honors professional-category NHRA competitors who have achieved four or more victories in the history of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals contested at World Wide Technology Raceway (which began hosting NHRA events in 1997 while known as Gateway International Raceway). The first-ever induction ceremony will take place prior to Friday’s professional qualifying sessions and will be led by WWT Raceway Owner and CEO Curtis Francois, NHRA President Glen Cromwell, and WWT Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair. Each inductee will receive a specially designed commemorative arch trophy recognizing their accomplishments at the track. The custom award will feature each driver’s championship victories at the Madison, Ill. venue, including the years in which those wins were earned. “World Wide Technology Raceway has hosted some of the most memorable performances in NHRA history, and it is only fitting that during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season we recognize the drivers who have consistently excelled on this racetrack,” said Francois. “These competitors helped build the legacy of professional drag racing in the St. Louis region, and Gateway’s Greatest will permanently honor their achievements and contributions to our sport.” “The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals has produced countless historic moments and championship-caliber performances over the years,” said Cromwell. “The inaugural Gateway’s Greatest class includes some of the most successful and respected racers in NHRA history, making this a fitting tribute as we celebrate 75 years of NHRA competition.” “Much like traditional sports venues recognize team championships, points scored or MVP titles, our program is designed to recognize excellence at one of the most competitive tracks on the NHRA tour,” said Blair. “The accomplishments represented by this inaugural class are remarkable and serve as a benchmark for future generations of racers who compete at WWT Raceway.  We are already working on the 2027 list of inductees that will focus on accomplishments for outstanding performance for drivers, car owners and crew chiefs.” Gateway’s Greatest – Class of 2026 Erica Enders – 6-Time Winner Pro Stock 2012 2013 2019 2020 2021 2022 Doug Kalitta – 5-Time Winner Top Fuel 2001 2003 2004 2020 2025 Antron Brown – 5-Time Winner Top Fuel 2009 2012 2013 2014 2015 Matt Smith – 5-Time Winner Pro Stock Motorcycle 2007 2013 2018 2020 2022 Gary Scelzi – 4-Time Winner Top Fuel 1998 1999 2000 Funny Car 2004 Ron Capps – 4-Time Winner Funny Car 1997 2005 2007 2017 Greg Anderson – 4-Time Winner Pro Stock 2004 2017 2023 2025 Steve Torrence – 4-Time Winner Top Fuel 2017 2018 2021 2022 The Gateway’s Greatest induction ceremony will become an annual tradition at WWT Raceway, with additional NHRA legends added as they meet the established performance criteria. The program is intended to preserve and celebrate the remarkable history of NHRA competition at one of the sport’s most critical stops. The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals returns to World Wide Technology Raceway Oct. 2-4, 2026, bringing the stars of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series to the St. Louis region for one of the most anticipated events of the season. To purchase tickets, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.