Gadson Dominates NHRA Gatornationals Season Opener
Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Richard Gadson kicked off the 2026 NHRA season with a commanding victory at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. Riding his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa, Gadson celebrated his 40th birthday by securing his fifth career win and setting an early pace for the championship.
Richard Gadson, the reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, started the 2026 NHRA 75th Anniversary season in spectacular fashion, claiming victory at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. The win, which marked his fifth career triumph, came on his 40th birthday, making the event particularly memorable.
Gadson, riding his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa, qualified second for the event. His path to victory included strong performances throughout the elimination rounds. In the first round, he defeated Geno Scali with a 6.769-second pass at 200.83 mph. He then advanced past Chase Van Sant in round two, clocking a 6.757-second run at 200.59 mph.
The semi-finals presented a moment of drama when opponent Clayton Howey fouled on the starting line, granting Gadson a crucial win. Despite a pylon being dislodged near the end of the track by the high-speed slipstream from his Hayabusa, TV replays confirmed no contact, avoiding a disqualification. This sent Gadson to his tenth career final round, where he ultimately secured the event victory.
Fellow competitor Gaige Herrera, who qualified fourth, advanced to the second round of eliminations. This early-season performance from Gadson highlights his continued dominance in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, setting an exciting tone for the rest of the NHRA season. Motorcycle drag racing fans, including those who enjoy the straight-line speed and precision of the sport, will be keenly watching Gadson's progress.