Krista Baldwin will make her return to NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel competition this weekend at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, bringing with her a heartfelt tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic pioneers – her grandfather, Chris “The Greek” Karamesines.
Backed by Red Line Oil, Composite Specialties, and Seefried Ranch, Baldwin returns to the Top Fuel ranks at one of the NHRA tour’s marquee events with a special family celebration at the center of the weekend.
Karamesines, a legendary figure in drag racing history and one of the original stars of NHRA Top Fuel competition, will serve as the event’s honorary legend of the weekend. To celebrate his impact on the sport and his family legacy, Baldwin’s Top Fuel dragster will feature a special signature tribute design honoring “The Greek.” The design will be officially unveiled on the starting line during the first qualifying session on Friday.
“This weekend means so much to me personally and professionally,” said Baldwin. “To return to Top Fuel competition while also celebrating my grandfather and everything he’s meant to the sport is incredibly special. He paved the way for generations of racers, including me, and I’m proud to honor him on our race car this weekend.”
Baldwin’s return also marks the beginning of a new collaboration with crew chief Ron Douglas, who has spent the last several weeks working closely with Baldwin and her team to prepare the car for competition at one of NHRA’s most historic venues.
Douglas brings decades of Top Fuel and nitro experience to the operation and has been instrumental in ensuring the team is race-ready heading into Joliet.
“Ron has worked tirelessly to help get this program prepared,” Baldwin said. “His experience and leadership have already made a huge impact, and I’m excited to work alongside him this weekend.”
The NHRA Route 66 Nationals marks Baldwin’s first Top Fuel appearance of the 2026 season and comes at a venue rich with family history and memorable moments for the Karamesines racing legacy.
Qualifying for the NHRA Route 66 Nationals begins Friday at Route 66 Raceway, with eliminations scheduled for Sunday.
This story was originally published on May 14, 2026. 
The post Krista Baldwin Returns to NHRA Top Fuel Competition at Route 66 Nationals With Special Tribute to “The Greek” first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
