As part of its 75th Anniversary celebration in 2026, the NHRA has officially begun unveiling an expanded list of the Top 75 Drivers in the sanctioning body’s history, marking the first major update to its iconic drivers list since the original Top 50 was announced during NHRA’s 50th Anniversary season in 2001.
The first five new additions – Tony Schumacher, Robert Hight, Erica Enders, Andrew Hines, and Peter Biondo – were announced this week, setting the tone for a month-long rollout that will continue with five additional drivers revealed each Monday through Feb. 2.
A panel of drag racing experts was convened to expand the original Top 50 into a Top 75, honoring excellence across NHRA’s first three-quarters of a century. While the 2001 Top 50 remains a foundational pillar of the list, the 25 new additions recognize standout performers from the last 25 years across NHRA’s Professional and Sportsman categories.
Few drivers embody modern NHRA dominance like Tony Schumacher. The eight-time Top Fuel world champion amassed 88 national event wins, including a record 10 victories at the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals. His career also became synonymous with the powerhouse Don Schumacher Racing organization founded by his late father, Don, which collected an astonishing 367 NHRA national event wins and 19 championships.
“I’m proud as hell to be recognized on this list,” Schumacher said. “I think I have been blessed with having teams that are capable, at any given time, of putting me in record books, and I’m going to be able to look back at this with pride. It’s little moments like this that remind me how much fun the sport is.”
Robert Hight’s career followed a less traditional path, but few drivers left a bigger imprint on Funny Car. Rising from clutch specialist to driver within John Force Racing, Hight debuted in 2005 and went on to earn three Funny Car world championships and 65 career wins before retiring at the end of the 2023 season. His longevity and adaptability allowed him to remain competitive across multiple eras of nitro racing.
“This is really cool,” Hight said. “I’m a big fan and still love the history of the sport, and to be named alongside some of the historic and current people on this list is very cool. I’m honored.”
Erica Enders’ inclusion continues a legacy of trailblazing excellence. After becoming the first woman to reach a Pro Stock final in 2005, Enders steadily evolved into one of the most dominant drivers the class has ever seen. She has earned six world championships and 50 national event wins, highlighted by a remarkable 2022 season that included 10 wins in 13 final rounds.
“This is a huge honor,” Enders said. “I/we have dedicated our whole lives to the sport, and to see the success that we’ve had, especially over the last 10 to 12 years at Elite, is nothing short of amazing. I’m honored to be added to the list with some of my childhood heroes, including Bob Glidden…being able to work with a legend like Bob Glidden, and to join him and the greats of all time, is pretty surreal.”
Andrew Hines represents the pinnacle of Pro Stock Motorcycle excellence. Carrying on the family legacy established by his father Byron and brother Matt, Hines captured six world championships and became the winningest rider in class history with 56 victories. He also etched his name into history by recording the first six-second elapsed time in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
“Starting off, I never thought I’d do something like this,” Hines said. “It all goes back to the day my dad said, ‘This would probably be a good career move for you.’ … I remember NHRA’s 50th anniversary and seeing all the legends. That was cool, and it’s cool to see it come full circle and be here 25 years later.”
Peter Biondo’s selection ensures Sportsman racing remains firmly represented among NHRA’s elite. Known as “The Terminator,” Biondo captured seven world championships across multiple categories and recorded 52 national event wins, building one of the most versatile and successful careers in Sportsman history.
“I feel privileged and honored,” Biondo said. “I put forth the dedication and commitment, and, luckily, the results followed. I still have the itch, and there’s a good chance you’ll see me out there again soon.”
With the Top 75 Drivers rollout officially underway, the original Top 50 from 2001 remains the historical backbone of the list – a who’s who of legends that includes Don Garlits, John Force, Don Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, and many more. When the full Top 75 is revealed, fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative book featuring all 75 drivers, complete with photos and profiles celebrating NHRA’s rich competitive history.
Original NHRA Top 50 Drivers List (2001)
Joe Amato
Brad Anderson
Dale Armstrong
Pat Austin
Raymond Beadle
Gary Beck
Kenny Bernstein
Willie Borsch
Art Chrisman
Jack Chrisman
Jim Dunn
Malcolm Durham
John Force
Don Garlits
Bob Glidden
Darrell Gwynn
Frank Hawley
Eddie Hill
Tommy Ivo
Bill Jenkins
Blaine Johnson
Warren Johnson
Connie Kalitta
Chris Karamesines
Dick LaHaie
Jim Liberman
Frank Manzo
Ed McCulloch
Tom McEwen
Billy Meyer
George Montgomery
Shirley Muldowney
John Mulligan
Don Nicholson
Danny Ongais
Don Prudhomme
David Rampy
Edmond Richardson
Scotty Richardson
Pete Robinson
Dave Schultz
Lee Shepherd
Gene Snow
Ronnie Sox
Richard Tharp
Mickey Thompson
Elmer Trett
Terry Vance
Ken Veney
James Warren
This story was originally published on January 15, 2026. 
The post NHRA Kicks Off Top 75 Drivers Reveal as First Five Additions Are Announced first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
