MECHANICSVILLE, Md. (May 27, 2026) — SCAG Racing is set to take on the NHRA Potomac Nationals this weekend at Maryland International Raceway as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to the facility for the first national event held at the track since 1991. With all four SCAG Racing teams entering unfamiliar territory, the weekend presents a unique opportunity to make history at one of the sport’s newest stops on the tour.
Justin Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel team enter the weekend looking to capitalize on a critical stretch in the NHRA schedule as the season begins to shift toward the busy summer months.
“Maryland is the start of a critical three-race stretch,” said Ashley. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get into a rhythm as we head into the summer months. Since it’s a new track there’s usually a learning curve. But that’s part of what makes an event like this unique. Data and information is at a premium for everyone. The Top Fuel field is incredibly deep right now. You have to take advantage of each opportunity in order to win. That’s how it should be. When the competition is tough it brings out the best in everybody. Our SCAG Power Equipment team is ready.”
Daniel Wilkerson and the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car team are equally excited for the challenge of racing at a new venue and connecting with fans in a new market.
“I am always excited to get to a new track,” said Wilkerson. “Partly because I enjoy seeing new parts of the country, but mostly because we get to see new people. Getting to meet new fans and dealers at these new tracks is quickly becoming one of my favorite things, and with any luck we will get to hang out with some in the winner circle!”
Will Smith and the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel team will debut new partner Robert A. Tull Inc. on the car this weekend as the Maryland-based company joins the program for its hometown event. Robert A. Tull Inc. is a well-established commercial and residential plumbing contractor based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
“We’re really excited to head to Maryland International Raceway for the first Potomac Nationals,” said Smith. “It feels like we’ve been making solid progress as a team, and every race weekend we continue to learn more and build on what we’ve started. The guys have been working incredibly hard and I’m proud of the direction our program is heading. We’re also excited to welcome Robert A. Tull Inc. as a new partner on the car this weekend. Having Tony Tull’s continued support means so much, and we’re looking forward to representing them well on and off the track, in front of their hometown crowd. This is also a special weekend because we’ll have a lot of dealers with us at the track. Getting the opportunity to host them, spend time together, and put on a great show for everyone is something we always look forward to. We’re ready to get to work and hopefully keep this momentum moving in the right direction.”
Dave Richards and the Bluebird Turf Funny Car team are eager to take part in the historic return of NHRA racing to Maryland International Raceway while continuing to build momentum during the heart of the season.
“We’re excited to be part of such a big weekend for NHRA and for the fans in this area,” said Richards. “A lot of people have waited a long time to see national event racing return to Maryland International Raceway, so it’s cool for all of us to be part of that moment. New tracks change the playing field a little bit and make things interesting for everybody. Our Bluebird Turf team has been working hard and we’re looking forward to putting together a strong weekend in front of a great crowd.”
Qualifying for the NHRA Potomac Nationals begins Friday with two sessions scheduled for 2:30 and 5:00 p.m. ET. Two additional qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. before eliminations begin Sunday at 11:00 a.m. ET. Television coverage of the NHRA Potomac Nationals will air across FS1 and FOX, with qualifying rounds scheduled for Friday and Saturday from 7–8 p.m. ET on FS1, followed by eliminations on Sunday from 3–6 p.m. ET on FOX.
