LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 29, 2026) – SCAG Racing heads to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the NHRA Nevada Nationals, the second-to-last race of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. With just two races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, Justin Ashley, Will Smith, Daniel Wilkerson and Dave Richards are looking to capitalize on their recent progress and finish the season on a high note.
Will Smith and the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel team have continued to make strides throughout the Countdown, highlighted by Smith’s first career final-round appearance in St. Louis and his first semifinal appearance at Rockingham. Most recently, Smith advanced to the second round at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, where he came up just short against Shawn Langdon in a close race. With two events remaining, Smith and his Bluebird Top Fuel team are determined to continue building on that momentum and contend for their first victory.
“We’ve made some good strides as a team throughout the Countdown, and our goal is to keep building on that momentum as we head to Las Vegas,” said Smith. “We want to keep turning on win lights, collecting valuable championship points, and putting ourselves in a position to compete for a race win. There are only two races left, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got to finish this season strong. Glen, Scotty, Nicky and this entire Bluebird Turf / SCAG Racing team have worked extremely hard to get us where we are, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish over these final two races. Hopefully, we can put the Bluebird Turf Top Fuel dragster in the winner’s circle before the season is over.”
Ashley and the SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel team are also looking to carry their recent consistency into Las Vegas. With semifinal finishes in three of their last five race-day appearances, Ashley and his team have made significant progress as the season has developed. Their focus now shifts to continuing that trend and positioning themselves for a strong finish in the championship standings.
“There’s only a limited amount of opportunities left this season so it’s critical we take advantage of every one,” said Ashley. “We’re coming into this race having made the semi-finals in three our last five raceday appearances. That’s the kind of consistency that’ll lead to success this weekend.
“It’s our goal to leave Las Vegas with an opportunity to close out the year well inside the top 5. The Top Fuel field is going to be stout and the conditions should be cool. So in order to accomplish that goal I’m sure we’ll have to lean on this SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel dragster a little bit. That’s an area where we’ve been improving and I look forward to making more strides in that direction beginning Friday in Las Vegas.”
In Funny Car, Daniel Wilkerson returns to Las Vegas looking to put a disappointing outing at the Texas NHRA FallNationals behind him. Wilkerson and his SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car team have shown strong potential throughout the season, and the second-generation driver is eager to return to a facility where he has enjoyed success in the past. The weekend will also provide an opportunity for Wilkerson to spend time with Summit Racing Equipment, an associate sponsor of his Funny Car and sponsor of the E.T. Finals taking place at the facility.
“There is no better remedy for a huge mistake like I made at Dallas than a little time with the ones you love,” said Wilkerson. “My wife, kids and I had an awesome weekend off, and I’m recharged and ready to do some butt-kicking! Vegas has been good to us in the past, so I am always excited to run here. Plus, Summit Racing Equipment sponsors the E.T. Finals here, so I get to hang out with some bracket racers Thursday night and bench race! SCAG Power Equipment always has a great group there, and I hope to be standing in the winner’s circle with them Sunday night.”
Dave Richards and the Bluebird Turf / Versatran Funny Car team are equally motivated to make the most of the final two events of the season. Richards and his team have continued working to improve their consistency and performance against a competitive Funny Car field. With Las Vegas offering another opportunity to turn that progress into round wins, Richards is focused on putting together a strong weekend from qualifying through eliminations.
“We’re getting down to the end of the season, and everybody on this Bluebird Turf team wants to finish on a high note,” said Richards. “The guys have been working hard all year, and we’ve made progress in a lot of areas. We just need to put everything together when it counts. Las Vegas is always a great place to race, and we know there will be a lot of great SCAG guests out there cheering us on.”
The Las Vegas event marks the second-to-last stop on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule before the season concludes at the NHRA Finals in Pomona, California.
Qualifying for the NHRA Nevada Nationals begins Friday, Oct. 30, with two nitro qualifying sessions scheduled for 2 and 4:30 p.m. PT. Qualifying continues Saturday, Oct. 31, with sessions at noon and 2:30 p.m. PT. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. PT.
Television coverage of the NHRA Nevada Nationals is scheduled to air Sunday, Nov. 1, on FS1, beginning with qualifying at 3 p.m. ET, followed by eliminations coverage at 5 p.m. ET.
