GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 4, 2026) — Will Smith and the BlueBird Turf Top Fuel team are set to begin their 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season this weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. This weekend will mark the start of Smith’s first full-time NHRA season, a milestone he has been working towards since he was a child.
Smith, who first told his parents he wanted to be a race car driver at the age of two or three, has pursued that dream for more than a decade. Over the years, he has gained experience in a wide range of cars, including Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Alcohol Dragster, Funny Car, and Top Fuel. With his BlueBird Turf team, Smith will now compete full-time on the NHRA circuit, ready to build consistency throughout the season.
“I told my parents when I was two or three that I wanted to be a race car driver when I grew up,” said Smith. “They thought I’d probably outgrow it, but I never lost my love for it. Getting the call that my name was in the mix for this new BlueBird Turf seat was super humbling. And then a few days later when Randy (Gloede) called and said I’d been chosen, I was just so excited and grateful. This has been my dream my whole life.”
While Smith admits to feeling some nerves heading into his first full-time NHRA season, he is focused on bringing his best to SCAG Racing and inspiring others along the way.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous at all, but I’m also extremely excited,” explained Smith. “I want to inspire people through this opportunity and show that anything is possible if you stay dedicated and work for it.”
Smith has received strong support from his BlueBird Turf team, with support from Justin Ashley’s SCAG Power Equipment team, as well as Metalcraft employees, who helped get the new team up and running during the off-season.
“Everyone that I have encountered so far on this journey has been incredible,” Smith said. “They’ve welcomed me, helped me get comfortable in the car, and made me feel like part of the team from day one. My team has been working so hard the last two months to get this car ready. I have a lot more learning to do, but testing this week helped me loosen up and gain more confidence in the car. My goal is to build consistency so that by the end of the season I can look back and see how much I’ve grown.”
This weekend also provides an opportunity for Smith to meet and interact with the large group of SCAG Power Equipment Dealers that distributor Florida Outdoor Equipment has attending the event.
“I’m looking forward to hanging out with everyone and connecting with the people who make this program possible,” said Smith. “I want to make Randy, Maria, and all of SCAG Power Equipment, BlueBird Turf, and Metalcraft proud.”
The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals begins with four rounds of qualifying Friday, March 6th, at 2:30 and 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 7th, at 12:35 and 3 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday, March 8th, at 10:00 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with a qualifying show on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET and eliminations at 12 p.m.
