Full Breakdown
Shawn Langdon Sets New NHRA Top Fuel Speed Record at South Georgia Motorsports Park
5/3/2026, 5:21:30 AM
Record-Breaking Run at South Georgia Motorsports Park
During a qualifying run at South Georgia Motorsports Park on Friday, Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon recorded a speed of 345.00 mph (555 km/h) over the 1,000-foot (305 m) strip in 3.724 seconds, breaking the NHRA speed record previously held by Brittany Force (343.51 mph, 2025).
Expansion of NHRA Schedule and New Venue Context
The run occurred at the series’ debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park, a new stop on the NHRA’s 20-event 2026 schedule. The addition, together with a future venue in Mechanicsville, Maryland, marks the first schedule expansion in over a dozen years.
Principal Competitors and Team Personnel
Langdon, 43, drives for Kalitta Air with crew chief Brian Husen. At the event, Tony Stewart qualified second in Top Fuel with a 3.758-second run at 334.40 mph; Doug Kalitta was third with a 3.762-second run at the same speed. Former record holder Brittany Force and class leaders J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also competed.
Performance Metrics and Comparative Data
The 345.00 mph record exceeds Force’s 343.51 mph by 1.49 mph. Langdon’s 3.724-second elapsed time trails Force’s 3.623-second record by 0.101 seconds. Stewart’s 334.40 mph run is 10.6 mph slower than Langdon’s speed.
NHRA Official Commentary and Series Implications
NHRA officials said the record sets an immediate benchmark for the new track and highlights the series’ competitive depth. The schedule expansion is presented as a strategy to reach new fans.
Skepticism Over Legitimacy of Record
Some observers questioned the accuracy of the speed measurement. Langdon noted the doubts, saying the team discussed them and crew chief Husen plans to prove the record during the season. He called the achievement “special for the guys.”
Conflicting Timing and Speed Reports
Sources differ on the exact elapsed time and speed units. One report lists 3.724 seconds at 345.00 mph; another records a 3.7-second run at 555 km/h. Both agree the pass broke the record, but present slight timing and unit variations.
Upcoming Rounds and Future Prospects
After South Georgia, the NHRA will race at Mechanicsville, Maryland later in May. Langdon entered the event second in points, trailing Doug Kalitta after four races, keeping him in contention for the championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To see that [345 mph] pop up on the scoreboard, I think it was special for the guys.” — Shawn Langdon, Top Fuel driver
- “I was happy for them, especially (crew chief) Brian (Husen).” — Shawn Langdon
- “I was happy for them, especially (crew chief) Brian (Husen). We were able to do that testing, and some people had different ideas on what they thought — if it was legit or not. We kind of talked about it and Brian was like, ‘Well, we’ll just do it in the season to prove it was legit.'” — Shawn Langdon
- “It’s also good to be able to do that here, at this new track, in front of these new fans. I knew it was on a good run, but I was actually a little surprised because you don't really notice the mile per hour,” — Shawn Langdon
