Today is March 3, 2026, and the excitement at Orlando Speed World Dragway was palpable this past weekend as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Southeast Division took center stage. Local racers made headlines, with Austin Alvey showcasing his impressive skills by clinching victory in the Super Stock category and securing a second-place finish in Stock. His brother, Matthew Alvey, also put on a strong performance, finishing second in the Comp category.

The results from Sunday were thrilling, with Monty Bogan from Boiling Springs, S.C., defeating Matthew Alvey in the Competition Eliminator with a time of 8.739 seconds. In the Super Stock category, Austin Alvey triumphed over Gianni Cantusci, clocking in at 9.382 seconds. The Stock Eliminator saw Austin fall to Terry Hembree from Blue Ridge, Ga., who finished at 10.683 seconds. The competition was fierce across all categories, and the results highlighted the talent and determination of the participants.

Event Highlights

Saturday’s qualifying rounds set the stage for an electrifying Sunday. Steve Johnson from Spartanburg, S.C., led the Competition Eliminator with a qualifying time of 8.862 seconds, while Douglas Duell from Newburgh, Ind., topped the Stock Eliminator with a time of 10.365 seconds. The fans were treated to incredible speeds, especially from Jacky Bennett, who qualified first in Top Sportsman with a blistering 6.131 seconds at 237.84 mph.

Other standout performances included Donna Patterson in Top Dragster, who qualified with a time of 6.169 seconds at 223.99 mph. The junior dragsters also showcased their talent, with Luka Santiago qualifying first in the Novice Junior Dragster category with a reaction time of 0.145 seconds. The enthusiasm of the young racers was on full display, proving that the future of drag racing is in good hands.

NHRA’s Legacy and Safety Commitment

The NHRA, founded by Wally Parks, has a rich history of promoting safety and sportsmanship in the world of drag racing. Since its inception, it has grown to include over 57,000 members, aiming to differentiate dedicated racers from reckless street racers. The NHRA’s commitment to safety is evident through its stringent regulations and the introduction of numerous safety devices, from five-point harnesses to fuel cells designed to prevent leaks.

With a dedicated Safety Safari team and advanced technologies like automatic engine shut-off systems, the NHRA ensures a safe racing environment for all participants. This dedication to safety has evolved over the years, adapting to the challenges of the sport and the need for enhanced protective measures. The NHRA continues to be a beacon for organized drag racing, encouraging involvement from all ages and fostering a community that celebrates high-speed competition.

For the full results and highlights from the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, check out the detailed coverage on DragChamp and the NHRA’s official site here. To learn more about the NHRA’s mission and history, visit Wikipedia.