By SEMA News Editors
2026 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Ceremony Honors Seven
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, recently hosted the 2026 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame ceremony.
This year's honorees--who were celebrated at the Museum on Thursday, March 5--included:
- Steve Boggs (crew chief and tuner)
- Bob Frey (race commentator)
- Anita Mäkelä (multi-race winner and season champion based in Europe)
- David Reher and Buddy Morrison (founders of Reher‑Morrison Racing Engines)
- Rahn Tobler (crew chief and tuner)
In addition, Arlene Johnson was recognized as the Pat Garlits Memorial Award recipient. Johnson is the wife of the six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson.
The Pat Garlits Memorial Award, which began in 2014, honors the life and legacy of Pat Garlits, the wife of Don Garlits. The award is given to a woman who contributed to the success of a spouse involved in the sport, or contributed to the success of the sport by their actions both on and off the drag strip.
The annual event celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of drag racing.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix Unveils Historic Track Design for D.C. Race
Charting the course of racing history, officials have unveiled the unique race track design and layout for this summer's Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., featuring the cars and stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Set for August 22-23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first‑ever auto race held on the National Mall and the historic city streets of Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The landmark weekend will be free and open to the public.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature a 1.7‑mile, seven‑turn layout, blending the high‑speed demands of INDYCAR racing with the historic character and stunning visuals of the nation's capital. The racing circuit will wind around the National Mall, incorporating some of America's most historic and iconic landmarks.
Designed with fan accessibility, breathtaking views and safety at its core, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature the high-powered open-wheel cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing on a sweeping .4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue, framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The pit lane area of the track will be adjacent to the track, on Pennsylvania Avenue, between Turns 1 and 2, on the circuit design. The ultra-competitive INDYCAR field will also race by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives on the challenging and picturesque course layout.
"This circuit is unlike any other street race we've seen," said two‑time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and back‑to‑back Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who had the opportunity to tour the circuit on Monday morning. "You've got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect. Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can't wait to be back here to race and celebrate America's birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix."
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was formalized through an Executive Order signed earlier this year by President Donald J. Trump entitled "Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing." The first-ever street race around the National Mall enjoys key support from the Chief of Protocol of the United States, Ambassador Monica Crowley, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Read more about this story and the event on the INDYCAR website here.
Images courtesy of INDYCAR
Petersen Automotive Museum Partners With WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
The Petersen Automotive Museum and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca have formed a new partnership aimed at amplifying their impact in the automotive and motorsports industries.
As part of the partnership, the Petersen Automotive Museum and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will work together to further their shared missions of preserving automotive history and engaging the public, while delivering meaningful experiences for enthusiasts and supporters, representatives of each organization said.
The museum will partner with the raceway on specific events, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale, to expand the event's reach and impact, host member events and provide cars for display. In addition, the museum will incorporate Laguna Seca into museum-organized rallies, tours and special events.
"While our exhibits and displays are among the best in the world, there is nothing like seeing cars in their element on the road and track," said Terry L. Karges, executive director for the Petersen Automotive Museum. "Working with Laguna Seca is the ideal way to bring our museum to life and engage with the automotive community in an entirely new way."
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will serve as an official destination and partner with the museum, hosting museum vehicles and collaborative events. It will also offer VIP access, unique experiences and exclusives for museum members. The organizations will also collaborate on co-branded merchandise.
"This partnership is a wonderful way to build immersive experiences that connect automotive history with performance," said Mel Harder, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca president and general manager. "We're excited to work with the Petersen team as we continue on our mission to restore and revitalize this historic facility."
For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, visit petersen.org. To learn more about WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and its upcoming events, visit weathertechraceway.com.
Image courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
