MECHANICSVILLE — Hughesville native Kelly Clontz will compete for the first time at Maryland International Raceway in Pro Stock Motorcycle this weekend as the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series makes its debut at the Southern Maryland facility for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.
Clontz, riding her Steamfitters UA Local 602/ArchKey Solutions Suzuki, got her start at MIR, where she won multiple track championships before advancing to the national level. Hundreds of family members, friends and local fans are expected to pack the grandstands for the three-day event that brings national drag racing to Southern Maryland for the first time.
“This facility has always been top-notch and I think everyone is excited about this weekend,” Clontz said. “You could see the energy building up ever since the announcement was made that NHRA was coming here. Everyone is excited and I think everyone is in for a treat.
“I grew up selling t-shirts at the souvenir stand here. Royce (Miller, owner of Maryland International Raceway) runs a top-notch deal. I grew up with his kids at the track and this is just awesome to see. I think it’s a great fit between NHRA and MIR, and it’s going to be a really amazing weekend.”
The Potomac Nationals, the seventh of 20 races in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, features all four Mission Foods classes: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Elimination coverage airs on FOX Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Qualifying runs Friday at 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
For Clontz, the home-track advantage is personal. She and husband Chris have made steady progress on the Vance & Hines Suzuki this season and hope for a strong showing in front of the passionate Southern Maryland motorcycle crowd.
“Chris gives me a great bike and it’s just a matter of me being consistent and staying focused,” Clontz said. “For all the people who support us, this is just really cool to have this opportunity. It’s going to be big and a whole community here. I know what I have to do and I’m on a mission to do it.”
The weekend also marks NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration at MIR. Highlights include an appearance by three-time Top Fuel world champion Shirley Muldowney and a tribute to her pioneering career. On Sunday, the first 4,000 fans receive a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant.
Southern Maryland’s racing community has long supported MIR, and the NHRA debut is seen as validation of the track’s reputation. Clontz knows the local fans will bring extra energy to the Pro Stock Motorcycle class.
The event also spotlights the broader NHRA field. Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon seeks his third straight win against a stacked lineup including teammate Doug Kalitta, Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, Justin Ashley, Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher.
In Funny Car, Ron Capps and J.R. Todd are tied for the points lead, with Matt Hagan close behind. Other contenders include Chad Green, Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria.
Pro Stock is led by reigning champion Dallas Glenn, with Matt Hartford, Greg Anderson, Erica Enders and the Coughlin brothers also in contention.
Clontz faces a tough Pro Stock Motorcycle field including points leader and reigning champion Richard Gadson, Gaige Herrera, Angie Smith, Chase Van Sant, John Hall, Jianna Evaristo, Clayton Howey and Steve Johnson.
The Potomac Nationals bring national attention and economic impact to Southern Maryland. St. Mary’s County officials and local businesses have promoted the event as a major tourism boost for the region.
Fans can purchase tickets and find schedule details at mirdragway.com. The track is located at 27861 Budds Creek Road in Mechanicsville.
For Clontz, the weekend is more than a race — it’s a homecoming. “Having all these people here to support me, it’s going to be exciting, but I know what I need to do and I’ll be ready,” she said.
