OCALA, FL (352today.com) – You can almost hear the roar of the engines at the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville and local Top Fuel driver Josh Hart is gearing up for one of the biggest weekends of his season–both on and off the track.
Hart, who owns Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala, is hosting the fourth annual Fan Fest at his shop on the evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, a night ahead of race weekend. The free event will run from 6-9 p.m. with a massive car show, live music and driver autograph session.
What began as a modest car show expecting 50 vehicles has grown into a major community event, now anticipated to draw nearly 1,000 show cars and roughly 7,000 attendees. Proceeds from the event are donated to a charity selected by Hart’s wife.
On the track, Hart recently joined John Force Racing following the retirement of Brittany Force, driving the Burnyzz Speed Shop Top Fuel Dragster.
Hart recently spoke with Hunter and Dupree of 92.5/ 95.5 Wind-FM’s morning show. He said despite performing in front of tens of thousands of fans, once the engine fires, his focus narrows completely to the task at hand.
Hart’s passion for racing extends beyond the strip and into his home life. A fan of classic racing films like “Days of Thunder” and “Ford v Ferrari,” he says those movies capture the solitary intensity drivers feel inside the cockpit. Off the track, however, his priorities have shifted. As the father of two young children, he describes parenthood as the most meaningful part of his life. While his 3-year-old son prefers heavy machinery over race cars, his daughter already shows a fearless love of speed–a trait Hart recognizes well from his own youth.
Competition officially begins Friday, March 6, 2026, at Gainesville Raceway with qualifying rounds, leading up to Sunday eliminations. This year’s Gatornationals will also honor drag racing legends including Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Kenny Bernstein.