The Laris Motorsports Insurance NHRA SPORTSnationals returned to No Problem Raceway Park in Belle Rose, Louisiana, for its second consecutive year, bringing excitement and fierce competition to Cajun Country. Among the winners were Rodger Brogdon, Dan Dittmer, and Brett Candies, alongside several other talented drivers.
Rodger Brogdon Takes the Win in Comp
Rodger Brogdon claimed his eighth career NHRA national event win, and his fifth in Comp, when he defeated Kevin Duet in the final round. Brogdon, driving his B/Street Roadster, was first off the starting line and posted a (-.507) 7.643 to Duet’s -.479 in his A/Nostalgia Dragster. The victory marked another significant milestone for Brogdon in his NHRA career.
Brett Candies Dominates in Super Stock
In Super Stock, Brett Candies scored his fourth national event win, taking his Cobra Jet Mustang past Bryce Granier in the final. Candies left the line with a perfect edge, driving to a nearly flawless 9.278 on his 9.27 dial, while Granier broke out by .009-second. This win added to Candies’ impressive NHRA career, including his 2022 NHRA U.S. Nationals victory.
Dan Dittmer Claims First Stock Win
Dan Dittmer earned his first-ever win in Stock after facing off against Austin Williams in the final. Both drivers left the line ahead of the green light, but Williams fouled first, giving Dittmer the win. This marked Dittmer’s first win in his third career final round appearance.
Other Notable Winners
- Michael Holcombe added a third win to his resume in Super Comp after defeating Richard Pierson in a close final, 8.908 to 8.909. Holcombe’s .017 reaction time played a key role in his victory.
- Jock Lisenby, a winner of last year’s JEGS SPORTSnationals, took home the Super Gas title, defeating Todd Pullen in the final after Pullen fouled.
- Mark McCall claimed his first Super Street victory, narrowly defeating Landon Neely by just .008 seconds, with a 10.933 to 10.957 decision.
- Danny Nelson, a past world champion, won his eighth career Right Trailers Top Dragster title after Bryan Sandlin fouled in the final.
- Allen Firestone turned on the win light in Right Trailers Top Sportsman, defeating Jim Thorp in a competitive final, with Firestone running a 6.342 against Thorp’s breakout 6.29.
Laris Cajun SPORTSnationals: A Racer-Friendly Event
The Laris Cajun SPORTSnationals has quickly become a fan favorite, thanks to its unique environment, including a traditional Cajun crawfish boil and various off-track activities that bring the community together.
The event, which also serves as a doubleheader weekend with a South Central Division Lucas Oil Series event, continues to grow as a key highlight for NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors.
With a variety of winners and thrilling moments on the track, the 2026 edition of the Laris Motorsports Insurance NHRA SPORTSnationals will be remembered as another exciting chapter in the NHRA sportsman racing season.
