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SCHEDULE CHANGE

Friday Pro qualifying at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will now start at 1 p.m. ET [Full Friday schedule]

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Krista Baldwin returns to Top Fuel in Chicago with special tribute to “the Greek”

Krista Baldwin will make her return to NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel competition this weekend at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, bringing with her a heartfelt tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic pioneers — her grandfather, Chris “the Greek” Karamesines.
11 May 2026
News
Krista Baldwin

Krista Baldwin will make her return to NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel competition this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, bringing with her a heartfelt tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic pioneers — her grandfather, Chris “the Greek” Karamesines.

Backed by Red Line Oil, Composite Specialties, and Seefried Ranch, Baldwin returns to Top Fuel at one of the NHRA tour’s marquee events with a special family celebration at the center of the weekend.

Karamesines, a legendary figure in drag racing history and one of the original stars of NHRA Top Fuel competition, will serve as one of the event’s honorary legends of the weekend. To celebrate his impact on the sport and his family legacy, Baldwin’s Top Fuel dragster will feature a special signature tribute design honoring “the Greek.” The design will be officially unveiled on the starting line during the first qualifying session on Friday.

“This weekend means so much to me personally and professionally,” said Baldwin. “To return to Top Fuel competition while also celebrating my grandfather and everything he’s meant to the sport is incredibly special. He paved the way for generations of racers, including me, and I’m proud to honor him on our race car this weekend.”

Baldwin’s return also marks the beginning of a new collaboration with crew chief Ron Douglas, who has spent the last several weeks working closely with Baldwin and her team to prepare the car for competition at one of NHRA’s most historic venues.
Douglas brings decades of Top Fuel and nitro experience to the operation and has been instrumental in ensuring the team is race-ready heading into Chicago.

“Ron has worked tirelessly to help get this program prepared,” Baldwin said. “His experience and leadership have already made a huge impact, and I’m excited to work alongside him this weekend.”

The Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Peak marks Baldwin’s first Top Fuel appearance of the 2026 season and comes at a venue rich with family history and memorable moments for the Karamesines racing legacy.