Matt Hagan Secures No. 1 Seed for NHRA Countdown Championship
News related to:American Rebel Holdings, Inc · 2 min read
American Rebel Light Beer salutes Matt Hagan's 2026 NHRA Funny Car regular-season title as the four-time world champion enters the Countdown to the Championship. Hagan, a true American Rebel, secured the No. 1 seed at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, setting his sights on a fifth world championship.
The celebration of Hagan's victory at the Brainerd International Raceway in August marked the beginning of his regular-season campaign. His 4.020-second pass at 327.35 mph in a decisive semifinal against Ron Capps propelled him to the Funny Car points lead and secured the regular-season championship. Although Hagan finished runner-up to Jack Beckman in the final, he secured the No. 1 starting position for the six-race playoff.
Away from the track, Hagan is a cattle rancher from Christiansburg, Virginia. He is known for his respect for the people who prepare, maintain, and tune his race car. This combination of demanding performance, practical work, and visible respect for the crew makes Hagan a natural representative for American Rebel Light Beer.
American Rebel Light Beer, America's Patriotic Beer, is a crisp, refreshing, all-natural, better-for-you premium light lager. It is brewed for beer drinkers who celebrate freedom, country music, motorsports, tailgates, backyard barbecues, patriotic festivals, and the American way of life. The brand is built around its signature statement: American Rebel Light Beer - America's Patriotic, GOD FEARING, CONSTITUTION LOVING, NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGING, STAND YOUR GROUND BEER™.
Leah Pruett, who entered the Countdown third in the NHRA Top Fuel standings, is also a key player for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). Pruett's comeback season included a victory at the 2026 NHRA New England Nationals, her 13th national-event win and her first since becoming a mother. Her position gives TSR two immediate championship pursuits: Hagan from the No. 1 Funny Car seed and Pruett from the No. 3 Top Fuel seed.
The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by MOPAR will take place from September 18-20 at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. This event marks the first time NHRA national-event racing has returned to Michigan in 66 years. Hagan and Pruett will compete in the announced Dodge Charger Super Bee/Purple Haze liveries, bringing TSR's 12,000-horsepower machines to Michigan.
Qualifying is scheduled to continue on Saturday, September 19, with final eliminations beginning on Sunday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Fans can follow the action on FS1, which will provide elimination coverage at 2 p.m. Eastern. The event information and tickets are available on the NHRA's official website.
American Rebel Light Beer is brewed for beer drinkers who want a crisp, clean, easy-drinking domestic light lager with a "better for you" profile. It is the only BEER they are DRINKIN' ROUND HERE. The brand is crafted with a 100% all-malt recipe and cold, extended fermentation, delivering a crisp taste, smooth drinkability, and brilliant clarity. With 110 calories per 12 oz, 4.2% ABV, and no adjuncts, corn syrups, or rice extracts, American Rebel Light Beer is a patriotic choice for those who celebrate the American spirit.