Two pillars of NHRA drag racing were celebrated Saturday night, January 10, 2026, as Gene Bergstrom and Jeff Lane were inducted into the NHRA Division 6 Hall of Fame during ceremonies held at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Portland.

The Hall of Fame inductions were conducted in conjunction with the annual Northwest Division Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing racers who earned year-end honors across a wide range of NHRA points classes. The event brought together competitors, officials, families, and supporters from throughout the Northwest to celebrate both current achievements and the sport’s rich history.

Bergstrom was greeted with a standing ovation from the capacity crowd before taking the podium to reflect on a career that helped shape NHRA drag racing for more than five decades. His journey began in 1955, when he attended his first drag race as a young fan at Shelton Dragstrip. What followed was a lifelong commitment to the sport—first as a racer, and later as one of the more and respected influential administrators in NHRA history.

In 1979, Bergstrom was named Division 6 Director, a role in which he helped guide the Northwest Division through a period of growth and evolution. His leadership and dedication led to a promotion to National Field Director, where he oversaw NHRA divisions across the country and played a key role in steering the future of the sport. Now retired, Bergstrom resides in Parker, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, passion, and service.

Joining Bergstrom in the Hall of Fame was veteran Competition Eliminator standout Jeff Lane. One of the most respected sportsman racers in the country, Lane’s career spans more than four decades and includes an extraordinary list of accomplishments at both the national and divisional levels. Known for his consistency, versatility, and competitive drive, Lane has amassed numerous class wins, championships, and memorable performances that have cemented his place among the elite in NHRA sportsman racing.

The induction of Gene Bergstrom and Jeff Lane serves as a reminder of the individuals whose dedication—both on and off the track—continues to define the spirit of NHRA drag racing in the Northwest and beyond.

At the conclusion of the evening, a gathering of both past (and current) track operators and NHRA veteran staff members joined together for this group photo. Pictured below: Mike Rice and Rob Park (NHRA), standing; Scott New (Firebird), Tony Adams (Renegade), Bergstrom, Wyatt McMurtry (Ashcroft, B.C.) and Jeff Foster (S.I.R. and The Strip in Vegas), seated l to r.