Krista Baldwin Returns to Top Fuel at Route 66 Nationals with Tribute to “The Greek” Karamesines
Krista Baldwin is set to make her return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel ranks this weekend at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, bringing with her a special tribute to one of drag racing’s most legendary names — her grandfather, Chris Karamesines.
Backed by Red Line Oil, Composite Specialties, and Seefried Ranch, Baldwin’s return to Top Fuel competition also doubles as a celebration of the Karamesines family legacy in NHRA drag racing.
Karamesines, known throughout the sport as “The Greek,” will serve as the honorary legend of the weekend during the Joliet event. To honor his decades-long impact on Top Fuel racing, Baldwin’s dragster will debut a special tribute livery featuring Karamesines’ signature branding. The design is scheduled to be unveiled during Friday’s opening qualifying session on the starting line.
“This weekend means so much to me personally and professionally,” Baldwin said. “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.” The weekend will also mark the beginning of a new partnership between Baldwin and veteran crew chief Ron Douglas. Douglas, who brings decades of nitro and Top Fuel experience to the team, has spent recent weeks helping prepare the operation for competition at one of NHRA’s most historic stops.
“Ron has worked tirelessly to help get this program prepared,” Baldwin added. “His experience and leadership have already made a huge impact, and I’m excited to work alongside him this weekend.” The Route 66 Nationals will be Baldwin’s first Top Fuel appearance of the 2026 season and comes at a track with deep roots tied to the Karamesines family racing history.
Qualifying begins Friday at Route 66 Raceway, with eliminations scheduled for Sunday.