What NHRA National Event Tracks Are

NHRA National Event tracks are the drag strips where the National Hot Rod Association holds its major sanctioned races throughout the year. These are not local bracket racing venues — they are the tracks that host the professional and semi-professional drivers you see on television, with the biggest purses and the most competitive fields. If you want to watch top-fuel dragsters, funny cars, or pro stock racing at their highest level, you go to one of these tracks.

The NHRA designates certain tracks as official National Event hosts based on their facilities, safety record, and ability to draw crowds. A track may host one National Event per year, or sometimes two. The schedule changes slightly from year to year, but the same core group of tracks — roughly 20 to 25 across North America — make up the circuit.

Key Takeaways

  • NHRA National Events are held at specific tracks the association designates each year, and the schedule is published on NHRA.com before the season starts.
  • Major tracks like Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Raceway Park, and Pomona Fairplex host National Events regularly, though the exact dates shift annually.
  • You can watch National Events in person by buying tickets at the track or online, or watch live broadcasts on Fox, FS1, and the NHRA+ streaming service.
  • National Events feature professional classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock) and sportsman classes, with may have access to rounds on Friday and Saturday and finals on Sunday.
  • Track locations, dates, ticket prices, and broadcast schedules are updated each season on the official NHRA website.

Major NHRA National Event Tracks by Region

The West Coast hosts several of the longest-running National Event tracks. Pomona Fairplex in California holds the season-opening Winternationals and the season-closing Finals. Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada hosts the Summernationals. Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona holds a National Event in the spring. Sonoma Raceway in California also appears on the schedule in some years.

The Midwest and South have their own cluster of regular venues. Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indiana is one of the most prestigious stops and hosts the U.S. Nationals, traditionally the biggest purse of the season. Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois, Bowling Green Raceway in Kentucky, and zMax Dragway in North Carolina are regular National Event hosts. Gainesville Raceway in Florida and Darlington Dragway in South Carolina also host events, though dates and frequency vary.

The Northeast has fewer National Event tracks than other regions, but Englishtown Dragway in New Jersey and occasionally other venues in the region appear on the schedule. The exact lineup of tracks and their dates changes each season, so the current year's schedule should always be checked on NHRA.com rather than assumed from previous years.

How the NHRA Season Schedule Works

The NHRA season typically runs from January through November, with National Events spread across the calendar. The Winternationals at Pomona kick off the season in late January or early February. From there, events are scattered roughly monthly through the spring, summer, and fall, with the Finals at Pomona closing the season in November.

Each National Event is a multi-day affair. may have access to usually takes place on Friday and Saturday, with drivers making two passes each day to establish their starting positions. The finals — the actual races that determine the winner — happen on Sunday. Professional classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock) run alongside sportsman classes (Super Stock, Stock, Comp, Super Comp, Super Gas, and others), so a single National Event can draw hundreds of competitors.

The schedule is designed to give drivers time to travel between tracks and prepare their vehicles. A driver competing in multiple classes or a team running multiple cars may be at a track for the entire weekend or longer. Spectators can attend just the finals on Sunday, or commit to the full weekend to watch may have access to and see how the bracket plays out.

Buying Tickets and Watching in Person

Tickets for NHRA National Events are sold through the individual track's box office and online. Prices vary widely depending on the track, the event, and the seating area. General admission is typically cheaper than reserved or premium seating. Some tracks offer multi-day passes that cover Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while others sell single-day tickets.

Most tracks allow you to bring lawn chairs and coolers to general admission areas, though rules vary by venue. Pit passes — which let you walk through the pit area and get close to the cars and teams — are sold separately and cost more than general admission. Pit passes often sell out weeks in advance at popular events, so if you want one, buy early.

Parking is usually free or low-cost at the track itself. Arrive early on race day if you want a good spot and time to walk around before the action starts. Many tracks have food vendors on-site, though prices are higher than outside food — bringing your own snacks and drinks (where allowed) saves money.

Watching NHRA National Events on Television and Streaming

Most NHRA National Events are broadcast live or tape-delayed on Fox, FS1, or the NHRA+ streaming service. Fox typically carries the biggest events like the U.S. Nationals and the Finals. FS1 carries other National Events throughout the season. NHRA+ is a subscription streaming service run by the NHRA itself and shows may have access to rounds, finals, and behind-the-scenes content.

Broadcast schedules are posted on NHRA.com and updated as the season approaches. If you do not have cable, NHRA+ is the most reliable way to watch National Events live. The service costs a monthly subscription fee, though the NHRA sometimes offers free trial periods or discounted annual rates.

Watching on television or streaming is free if you have the right cable or streaming package, and it offers multiple camera angles and professional commentary. You miss the sound and the atmosphere of being there in person, but you get a clearer view of the racing action and can watch from home.

Finding the Current Year's Schedule

The NHRA publishes the full National Event schedule on NHRA.com before each season begins, usually in November or December of the prior year. The schedule page lists every National Event, the track name, the city and state, the dates, and often a link to buy tickets or get more information about that specific event.

You can also call the track directly to ask about dates, ticket prices, and what to bring. Most tracks have websites with their own event pages, parking information, and house rules. If you are planning to attend an event months in advance, bookmark the track's website so you can check for updates on ticket sales and any schedule changes.

Social media accounts for the NHRA and individual tracks also post reminders about upcoming events, ticket sales, and special promotions. Following these accounts is a good way to stay informed if you attend events regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family and young children to a National Event?

Yes. NHRA National Events are family-friendly, and children are welcome. Ticket prices for children are sometimes discounted. The noise level is very loud — dragsters can exceed 300 decibels — so consider bringing ear protection for young children or anyone sensitive to loud noise. Many families bring blankets and camp out in the general admission areas.

What is the difference between a National Event and a local bracket race?

National Events feature the professional and top-tier sportsman classes, with the biggest purses and the most competitive drivers. Local bracket races are smaller, grassroots events where amateur racers compete for smaller prizes. National Events are televised and draw large crowds; local races are not. Both happen at drag strips, but National Events are the NHRA's premier circuit.

Do I need to buy pit passes to see the cars up close?

Pit passes let you walk through the pit area and stand near the teams and vehicles, but they are not required to attend the event. General admission seating in the grandstands gives you a good view of the racing itself. Pit passes are for people who want to explore the pits, take photos, and interact with teams — they cost extra and sell out quickly at popular events.

What if the National Event schedule changes or a race is postponed?

Weather, mechanical issues, or other problems can cause delays or postponements. The NHRA and the track will announce changes on their websites and social media. If you have tickets, check NHRA.com or call the track directly to confirm the new date. Most tracks honor tickets for the rescheduled date without requiring you to buy new ones.

Can I watch may have access to rounds, or do I have to wait for Sunday finals?

You can watch may have access to on Friday and Saturday if you buy a multi-day pass or attend those days separately. may have access to is less crowded than Sunday finals and gives you a chance to see all the cars and drivers in action. Many fans enjoy may have access to because the racing is just as competitive, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and you can move around more easily.