New NHRA National Event Tracks for 2026 - What It Means for Drivers, Teams & Sponsors
Fresh venues, expanded markets, and new opportunities on and off the track
The NHRA is shaking things up in a big way for the 2026 season, and it’s not just because the sport is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
For the first time in over a decade, the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is expanding its national event footprint with multiple new tracks joining the schedule - and that’s huge news for competitors and partners alike.
Here’s what’s new, what it means, and how you can capitalize on these additions.
The New National Event Tracks on the Calendar
In 2026, NHRA will debut national events at multiple tracks that have never before hosted a full Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event. These include:
U.S. 131 Motorsports Park - Great Lakes Nationals
Location: Martin, Michigan
Event: Countdown to the Championship opener
Known as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” this facility has earned a reputation as a Midwest favorite for speed and atmosphere. It’s the first time it’s hosting an NHRA national-level event, and it will kick off the 2026 Countdown to the Championship - giving it championship significance.
South Georgia Motorsports Park - Southern Nationals
Dates: May 1–3, 2026
A long-awaited return to Georgia for the Southern Nationals, bringing NHRA drag racing into markets like Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Atlanta for the first time in years.
Maryland International Raceway -Potomac Nationals
This classic facility near Washington, D.C. is also joining the NHRA national schedule in 2026, marking a significant expansion into the Mid-Atlantic motorsports scene.
Rockingham Dragway
Another historic track returning to the spotlight with a full national event, giving teams and fans in North Carolina and the Southeast a new high-profile stop.
These new events are part of four total new national event facilities on the 2026 calendar - the most expansion NHRA has seen in years.
What This Means for Drivers & Teams
1. Competitive Strategy Changes
With new tracks, there are new variables.
Different layouts, climates, and fanbases mean teams must gather fresh data and adapt quickly - especially when championship points are on the line from day one at venues like U.S. 131.
More unknowns = greater value on testing and preparation.
Drivers who master a new track early can gain a big advantage in the season standings.
2. New Fanbases = Bigger Exposure
New markets bring new faces to the sport.
Fans in Georgia, Michigan, Maryland, and North Carolina will now experience NHRA in-person, widening the overall footprint of drag racing.
That means more eyes on:
Your car or bike at the event.
Your logo and sponsors in the grandstands.
Your content when marketed locally and nationally.
3. Fresh Data for Next Season’s Prep
All the race footage, data logs, and fan reactions you capture from these new venues become content and marketing gold - especially for early 2027 sponsor proposals.
What It Means for Sponsors
1. Access to New Markets
Every new venue = a new regional audience.
Midwest (Michigan)
Southeast (Georgia & North Carolina)
Mid-Atlantic (Maryland/DC)
Sponsors can now target fanbases that previously didn’t have national NHRA racing close to home - AND that’s powerful from a marketing standpoint.
Companies whose products or services resonate in these regions now have native exposure instead of forcing digital impressions.
2. Regional Activations & Local Events
With new local races, sponsors can plan:
Local gear giveaways
Fan meet-ups
VIP experiences
Community brand activations
Cross-promotions with regional businesses
These local touches translate into deeper brand connection - not just logo placement.
New Tracks = New Storylines + Fresh Content Opportunities
For teams and drivers, each new event is a marketing goldmine:
“First NHRA national event at X track” content
On-the-ground regional fan stories
Local partnerships and media interviews
Historic-first visuals and archives
Behind-the-scenes comparisons of new venues
These fresh storylines elevate your narrative beyond racing results and give sponsors tons of content triggers.
Example angles:
Trailer to track journey posts
Local culture reels
Historic first-time event coverage
Track differences - Midwest vs Southeast vs Mid-Atlantic
All of that strengthens engagement which in turn strengthens sponsor value.
The Big Picture: Growth and Evolution
NHRA continues to grow its national footprint during its 75th anniversary season and track expansion is a big part of that. By adding events at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, South Georgia Motorsports Park, Maryland International Raceway, and Rockingham Dragway, the series isn’t just honoring its legacy - it’s investing in the future of drag racing and its fanbase.
For drivers and teams, that means more chances to race in front of passionate new audiences.
For sponsors, that means more regional touchpoints and untapped markets.
For fans, that means more opportunities to see national-level drag racing in person.
The Bottom Line
New tracks bring new opportunities.
Whether you’re a driver, a crew member, a content creator, or a sponsor, these additions to the 2026 NHRA schedule are a signal that the sport is expanding - and that the smart players will be the ones ready to leverage them.
Want help turning these new national events into marketing wins - from sponsor decks to content campaigns? JW Brands builds motorsports marketing strategies designed to turn every track into a business advantage.
