2026 Date Released for the 15th Anniversary of NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway
Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (Aug. 28, 2025) – NHRA announced today that the 75th anniversary season schedule is set to include the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway on Oct. 2-4, 2026.
This critical stop in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship will serve as the 17th stop on the calendar and third stop in the countdown. Fans can expect the same non-stop action that has made this event a fan favorite for more than a decade.
The NHRA event will be positioned between two other high-horsepower weekends. The annual running of the Million Dollar Drag Race will be just a week before the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Divisional Doubleheader follows just a week after. WWT Raceway will serve as the center of the drag racing scene for over three weeks.
“Our event has traditionally been four weeks after Labor Day, with the way the calendar falls in 2026, it provides a unique October spot,” said Chris Blair, WWT Raceway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our September and October stretch run showcases the best in bracket racing with The Million, the greatest sportsman drag racers with the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in our double divisional/regional mega weekend and the fastest cars on the planet with the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. No other track delivers this level of competition, much less in a three week period.”
During this stretch at the Madison-based track, tens of thousands of fans will flock to the Metro East to watch some of the best battle it out on the drag strip known as the “Palace of Power.” Ideal weather, as well as three thousand of the best racers in motorsports, will produce record setting conditions with cars on track 15 out of 20 days during this stretch run.
In its 15 years of history at WWT Raceway, records have been set and broken by some of the quickest drivers on the planet. In three days of nitro-filled action, fans can watch as drag legends race the up-and-coming stars on the quarter mile drag strip. In 2024, Austin Prock delivered an impressive run on the second day of the competition when he went on to set a track record with a run that clocked an elapsed time of 3.814 seconds.
“This will mark the 15th running of NHRA at this venue under the ownership of Curtis Francois and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone along with the 75th anniversary of NHRA,” continued Blair. “Fans and racers alike will be excited to see the many upgrades and renovations that have taken place since last year’s event that are focused on customer amenities including seating areas, camping and hospitality offerings.”
The 2025 weekend schedule is locked in as the NHRA stars kick off the Sept. 26-28 weekend with a double Friday night qualifier under the lights. Fans attending the 2025 event will have exclusive opportunities to secure special ticket offers for the 75th anniversary celebration.
To purchase tickets to the 2025 NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
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About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
