World Wide Technology Raceway Announces 2027 NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals Dates
Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (Aug. 27, 2026) – The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals returns to World Wide Technology Raceway during the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs on Oct. 1-3, 2027, in a special year celebrating 50 years of John Force.
As part of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals annually attracts the sport’s biggest stars to World Wide Technology Raceway. The 2027 event will carry added significance as NHRA competitors and fans celebrate the 50-year racing legacy of John Force, whose accomplishments helped shape modern drag racing and elevate the NHRA to a global audience.
The 2027 season will mark 50 years since John Force began his professional drag racing career. In recognition of that milestone, NHRA tracks across the country will celebrate Force’s contributions to the sport throughout the season. The 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion remains one of the most influential figures in motorsports history and one of drag racing’s most recognizable ambassadors.
“The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals has become one of the premier events on the NHRA schedule with record setting runs and the spectacle of header flames under the lights. We’re excited to welcome fans back in 2027 as we celebrate the incredible legacy of three-time St. Louis winner John Force,” said Chris Blair, World Wide Technology Raceway executive vice president and general manager. “Since 2012, this race weekend has become a fixture on the calendar of fans in our region because the perfect autumn days transform horsepower into moments of magic.”
“NAPA is proud to continue our sponsorship of the NHRA Midwest Nationals for a third consecutive year. This partnership represents so much of what NAPA stands for such as performance, passion, precision and a shared commitment to the automotive community,” said Katherine Wooten, NAPA Director of Partnerships. “We value the opportunity to be part of this incredible event and to support the fans, teams and industry professionals who make NHRA racing so special. We look forward to another exciting year at the Midwest Nationals and to continuing to build on what has become a truly great partnership.”
The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will feature Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, along with intense Countdown to the Championship playoff racing as drivers battle for NHRA world titles.
The 16th annual event will continue with double Friday night qualifying sessions under the lights, delivering some of the fastest and most exciting runs of the weekend.
Renewals will open on Friday, Oct. 2. Ticket buyers will receive a unique link from Tixr to their email or tickets can be renewed on-site. Tickets for the general public will go on sale at a later date.
Tickets are still on sale for this year’s Oct. 2-4 NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals in celebration of the 75thanniversary of NHRA. To purchase tickets, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
