Celebrating 25 Years of Thrills at Route 66 Raceway

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is set to create unforgettable memories in Chicago as it honors 25 years of racing at Route 66 Raceway. This celebration will take place during the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals from May 15-18.

This annual gathering has become a thrilling staple on the NHRA schedule, making its triumphant return to the iconic facility in 2023. Over the past quarter-century, the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals has woven itself into the rich history of drag racing.

A standout moment occurred in 2000 when legendary driver John Force secured his 86th Funny Car victory.

This achievement cemented his legacy as the most successful racer in NHRA history. Since then, he has achieved a remarkable total of 157 wins and has claimed 16 championships. Other significant moments include Erica Enders’s first Pro Stock victory at this venue in 2012, paving the way for her to become the most celebrated female driver in the sport with six world titles.

Fans can look forward to a thrilling competition format at the 2025 NHRA Route 66 Nationals. The event includes four rounds of qualifying, with two rounds scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, followed by racing eliminations on Sunday.

Additionally, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge will be featured, giving semifinalists from the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals a chance to compete for extra cash and points.

Spectators can expect breathtaking speeds, with vehicles reaching up to 330 mph and boasting over 12,000 horsepower. Broadcast coverage of the race will be provided by FS1, with final elimination rounds set to begin on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Fans won’t miss any of the high-octane action.

Those attending the event will have the chance to immerse themselves in a range of activities at Nitro Alley Stage. Offerings will include Nitro School, meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers, and autograph sessions.

Special pre-race ceremonies, including the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk, will allow fans to engage directly with the racing experience. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as fans will get a front-row seat to the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

Ticket sales for the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals are ongoing and can be accessed easily online. Families will appreciate the special provision allowing children aged 12 and under to enter free into the general admission area with a paying adult.

This landmark event represents a fantastic opportunity for fans to celebrate the rich tradition of drag racing. It showcases the thrilling spectacle that continues to draw crowds year after year in the heart of motorsports, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.