NHRA’s Thrilling Comeback to Bristol Dragway for Nationals

The NHRA is set to bring the excitement of drag racing back to Bristol Dragway for the highly anticipated 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. This event will take place from June 6 to June 8, 2025.

Renowned for its stunning scenery and thrilling atmosphere, Bristol Dragway has been a premier location for NHRA fans for over two decades. The event has become a significant highlight on the racing calendar, drawing spectators from near and far.

This year’s event promises an adrenaline-packed weekend. Fans can expect the roaring sounds of 12,000-horsepower nitro-burning machines racing down the track at breakneck speeds exceeding 330 mph.

The action begins on Friday with two exciting qualifying sessions. There’s also a special “Nitro at Night” event that will showcase the brilliant flames from nitro headers under the track lights.

Saturday will heat up with the final rounds of qualifying and the engaging Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. This sets the stage for the thrilling main eliminations on Sunday.

In addition to popular racing categories like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle, the Thunder Valley Nationals offers fans a variety of activities. Attendees can participate in autograph sessions, enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, and get unparalleled access to their favorite racers.

This makes for an unforgettable experience. The event brings together both seasoned NHRA fans and new enthusiasts eager to witness the high-octane battles on the track.

Looking back to 2024, impressive victories occurred with Tony Schumacher dominating the Top Fuel category. Austin Prock clinched the Funny Car title, while Jeg Coughlin took first place in Pro Stock and Gaige Herrera triumphed in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

This year’s competition is shaping up to be fierce, especially in Top Fuel. Shawn Langdon has emerged as a frontrunner after securing wins in Phoenix and Charlotte earlier this season.

Defending Funny Car champion Austin Prock aims to extend his success following an incredible streak that included eight wins last season. Meanwhile, Jeg Coughlin and his KB Titan Racing teammates are preparing for another showdown in the Pro Stock category.

Fans can anticipate a riveting contest in the Pro Stock Motorcycle division, which has seen various winners since its introduction at Bristol Dragway in 2021. Gaige Herrera, the two-time reigning champion, will certainly be a favorite, but the competition remains steep with six-time champion Matt Smith also in the mix.

The Thunder Valley Nationals will feature an exciting lineup of races across multiple NHRA series. This includes the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

Fans will find plenty of opportunities for engagement at the Nitro Alley Stage. The stage will host meet-and-greets and autograph sessions featuring popular drivers.

The pre-race festivities will kick off with driver introductions, as well as the much-loved SealMaster Track Walk. This gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the sport.

For those unable to attend the event in person, the full weekend can be followed live on FS1. Friday will feature qualifying sessions airing at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the eliminations scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

This event stands out as an essential experience for motorsport fans. It combines thrilling races, engaging activities, and unforgettable moments, solidifying the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals as a highlight in the racing calendar.

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