NAPA Powers NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis

NAPA has been announced as the new title sponsor for the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ annual race in St. Louis. The event, now called the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, will take place from September 26 to 28 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

This race marks the 14th edition of the Midwest Nationals and serves as the third event in the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship playoff stretch.

NAPA is a familiar name in drag racing, with deep ties to the local St. Louis area and throughout the Midwest. Earl Flack, a NAPA Auto Parts owner in the region, highlighted the company’s close connection to motorsports and commitment to racing fans at World Wide Technology Raceway.

NAPA’s sponsorship will increase brand visibility during a weekend that typically draws large crowds and popular racers to the track.

NAPA’s involvement with NHRA is not new. The company has been a primary sponsor for three-time world champion Ron Capps and his 12,000-horsepower Funny Car since 2008.

NAPA expanded its role ahead of the 2025 season by becoming the Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA for the first time. Now, as the title sponsor for the St. Louis event—the 17th out of 20 races on the 2025 NHRA calendar—NAPA strengthens its standing in a year critical for drivers in the championship.

The upcoming race weekend will feature a packed schedule. Fans can expect a Friday night session, two rounds of qualifying on both Friday and Saturday, followed by eliminations on Sunday.

This format has helped build the event’s reputation as a must-see for both local fans and loyal NHRA followers. Last year, Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car, Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock, and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle all collected wins at the St. Louis track.

Over the years, notable drivers have left their mark on the event. Antron Brown has claimed five Top Fuel victories here, more than anyone else in that class, while Ron Capps and his NAPA-sponsored Funny Car have won four times at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Several records have been set at this facility, adding to its status as a favorite stop on tour. Austin Prock delivered a 3.814-second pass last year, setting the Funny Car track record. For more details on NHRA track records, visit the NHRA official statistics page.

Brittany Force holds the Top Fuel speed record with a run of 338.43 mph from the 2022 edition. Erica Enders leads all drivers with six Pro Stock victories at the track.

Matt Smith stands out in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition with five event wins in St. Louis.

World Wide Technology Raceway’s Chris Blair described the new sponsorship as the latest chapter in the ongoing partnership between the track and NAPA’s dealer network, both locally and nationally. He also noted that Ron Capps and the NAPA team have played a key role in promoting racing events at the venue for many years.

The NHRA Midwest Nationals returns during a time when the championship playoff picture is set to intensify. The event will be one of the main highlights of the season, with drivers hoping to boost their title chances and fans eager to watch four days of high-speed action.

NHRA Vice President Brad Gerber expressed excitement about NAPA joining as title sponsor, pointing to their continued support for the series and high expectations for another memorable race weekend in St. Louis. For more on Gerber’s insights about the NHRA season, see his recent comments on race winners and season outlook.

Additionally, the competitive spirit at the Midwest Nationals reminds some of the close contests seen in the Chicago Dust-Up 2025 event earlier this year. For a deeper dive into the history of drag racing, check out the Smithsonian’s Motorsports Collection.

Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.