NHRA marks its 75th year with a blend of nostalgia and expansion, as Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina lands its first NHRA Nationals on September 25–27, 2026.

The national event precedes a Division 2 double divisional season finale later in the year, embedding Rockingham within the Southeast’s competitive calendar.

Owners Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli acquire the venue in 2022, then modernize without discarding heritage. The track spans NHRA and IHRA sanctioning, plus ADRL and PDRA national events.

Their breakthrough comes as the NHRA Mission Foods Series adds four new stops, the first since 2013, despite regional overlap with Charlotte’s zMAX Dragway, recently the scene of Antron Brown’s speed record.

Local-government and tourism backing proves decisive, underwriting a $1.7 million concrete grandstand rebuild and related works required for NHRA national-event certification and higher-capacity, safer spectator operations.

Compliance extends beyond seating. Bathroom refurbishments, re-laid pit asphalt, enhanced safety systems including sandpit arrestors, and relocated scoreboards align the venue with nitro rules and modern event logistics.

Financing remains the principal challenge, yet legislators commit support, citing Rockingham’s weekly calendar and economic footprint compared with a region hosting only one major NASCAR weekend.

[p_fervogear_custom]Local tourism and government funding underpins a comprehensive modernization program.[/p_fervogear_custom]

Earlier pandemic-era motorsports grants expedite core performance upgrades, notably a full concrete racing surface and an Accutime Timing System, while track operations and staffing adapt to national-event procedural expectations.

The owners continue methodical improvements across RV amenities, concessions, lighting, tower and suites, plus parking and pit-road circulation, supported by comprehensive rewiring, replumbing, and updated public-address infrastructure.

That breadth of work reflects a joint strategy between operators, civic partners, and the NHRA, targeting a durable national-event slot and stronger candidacy for additional high-profile series.

Rockingham’s lineage since 1969 remains a magnet.

Returning stars and revived tradition align with the Cecil Fall Classic winners narrative and milestones like Ron Capps’ speed record.

With upgrades commissioned and timelines set, Rockingham approaches September 2026 ready to deliver a fan-focused national event that honors history and supports sustained regional growth.

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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.