The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals gains a prime FOX slot on Sunday, October 4, airing adjacent to football.

It is round three of the Countdown at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.

St. Louis occupies this window for the first time, extending a six-year run of NHRA postseason broadcasts adjacent to football on FOX.

Dallas set the benchmark last season, drawing 2.065 million viewers and a 3.631 million peak in the equivalent slot.

Most markets will air from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET after early football. Some will run 2 to 4 p.m. ET before kickoff.

Eliminations start at 9 a.m. Central to serve the broadcast. The program features Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle.

World Wide Technology Raceway reliably produces standout conditions, with 12,000-horsepower machines exceeding 340 mph. Sellout crowds are common during the St. Louis stop.

The weekend opens Friday with two qualifying sessions, including a night run. Saturday adds two more before Sunday eliminations. FS1 carries qualifying Saturday evening and Sunday late morning.

Friday again includes the crowd-favorite Top Dog session, sharpening stakes for eliminations. Learn more about Top Dog Friday qualifying.

In 2025, winners were Doug Kalitta, Matt Hagan, Greg Anderson, and Gaige Herrera. That form sets context for a pivotal playoff round.

Top Fuel is shaped by Kalitta Motorsports momentum. Shawn Langdon leads after three straight wins, with teammate Doug Kalitta close.

Tony Stewart, Maddi Gordon, Leah Pruett, and Antron Brown anchor the chasing pack. Read more on Maddi Gordon and Antron Brown’s performance at St. Louis.

In Funny Car, Jordan Vandergriff opened the playoffs with a breakthrough for John Force Racing. He challenges points leader Matt Hagan, with Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, and Austin Prock close.

Pro Stock pivots on Greg Stanfield’s Rockingham win and points lead. Matt Hartford, Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson, and Erica Enders remain firmly in contention.

Pro Stock Motorcycle is led by reigning champion Richard Gadson after Rockingham. Gaige Herrera, Matt and Angie Smith, and Chase Van Sant stay within range.

The undercard adds depth: Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, JBS Equipment Pro Mod presented by Elite Motorsports, and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.

Fans gain close pit access as teams turn cars between rounds. Autograph sessions and hospitality activations run throughout the paddock.

Pre-race ceremonies honor every eliminator entrant, followed by the SealMaster NHRA Track Walk. Post-race winner’s circle festivities extend engagement beyond the finish.

The Manufacturers Midway returns with exhibits, merchandise, entertainment, and food. The FOX window aims to convert that on-site energy into broader national reach.

Visual Summary

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.