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Penwell Knights Raceway Officially Joins NHRA Division 4 Member Track Network
Highlights
- Penwell Knights Raceway joins NHRA Member Track Network Division 4
- Track hosts events March through mid-December annually in West Texas
- New NHRA racing opportunities include Summit and Jr. Drag Racing League
- Facility underwent major upgrades, latest improvements made in 2020
- NHRA provides marketing, insurance, and support for track operations
- Partnership strengthens West Texas drag racing community and future growth
NHRA confirms Penwell Knights Raceway has joined the NHRA Member Track Network in Division 4. The quarter-mile facility sits near Odessa, Texas, serving the Permian Basin.
The move arrives ahead of the venue’s 60th anniversary in 2026. It operates March through mid-December, anchoring West Texas drag racing with a consistent, season-long schedule.
NHRA sanctioning unlocks core ladders for local racers. That includes the Summit Racing Series presented by Hoosier, the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, and Jr. Street.
Track owner Gary Gardenhire frames the agreement as a reset point. He cites constructive dialogue with NHRA staff and a clear pathway to broaden participation across classes.
The facility’s recent upgrades, capped by work in 2020, underpin reliability and safety. Those improvements help sustain car counts and spectator interest across the long calendar.
Penwell Knights Raceway becomes an NHRA Division 4 Member Track for the first time.
Membership also opens the door to specialty showcases, including potential hosting of the Summit King of the Track. That complements the track’s regional draw and creates marquee weekends.
NHRA South Central director Jonathan Johnson welcomes the addition. He points to operational support, national marketing exposure, and insurance programs that stabilize independent venues.
Upgrades completed in 2020 strengthen safety and consistency at the quarter-mile facility.
For competitors, NHRA sanctioning standardizes rules and creates a defined route from local events to divisional and national stages. That mirrors progression seen with recent rookie candidates in NHRA.
NHRA support delivers marketing reach, insurance, and program access that underpin sustainable operations.
Examples already in focus include aspirations like Cody Anderson’s rookie bid, underscoring how local platforms feed national ambitions. Penwell’s alignment strengthens that pipeline for West Texas.
The partnership marks a meaningful step for the track’s 60-year legacy. Expect fuller grids, broader participation, and stronger community engagement through the coming seasons.
Visual Summary
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GO!
60 YEARS
NHRA
Penwell Knights Raceway Joins NHRA Network
Momentum Meter: West Texas Drag Racing Growth
2026
Upgrades, expansion, & NHRA partnership push growth to all-time high
🏁 Region
South Central (D4)
🗓️ Season
March – Dec
🚦 Built
1966
🔧 Upgrades
2020
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New NHRA events, bigger community, and national spotlight ahead!
“This marks a fresh chapter for our raceway and the entire West Texas community.” —Gary Gardenhire, Owner
“This partnership brings new opportunities to local racers and fans for years to come.” —Jonathan Johnson, NHRA
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.
