West Central Division News

THUNDER ROAD RACEWAY SET TO JOIN NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK STURGIS, S.D. (May 7, 2026) – NHRA officials are excited to announce that newly-reopened Thunder Road Raceway has joined the NHRA Member Track Network in NHRA’s West Central Division (Division 5) Located in Sturgis, S.D, Thunder Road Raceway is preparing for an exciting new chapter as the historic facility, which closed in 2023, has reopened under new ownership and management, bringing 1/8-mile drag racing back to the

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The NHRA West Central Division is set to launch the 2026 season in a big way as racers head to Tri-State Raceway for two consecutive weekends, with the 75th Anniversary Wally on the line in Stock/Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street at the National Open Memorial Day Weekend, and in all classes at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Divisional. As part of the NHRA’s 75th Anniversary celebration, the West Central Division will proudly award the first 75th Anniversa

The NHRA is proud to announce that nominations are now officially open for the “51 Legends of the Divisions” program, presented by Quarter-Max Racing, as part of the organization’s 75th Anniversary celebration in 2026. This special initiative honors the racers, track operators, and innovators who have made a lasting impact on the sport of drag racing at the divisional level. Rooted in NHRA’s founding year of 1951, each of the seven divisions will recognize 51 individuals wh

The NHRA West Central Division (Division 5) has officially released its 2026 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) schedule , setting the stage for another competitive and exciting season across the Midwest. With four premier events on the calendar, racers will have multiple opportunities to compete for strong payouts, divisional points, and coveted NHRA 75th Anniversary Wally trophies. 2026 Schedule: May 29 – Tri-State Raceway (Earlville, IA) July 9 – S.R.C.A. Dragstrip (Gr

Event Schedule ​ Friday, May 22nd Gates Open: 12pm Test n Tune: 2:00pm Qualifying (1): 4:00pm ​ Saturday, May 23rd Gates Open: 7:00am Qualifying/Time Trial (1): 8:00am Eliminations to follow ​ Sunday, May 24th Gates Open: 7:00am Qualifying/Time Trial (1): 8:00am Eliminations to follow ALL TECH CARDS WILL BE PAPER AND PURCHASED UPON ARRIVAL ​ Important Links: ​ Division 5 PA Messaging System: https://discord.gg/3gqDBKcfjr Track Website: https://www.tristateraceway.com Daily

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭—𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! Renew Your License Online: https://licenserenewal.nhradata.com/login.aspx NHRA Competition License Applications: https://www.nhraracer.com/content/general.asp... Questions? We’ve got you covered: Phone: 888-275-9375 Email: licensing@nhra.com Visit www.nhraracer.com for more info!

(online tech card link will be sent in your confirmation email after purchase) Event Schedule ​ Thursday, May 28th Parking: 2:00pm-9:00pm Stacking begins at 9pm ​ Friday, May 29th Gates Open: 7:00am - 9:00pm Qualifying & Time Runs: 10:00am Racer Appreciation Dinner: 6:30pm Practice Tree Race: 7:00pm Stacking begins at 9pm ​ Saturday, May 30th Gates Open: 7:00am Qualifying & Time Runs: 10:00am Round 1 Eliminations all classes Sunday, May 31st Gates Open: 7:00am Eliminations Co

June 26-28, 2026 Julesburg Dragstrip - Julesburg, CO Event Schedule ​ More Details Coming Soon! ALL TECH CARDS WILL BE PAPER AND PURCHASED UPON ARRIVAL ​ Important Links: ​ Track Website: https://julesburgdragracing.com/ Tech Card Policy Reminder Reminder to all participants, any driver making a run prior to submitting a tech card and not signing the onsite waiver will be disqualified from the event. Disqualification applies to the driver and vehicle in which the illegal run

The West Central returns to Great Bend and SRCA Dragstrip with a huge Doubleheader Regional Event Great Bend, Kansas Event Schedule ​ Coming Soon Online Ticketing Link: Click Herehttps://www.jotform.com/221216831152142 There will be NO Paper Tech Cards at this event - Please see your confirmation email for online tech card link Gold Card Registration: Click Here ​ Division 5 PA Messaging System: https://discord.gg/3gqDBKcfjr Track Website: https://srcadragstrip.com Local

April 28th - May 3rd, 2025 Madison, IL Event Schedule Coming Soon ​ Important Links: Tech Cards Purchased at Gate ​ Division 5 PA Messaging System: https://discord.gg/3gqDBKcfjr Track Website: https://rockfallsraceeway.com Local Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-eau-claire/best-western-plus-eau-claire-conference-center/propertyCode.50126.html Event Flyer Coming Soon! Daily Run Schedule Coming Soon Tech Card Policy Reminder Reminder to all particip

The start of the 2026 season is already building excitement as tires finally hit the track at Gainesville Raceway, signaling the opening of a historic year for the National Hot Rod Association. The 2026 season marks the 75th Anniversary of the NHRA, and the celebration begins with the first National Event of the season in Gainesville this weekend. Adding to that excitement, NHRA is proud to announce a brand-new marketing partnership with Quarter-Max, a highly respected man

With the recent announcement of the expansion of the Summit ET Finals, presented by Hoosier Racing Tire, we have some exciting changes coming to the West Central in 2026. Returning to the roots of the ET Finals, Division 5 will host two identical events this year. September 17th - 20th, we will be at Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa and the following weekend, September 24th - 26th, we will be in Great Bend, Kansas at SRCA Dragstrip. In addition to adding a second event,

As we begin the 75th anniversary season of the National Hot Rod Association here in the West Central Division, we do so with pride, momentum, and tremendous opportunity ahead in 2026. The future of NHRA, the West Central, and the sport of drag racing is strong. The D5 team and our Member Tracks are dedicated to leading with passion, strength, and commitment to all our racers while providing the best experience in drag racing. And now, more than ever, drag racing is about the

Brainerd, Minnesota Event Schedule Coming Soon Important Links: Online Ticketing Link: To Be Provided There will be NO Paper Tech Cards at this event - Please see your confirmation email for online tech card link ​ Important Links: Daily Run Schedule Tech Card Policy Reminder Reminder to all participants, any driver making a run prior to submitting an electronic tech card and not signing the online or onsite waiver will be disqualified from the event. Disqualification

The NHRA Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Series is getting even bigger in 2026! NHRA has officially announced that Hoosier Racing Tire has been named the presenting sponsor, and this expansion brings huge opportunities for NHRA member racers. With the 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟐 𝐄.𝐓. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 across the United States, racers will have more chances to compete closer to home and advance to the NHRA Summit Racing Series presented by Hoosier World Championship, set for Oct. 2

Here is the full lineup of NHRA Chassis Certification Seminars, and this is your chance to get your car certified and race-ready for the season! APRIL 18 (Appointment Needed) • Julesburg Dragstrip, Oldest Track in the Country — 📞 (979) 520-5034 • Tri-State Raceway — 📞 (563) 923-3724 • Pueblo Motorsports Park — 📞 (719) 209-6970 APRIL 24–25 (Appointment Needed) • Rock Falls Raceway — 📞 (715) 875-4233 APRIL 25 (Appointment Needed) • Onawa Dragway — 📞 (712) 420-3648 APRIL

Earlville, Iowa Event Schedule ​ Thursday, September 10th Parking: 2:00pm-9:00pm Stacking begins at 9pm ​ Friday, September 11th Gates Open: 7:00am - 9:00pm Qualifying & Time Runs: 10:00am Stacking begins at 9pm ​ Saturday, September 12th Gates Open: 7:00am Qualifying & Time Runs: 10:00am Top Alcohol Qualifying 12pm/2:30pm/5pm Round 1 Eliminations all classes Sunday, September 13th Gates Open: 7:00am Eliminations Continue: 9:00am Top Alcohol Eliminations: 10:30am/12:30pm/2:30

Event Schedule ​ Wednesday Parking: 12pm to 8pm Thursday Parking: 8am to 8pm Test n Tune: 11am to 6pm ​ Friday Time Trials: 8:00am Race of Champions: 12:00pm Gambler's Races: 2:00pm ​ Saturday Gambler's Race Final Elims: 8:00am Final Time Trial: 12:00pm Round 1 of Main Event: 4:00pm Practice Tree Race: 8:30pm Sunday Final Eliminations: 8:00am ***IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION*** Racers will be parked by teams, based on the 2025 finishing position of each track. Please check w

Great Bend, Kansas Event Schedule ​ Wednesday Parking: 12pm to 8pm Thursday Parking: 8am to 8pm Test n Tune: 11am to 6pm ​ Friday Time Trials: 8:00am Race of Champions: 12:00pm Gambler's Races: 2:00pm ​ Saturday Final Time Trial: 8:00am Eliminations ***IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION*** Racers will be parked by teams, based on the 2025 finishing position of each track. Please check with your Team Captain or Track Manager for location and details for layout. Motorcycles will h