NitroRichFire
Nitro Member
Rockingham Dragway Set to Host NHRA in 2026
Learn about Rockingham Dragway, a legendary racing facility that is set to host NHRA events once again in 2026.
www.dragzine.com
www.dragzine.com
Am assuming it has more to do with the SMI track owners want to go to 1 event a year, rather than the NHRA making that decision, leaving NHRA with the decision to reduce the number of events, or go to a new market. I'm glad they are going to a new market - planning to go to MDIR for the first time in my life next year. Especially seeing they will have alcohol classes based on the new Alcohol points announcement!when zmax was built, the phrase taj ma hal of dragstrips was heard frequently. best of the best.
now suddenly next year nhra is dropping two of smi's tracks on the schedule, and replacing this fall date with a facility only 60 miles down the road;
so it couldn't be attendance causing the move? they will advertise to basically the same area. wonder what it was?
Don't forget NorwalkSo with Bristol, Epping, Budds Creek, and now Rockingham on schedule, Pro Mods, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster plus only a dozen or so Top Fuelers at National Events NHRA is basically just the IHRA of old but without the Hooters girls
if both races were profitable for zmax, this would never happen, so you have to assume the market won't support two races annually.Am assuming it has more to do with the SMI track owners want to go to 1 event a year, rather than the NHRA making that decision, leaving NHRA with the decision to reduce the number of events, or go to a new market.
I don't think IHRA ever had 20 Nitro Funny Cars. yes - there is an "IHRA" feeling to some of it, but I am NHRA diehard and will gladly watch my favorite NHRA racers at these tracks!Don't forget Norwalk
Personally I think NHRA has added national events at these three tracks because of the IHRA. I’m sure all of them want an event and NHRA couldn’t just add three new events to the schedule.when zmax was built, the phrase taj ma hal of dragstrips was heard frequently. best of the best.
now suddenly next year nhra is dropping two of smi's tracks on the schedule, and replacing this fall date with a facility only 60 miles down the road;
so it couldn't be attendance causing the move? they will advertise to basically the same area. wonder what it was?
never thought about it that way chris. tie up a couple more quality venues as nhra.Personally I think NHRA has added national events at these three tracks because of the IHRA. I’m sure all of them want an event and NHRA couldn’t just add three new events to the schedule.
I also don’t think all three events are permanently on the schedule. I think it is very likely we see some different tracks get a national events in 2027.never thought about it that way chris. tie up a couple more quality venues as nhra.
Maybe look at 1988.I don't think IHRA ever had 20 Nitro Funny Cars. yes - there is an "IHRA" feeling to some of it, but I am NHRA diehard and will gladly watch my favorite NHRA racers at these tracks!
The year Billy Meyer owned it? That would be an outlier. Was also the last time they ran Top Alcohol Dragster until 2025. (Although I do miss the Pro Outlaw/Super Eliminator class).Maybe look at 1988.
Yes, I went to both races at Ennis that year. Bill Barney was points champion that year in TAD .The year Billy Meyer owned it? That would be an outlier. Was also the last time they ran Top Alcohol Dragster until 2025. (Although I do miss the Pro Outlaw/Super Eliminator class).
Unless you ride with Larry Dixon!Well, if you are a nitro fan, you will never get closer to a fuel car going down the track than Rockingham. it's awesome.
I don't know about that. Let’s not forget the loss of Englishtown, Atlanta, Houston, Topeka, Denver & almost Phoenix. They've been on the search for replacement venues for sometime now. Certainly before someone decided resurrect IHRA from the dead.Personally I think NHRA has added national events at these three tracks because of the IHRA. I’m sure all of them want an event and NHRA couldn’t just add three new events to the schedule.
My brain can't go there right now but I would guess their are very few existing tracks capable of hosting a national event.I don't know about that. Let’s not forget the loss of Englishtown, Atlanta, Houston, Topeka, Denver & almost Phoenix. They've been on the search for replacement venues for sometime now. Certainly before someone decided resurrect IHRA from the dead.
A tip of the cap to NHRA for securing national events at two iconic dragstrips.
There really isn't. What's left? Tulsa?My brain can't go there right now but I would guess their are very few existing tracks capable of hosting a national event.