Chandler, Arizona, United States of America2026-03-20 to 2026-03-22
About This Event
The second race of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season since 1990, held at a quarter-mile dragstrip Charlie Allen opened in 1983 on Gila River Indian Community land. Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock elimination rounds under wide-open desert skies, with general admission including pit access. The freshly repaved strip sits 18 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix.
What to Expect
75th anniversary celebration featuring NHRA legend Don Prudhomme and unique diamond Wally trophy
Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and Pro Mod competition alongside three professional categories
Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race during Saturday qualifying featuring Gainesville semifinalists
Nitro Alley Stage hosts Nitro School sessions, meet-and-greets, and music throughout weekend
Sunday pre-race ceremony and SealMaster Track Walk introduce drivers before eliminations
Best Way to Experience It
East-side general seating positions you closer to the starting tree; west side offers afternoon shade
Pit access included with admission lets you watch crews service cars between rounds
VIP suites above starting line provide air-conditioned viewing with tiered seating and closed-circuit TVs
Good to Know
General parking included with admission; preferred parking available through advance online purchase
Shuttle service operates from remote parking areas to venue entrance
Outside food and beverages prohibited; concessions and independent vendors available throughout park
March temperatures can exceed 100 degrees with track surface above 140 degrees
Dry camping available at Camp Wild Horse and trackside locations
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you enjoy championship racing — second race of 20-event NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, early-season points battles in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of 2026 season.
Best fit if you value family-friendly motorsport — juniors 12-and-under receive free general admission with paid adult, pit access included with general admission, close interaction with 11,000-horsepower machines, active military and first responder discounts available.
Best fit if you like passionate fan atmosphere — NHRA's "Duel in the Desert" draws sellout Saturday-Sunday crowds, 450-acre Firebird facility under open Arizona skies, pit area access lets fans meet drivers and watch crew service cars between rounds.
Not ideal if you prefer road course racing — quarter-mile straight-line dragstrip format emphasizes acceleration runs under five seconds rather than multi-turn circuits, 330+ mph Top Fuel passes prioritize straight-line speed over cornering and elevation changes.
Go-Kart
Diecast Shop
Track Experience
