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Drag Racing

2026 NHRA Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, United States2–7 Sep 2026Multi-day

This event has finished.

The 2027 edition runs 1 to 6 September.

See the 2027 event

Why You Should Go

The world's biggest drag race and the most prestigious event in NHRA history.

Format

6-day drag racing meet

Crowd

Diehards & competitors

Vibe

High-energy

About This Event

The world's most prestigious drag race, held at Indianapolis since 1961 and run continuously over Labor Day weekend since 1955 — the final regular-season round before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs begins. Six days of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Mod eliminations on a 4,400-foot dragstrip, drawing the largest field and highest attendance of any NHRA event.

1What to Expect

Every ticket includes pit pass access to all competing teams and race cars
Traxxas Nitro Shootout all-star races held separately for Top Fuel and Funny Car
Six-day format running Wednesday through Monday over Labor Day weekend
Both reserved and general admission seating available in full-event packages

2Best Way to Experience It

  • Arrive at the pits early for front-row positioning to watch team preparation
  • Top Eliminator Club provides food and beverage service plus reserved dragstrip seating

3Logistics

  • General parking free throughout the event
  • Preferred parking available for purchase near main fan entrance
  • On-site primitive camping permits RVs, campers, and tents for event duration
  • Both six-day packages and single-day tickets available

4Frequently Asked Questions

  • Best fit if you value championship finales: 72nd edition serves as final regular-season race before NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs begin, last chance for drivers to qualify for postseason, high-stakes racing determines playoff field.
  • Best fit if you enjoy multi-day competitions: six-day Labor Day weekend format builds from Wednesday practice sessions through Monday eliminations, 800+ competitors across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Factory Stock creating marathon event atmosphere.
  • Best fit if you value motorsport heritage: drag racing's most prestigious event since 1955, first NHRA national championship race, longest-running Labor Day motorsports tradition, "The Big Go" attracts largest competitor field and $1.75M total payout annually.
  • Not ideal if you prefer close-up viewing angles: 4,400-foot dragstrip length means starting line positioned far from many grandstand seats, Top Fuel and Funny Car eliminations happen at 330+ mph requiring distance perspective rather than intimate trackside proximity.

5Cost Breakdown

Plan for multi-day ticket costs, Indianapolis-area accommodation, parking or rideshare, food at the track and optional reserved seating, camping or hospitality upgrades. Costs rise over Labor Day weekend, so booking lodging and parking early is the safer move.

Tags

Car DisplaysCampingShoppingPit Lane WalkFirst TimersMeet the DriversVIP HospitalityWheelchair UsersTrucksFood and DrinkFan FestivalFamilies

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See the 2027 event