The thunder is returning to the Midwest as the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rolls into Joliet, Illinois, for one of the most anticipated stops of the 75th-anniversary season. Fans across the globe prepare for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, and whether they head to the track or watch from their living room, they need the right broadcast info.
Searching for the NHRA TV schedule this weekend is the first step for any die-hard “nitro-head” looking to catch every 11,000-horsepower launch. This weekend, May 15–17, 2026, the broadcast window is packed with qualifying action and Sunday’s high-stakes eliminations. With the championship battle heating up in Top Fuel and Funny Car, every millisecond counts. This guide provides the complete NHRA on TV today breakdown, including channel listings for FOX and FS1, live streaming options on NHRA.tv, and a look at the current standings.
NHRA TV Schedule This Weekend
The 2026 Route 66 Nationals broadcast schedule captures the intensity of both the nighttime qualifying sessions and the bracket-style drama of Sunday’s finals. Below is the full NHRA broadcast schedule for the weekend.
Route 66 NHRA Nationals TV Listings (All Times ET)
| Date | Session | Channel | Start Time |
| Friday, May 15 | Qualifying Show 1 | FS1 | 7:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, May 16 | Qualifying Show 2 | FS1 | 1:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, May 16 | Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge | FS1 | 10:00 PM ET |
| Sunday, May 17 | Final Eliminations | FS1 | 4:00 PM ET |
| Sunday, May 17 | NHRA Post-Race Recap | FS2 | 9:00 PM ET |
Note: Schedule is subject to change. Always check your local listings for regional FOX broadcast variations.
This weekend’s NHRA TV coverage focuses heavily on FS1, providing extensive access to the pro sessions. The Sunday finals are the crown jewel of the weekend, where the winners in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be crowned in front of a national audience.
NHRA Schedule Today & Weekend Event Breakdown
The event at Route 66 Raceway is more than just a single race; it’s a four-day festival of speed. While the television cameras focus on the professional categories, the “today” schedule at the track includes a massive variety of sportsman racing and special exhibitions.
Friday: The Nitro Launch
Friday is all about the “Night Session.” There is nothing in motorsports quite like Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars launching under the lights with six-foot flames erupting from the headers. The Friday NHRA qualifying schedule today features two pro sessions that set the initial ladder for Sunday.
Saturday: The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge
Saturday introduces a unique competitive element: the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. This program pits the semifinalists from the previous race against each other in a rematch for bonus points and cash. It adds “race day” intensity to a qualifying Saturday, making every run count toward the season-long championship.
Sunday: The Main Event
Sunday is “The Big Show.” Starting at 11:00 AM local time, the top 16 qualifiers in each category face off in a single-elimination bracket. The NHRA race times this weekend for Sunday are critical, as the “Nitro” rounds typically happen every 90 minutes, leading up to the final round showdowns.
What Channel Is NHRA On Today?
If you are wondering, “What channel is the NHRA race on today?”, the broadcast typically switches between FOX’s main network and FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
FS1 (Fox Sports 1)
Most of the qualifying action and several Sunday finals air on FS1. This channel is the primary home for NHRA’s in-depth coverage, featuring the iconic broadcast team of Brian Lohnes and Tony Pedregon. FS1 is available on almost all cable packages and satellite providers like DirecTV and Dish Network.
FOX Broadcast Network
For the 2026 season, FOX broadcasts select “major” events on the main FOX network. These broadcasts usually reach a massive audience and are accessible via a simple over-the-air antenna. While this weekend’s Route 66 Nationals is primarily an FS1 event, upcoming races like the Potomac Nationals will transition to the big FOX stage.
Cable-Free Alternatives
If you’ve “cut the cord,” you can still access the NHRA FOX schedule through several live-streaming TV services:
- YouTube TV: Includes FOX and FS1 in its base package.
- Hulu + Live TV: Provides both channels along with on-demand racing content.
- Fubo: A sports-centric service that offers high-definition feeds of NHRA events.
- Sling TV: Ensure you have the “Blue” package to get FS1.
NHRA Live Stream Today: How to Watch Online
For the ultimate fan experience, fans can find the NHRA live stream today on NHRA.tv. This is the official “all-access” pass for drag racing enthusiasts who want to see every single car that goes down the track—from the first Stock Eliminator pass in the morning to the final Top Fuel winner’s circle celebration.
Why Choose NHRA.tv?
- Uninterrupted Coverage: Unlike TV broadcasts that cut to commercials or only show the “pro” sessions, NHRA.tv stays live all day.
- Multi-View: Watch the starting line, the finish line, and the pits simultaneously.
- On-Demand: If you miss the live action, you can watch the full event replay immediately after the conclusion of the race.
- 2026 Pricing: The full season pass for the 75th-anniversary tour is priced at $164.99, while individual event passes are available for $24.99.
International fans also rely on NHRA.tv as the primary way to watch NHRA live this weekend, as it is available in nearly every country worldwide. Additionally, the FOX Sports App allows cable subscribers to stream the FS1 broadcast on their mobile devices or smart TVs.
NHRA Classes Explained: Top Fuel, Funny Car & Pro Stock
To fully enjoy the NHRA drag racing experience, it’s important to understand the different “animals” that compete in the professional ranks.
Top Fuel Dragsters
These are the kings of the sport. Stretching 25 feet long and fueled by 90% nitromethane, Top Fuel dragsters are the quickest-accelerating vehicles on earth.
- Speed: 330+ mph
- Acceleration: 0 to 100 mph in less than 0.8 seconds
- Horsepower: 11,000+ HP
Funny Cars
Similar to Top Fuelers in power, Funny Cars have a shorter wheelbase and a carbon-fiber body that resembles a production car (like a Toyota GR Supra or Ford Mustang). They are notoriously difficult to drive because the engine sits right in front of the driver, often obstructing vision with “clutch dust” and nitro fumes.
Pro Stock
Often called “factory hot rods,” Pro Stock cars use gasoline and must maintain a specific “stock” appearance. These races are often decided by thousandths of a second, as the cars are nearly identical in performance. It is a class defined by engine building and driver reaction times.
NHRA Results, Standings & Championship Battle
As we enter the Route 66 Nationals, the NHRA standings 2026 reflect a fierce battle for the Mission Foods championship. After the recent Southern Nationals, several veterans are finding their stride.
2026 Top Fuel Points Standings (Top 5)
- Shawn Langdon (Kalitta Air Careers) – 481 pts
- Doug Kalitta (Mac Tools) – 477 pts
- Leah Pruett (TSR) – 352 pts
- Tony Stewart (TSR) – 332 pts
- Josh Hart (R+L Carriers) – 298 pts
In Top Fuel, the “Kalitta Double” is in full effect as teammates Langdon and Kalitta trade the lead. Meanwhile, motorsports legend Tony Stewart continues to impress in his sophomore Top Fuel season, currently sitting in the top five.
2026 Funny Car Points Standings (Top 5)
- J.R. Todd (DHL Toyota) – 411 pts
- Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts) – 408 pts
- Matt Hagan (Direct Connection Dodge) – 386 pts
- Jordan Vandergriff (Bob Vandergriff Racing) – 383 pts
- Chad Green (Bond-Coat Ford) – 340 pts
Biggest NHRA Events on the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 season marks 75 years of the National Hot Rod Association, and the schedule is a mix of historic venues and modern speed palaces. If you miss the NHRA TV schedule this weekend, mark your calendars for these upcoming “Majors”.
- NHRA Gatornationals (Gainesville, FL): The traditional season opener.
- NHRA U.S. Nationals (Indianapolis, IN): Known simply as “The Big Go,” this is the most prestigious drag race in the world.
- NHRA Finals (Pomona, CA): Where championships are won or lost in the final 1,000 feet of the season.
- NHRA Potomac Nationals (Maryland): A high-speed addition to the 2026 tour that promises record-breaking ETs (elapsed times).
How to Follow NHRA Live Timing & Real-Time Updates
Even if you can’t be in front of a TV, you can stay updated with NHRA live timing. The official NHRA app and website provide a real-time data feed directly from the track’s timing system.
- Incremental Speeds: See 60-foot, 330-foot, and 660-foot times.
- Reaction Times: Know who “left first” on the starting line.
- Ladder Updates: See who is moving on to the next round before the broadcast even finishes its replay.
Additionally, social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Instagram under the handle @NHRA provide excellent sources for breaking news, including engine explosions, record-breaking runs, and weather delays.
FAQ Section
What channel is NHRA on today?
Today’s NHRA coverage for the Route 66 Nationals is primarily on FS1. Select Sunday finals throughout the year also appear on the main FOX broadcast network.
Where can I watch NHRA live this weekend?
You can watch live via cable on FS1, or stream the entire event without commercials on NHRA.tv. Mobile users can also use the FOX Sports App.
Is NHRA on FOX or FS1?
It varies by event. Qualifying usually airs on FS1, while the final eliminations can be on either FOX or FS1. For this weekend in Chicago, Sunday’s finals are scheduled for FS1.
What time do NHRA eliminations start?
For the Route 66 Nationals, the TV broadcast of the finals begins at 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, May 17.
Who leads the NHRA Top Fuel points standings?
As of May 14, 2026, Shawn Langdon leads the Top Fuel standings, followed closely by his teammate Doug Kalitta.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Nitro Action
The NHRA TV schedule this weekend offers fans a front-row seat to the most intense motorsport on the planet. From the precision of Pro Stock to the sheer violence of a Top Fuel launch, the Route 66 Nationals are set to be a classic. Make sure your DVR is set for FS1 and keep your NHRA.tv login ready for the full, unfiltered experience.
Whether you are rooting for Tony Stewart to find his first Top Fuel win or watching Ron Capps chase another Funny Car trophy, the 2026 season is delivering the high-octane drama fans deserve. Bookmark this page and check back every Friday for the latest broadcast updates and start times.
