Trying to figure out what channel NHRA is on today? Between FOX, FS1, live eliminations, qualifying sessions, and the technical dance of streaming coverage, drag racing fans often find themselves scrambling for the correct broadcast schedule minutes before the 11,000-horsepower monsters hit the strip.
As we hit the mid-point of May 2026, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is celebrating its landmark 75th Anniversary season. Today, Wednesday, May 13, the teams are currently rolling their haulers into the legendary Route 66 Raceway just outside of Chicago for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. While there is no live nitro burning on television today, the “Super Bowl of the Midwest” officially kicks off tomorrow.
If you want to stay ahead of the “Christmas Tree” and catch every burnout, you need to know exactly where to tune in. In this guide, we’ll break down the 2026 broadcast windows, how to navigate the FOX/FS1 split, and how to stream the action live on your mobile device or smart TV.
NHRA TV Schedule Today: Route 66 Nationals
The weekend structure for an NHRA event is a precise engineering exercise. We have Friday and Saturday for qualifying, where drivers hunt for that “No. 1 Qualifier” hat, followed by the high-stakes Sunday eliminations.
For the upcoming Route 66 NHRA Nationals (May 14–17, 2026), the television windows on FS1 are specifically timed to catch the best track conditions. Here is your viewing blueprint:
2026 Route 66 Nationals TV Schedule
| Session | Channel | Date | Time (Eastern) |
| Qualifying Show 1 | FS1 | Friday, May 15 | 7:30 PM ET |
| Qualifying Show 2 | FS1 | Saturday, May 16 | 11:30 PM ET |
| Final Eliminations | FS1 | Sunday, May 17 | 5:00 PM ET |
Note: Schedule is subject to “Density Altitude” and weather delays—standard operating procedure in drag racing.
What Channel Is NHRA On Today? (Quick Answer)
If you are looking for the NHRA race today channel, the answer usually falls into one of two buckets: FOX (Broadcast) or FS1 (Cable/Satellite).
- FS1 (Fox Sports 1): This is the workhorse of NHRA coverage. FS1 carries nearly every qualifying session and approximately 75% of the Sunday finals.
- FOX (National Network): The “Big FOX” broadcast is reserved for marquee events like the U.S. Nationals in Indy or the Gatornationals. In 2026, events like the NHRA Potomac Nationals (May 31) will be aired on national FOX to maximize viewership.
- FS2: Occasionally, if a Major League Baseball game or a college football matchup runs long, NHRA coverage may temporarily shift to FS2 before returning to its primary home.
Featured Snippet Answer: NHRA races today typically air on FOX or FS1 depending on the specific session. Qualifying rounds almost exclusively air on FS1, while major Sunday eliminations often alternate between FS1 and the main FOX broadcast network depending on the event’s prestige and television window.
What Time Is NHRA on FS1 Today?
Timing is everything in drag racing. Not just at the finish line, but for the broadcast. Because NHRA events often take place in different time zones—from Epping, New Hampshire to Pomona, California—the “start time” can be a moving target.
For the Chicago race this weekend, the Sunday finals are scheduled for 5:00 PM ET. Why the late afternoon slot? As a former strategist, I can tell you it’s all about the “track temp” and TV lead-ins. Airing in the late afternoon allows the FS1 broadcast to follow live sports programming, ensuring a massive audience is already tuned in when the first pair of Top Fuelers cracks the throttle.
How to Watch NHRA Live Today on FOX & FS1
If you’ve cut the cord, don’t panic. You don’t need a traditional cable box to see the flames. In 2026, streaming NHRA is more accessible than ever.
1. NHRA.tv (The Insider’s Choice)
If you want the “all-access” pass, NHRA.tv is the gold standard. It provides a live, non-stop feed of the entire weekend—every class, every burnout, and every interview. It’s the closest thing to being in the pits without smelling the nitro yourself.
2. FOX Sports App
If you have a cable login (or a friend who does), the FOX Sports App allows you to stream the FS1 or FOX broadcast live on your phone, tablet, or Roku device. This is the best way to catch the polished TV production while on the go.
3. Live TV Streaming Services
You can also find NHRA live coverage today on the following platforms:
- Sling TV: (Blue package includes FS1 in most markets).
- FuboTV: Heavily focused on sports; carries both FOX and FS1.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes the full suite of FOX Sports channels.
- YouTube TV: Reliable streaming with “Unlimited DVR” for those late-night west coast races.
NHRA Qualifying, Eliminations & Finals Explained
To the uninitiated, NHRA might look like “two cars going fast in a straight line.” To an engineer, it’s a four-second physics experiment.
- Qualifying: Drivers get four chances over two days to set the fastest time. This determines the “ladder” for Sunday. The No. 1 qualifier gets a “bye run” if there are fewer than 16 cars, or the easiest matchup against the No. 16 qualifier.
- Eliminations: This is a 16-car knockout tournament. If you lose, you pack the trailer.
- The Christmas Tree: The vertical light system at the start. Most drivers have a reaction time of less than 0.050 seconds. If you leave too early, you “red light” and lose instantly.
NHRA Announcers, Highlights & Live Updates
The voices you hear on FOX and FS1 are legends of the sport. In 2026, the booth is led by Brian Lohnes, the “human encyclopedia” of drag racing, and Tony Pedregon, a multi-time Funny Car champion who provides the “driver’s perspective”.
If you miss the live broadcast, the NHRA YouTube channel and social media handles provide near-instant NHRA highlights today. You can see the 330-mph passes and the occasional “boomer” (engine explosion) within minutes of them happening.
NHRA Points Standings & 2026 Championship Picture
Why does every round matter? Because of the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series points system. Drivers earn points for qualifying positions, round wins, and setting national records.
Coming into Chicago, the Funny Car standings are a dogfight. J.R. Todd currently holds a slim lead, but veterans like Matt Hagan and John Force are breathing down his neck. In Top Fuel, Tony Stewart (last year’s Chicago winner) is looking to repeat his “Smoke” magic at Route 66.
Keep an eye on the Latest 2026 NHRA Points Standings to see how the “Countdown to the Championship” is shaping up.
Beginner Guide to NHRA Drag Racing
If this is your first time searching for what channel is NHRA on today, here are the three classes you need to watch:
- Top Fuel: The “long” cars. They use a 1.6-liter-per-second fuel pump. They are the fastest accelerating machines on Earth.
- Funny Car: Carbon-fiber bodies that resemble street cars but house the same 11,000-hp engines as Top Fuelers. They are notoriously difficult to drive because of the short wheelbase.
- Pro Stock: These are “factory-appearing” cars that rely on pure naturally aspirated horsepower. It’s a “driver’s class” where gear-shifting precision is the only thing that wins races.
Best NHRA Races Every Fan Should Watch
If the Chicago race gets rained out (knock on wood), or if you just want to see the best the sport has to offer, keep an eye on these “Major” events in the 2026 schedule:
- The U.S. Nationals (Indy): The “Big Go.” It’s the most prestigious race in the world.
- The Gatornationals (Gainesville): Usually the season opener where records are broken in the cool Florida air.
- The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals (Pomona): Where the world championships are crowned under the California sun.
FAQ Section
What channel is NHRA on today?
For the Route 66 Nationals this weekend, the NHRA will be on FS1. Qualifying starts Friday, May 15 at 7:30 PM ET, with Sunday finals airing at 5:00 PM ET on FS1.
Is NHRA on FOX or FS1?
It alternates. Most qualifying is on FS1. Major Sunday finals often air on the national FOX broadcast network, but many regular-season events remain on FS1.
Can I stream NHRA live online?
Yes. You can stream via the FOX Sports App (with cable credentials) or through a subscription to NHRA.tv, which offers a comprehensive live feed of every race weekend.
What time do NHRA eliminations start today?
Eliminations for the Route 66 Nationals start Sunday, May 17, at 11:00 AM local time (CT), with the television broadcast on FS1 beginning at 5:00 PM ET.
Does NHRA air on regular FOX network?
Selected “marquee” events air on the main FOX network. In 2026, the NHRA Potomac Nationals on May 31 will be one of the featured FOX broadcast events.
How much horsepower do NHRA cars have?
Top Fuel and Funny Cars produce approximately 11,000 to 12,000 horsepower. To put that in perspective, one single cylinder of a Top Fuel engine produces more power than a modern Formula 1 car.
Final Strategy Note
When you tune in to FS1 today or this weekend, remember that drag racing is a game of thousandths. A driver can win or lose based on the “reaction time” at the start. As an engineer, I’m watching the clutch wear and the fuel map. As a fan, you just need to sit back, turn up the volume, and enjoy the most violent, beautiful spectacle in all of motorsport.
Don’t miss the 2026 Route 66 NHRA Nationals—check your local listings and get ready for 330-mph therapy!
