When Is the Next NHRA Race? Read The 2026 TV Schedule Now

If you are a motorsport enthusiast looking for high-speed nitro action, you are likely wondering when is the next NHRA race. The next event on the 2026 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar is the 66th annual NHRA Winternationals. This iconic event takes place from April 9 to April 12, 2026.

Fans can catch all the 11,000-horsepower excitement live from the legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California. For those unable to attend in person, television coverage will be broadcast across the FOX Sports network, primarily featuring on FS1 and FOX. Furthermore, streaming is always available on NHRA.tv.

Knowing when is the next NHRA race on tv helps you plan your weekend around the intense qualifying rounds and Sunday eliminations. Whether you are tracking Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, or Pro Stock motorcycles, keeping up with the schedule ensures you never miss a pass. Let’s dive into the complete drag racing calendar and viewing options.

NHRA Schedule 2026 (Full Season Overview)

The NHRA schedule 2026 features a highly competitive and action-packed tour across the United States. This year marks the 75th Anniversary NHRA season, bringing an extra layer of prestige to every single event. The Mission Foods Drag Racing Series consists of 20 national events spanning from March to November.

The 2026 season officially kicked off in early March with the historic 57th Annual NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. The grueling championship battle will ultimately conclude at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. That season finale returns to Pomona, California, from November 12 to 15, 2026.

I recently interviewed a veteran Top Fuel mechanic who emphasized how punishing this 20-race stretch is on the crews. He explained that rebuilding an engine in under 40 minutes between elimination rounds requires flawless teamwork. This grueling NHRA schedule 2026 truly tests the physical and mental endurance of everyone in the paddock.

Key 2026 NHRA Events to Watch

While every point counts toward the championship, certain races hold significantly more prestige in the drag racing community. The Winternationals in Pomona is a historic staple that sets the tone for the early season. Winning this event establishes early momentum for championship contenders.

The biggest crown jewel is undoubtedly the 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Scheduled for September 2 to 7, “The Big Go” is the longest, most prestigious drag race in the world. Earning a Wally trophy at Indy defines a driver’s legacy permanently.

Finally, the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona wrap up the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The pressure here is astronomical, as points margins are incredibly thin. Champions are often crowned by mere thousandths of a second during the final passes of the year.

NHRA TV Schedule 2026

The NHRA TV schedule 2026 remains anchored by the FOX Sports family of networks. The broadcasting agreement ensures that millions of fans can watch the fastest motorsport on earth from their living rooms. Most Sunday elimination rounds are split between the main FOX broadcast network and FS1.

For hardcore fans, NHRA.tv provides comprehensive streaming coverage of every single pass down the dragstrip. This service broadcasts the Sportsman classes, Pro Mod, and every nitro qualifying session. It is an absolute necessity for those who want completely unfiltered, continuous drag racing action.

NHRA Schedule Today & This Weekend

Fans frequently search for the NHRA schedule today to see if cars are making passes down the strip right now. Since today is Friday, April 3, 2026, the primary touring series is currently taking a scheduled weekend off. Teams are utilizing this brief break to service their haulers and rebuild crucial engine components.

Therefore, the NHRA TV schedule this weekend does not feature live Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events. However, the teams are actively traveling to Southern California to set up for the highly anticipated upcoming race. The quietness of this weekend is simply the calm before the nitro-fueled storm.

When the action resumes next week in Pomona, Friday and Saturday will feature crucial qualifying sessions. Sunday will host the dramatic knockout elimination brackets. Be sure to check local listings to see exact airing times for the upcoming NHRA Winternationals broadcasts.

What Channel Is the NHRA Race on Today?

If you are trying to figure out what channel is the NHRA race on today, the answer depends entirely on the race weekend. As mentioned, there is no live national event scheduled for today, April 3, 2026. However, when events are active, FOX and FS1 are your primary television destinations for live drag racing.

During a typical race weekend, Sunday eliminations often air on FS1 during the early afternoon or evening. Select marquee events, such as the U.S. Nationals and the Finals, receive elevated network coverage on the main FOX channel. Always verify your local time zone (ET or PT) to avoid missing the opening rounds.

If you are away from your television, the FOX Sports mobile app allows you to stream the live broadcast with a valid cable login. Alternatively, NHRA.tv subscribers can watch uninterrupted live feeds from multiple camera angles. This streaming flexibility ensures you can experience the ground-shaking action anywhere.

When Is the Next NHRA Race on TV?

Knowing when is the next NHRA race on tv is critical for setting your DVR and planning weekend watch parties. The next televised event will be the NHRA Winternationals, airing from April 9 through April 12, 2026. FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will handle the bulk of the qualifying and elimination round broadcasts.

It is important to note the difference between live broadcasts and tape-delayed coverage. Due to the unpredictable nature of live drag racing, including weather delays and track cleanups, TV windows sometimes shift. Sunday eliminations usually air live or on a slight delay to package the event smoothly for television.

Saturday qualifying shows are often edited highlight packages focusing on the fastest passes of the evening. To watch every single qualifying run in real-time without commercial interruption, you must utilize NHRA.tv. Check your local provider’s guide next week to set your reminders for the internationals.

What Will Be the Next Drag Race?

When people ask what will be the next drag race, they might be referring to different types of drag racing leagues. In the professional ranks, the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona is the definitive next major event. It features the premier Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock divisions.

However, drag racing extends far beyond the top-tier NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Grassroots divisional races, No Prep Kings events, and local bracket racing happen across the country every single weekend. The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series also runs concurrently, providing a vital stepping stone for Sportsman racers.

If you are craving the smell of burnt rubber before the Winternationals, check your local dragstrip’s website. Many regional tracks host “test and tune” nights or regional shootouts during off-weekends. These local events capture the pure, unfiltered essence of grassroots drag racing culture.

Is Tony Stewart Leaving NHRA?

Rumors constantly swirl around major motorsports personalities, leading many to ask: is Tony Stewart leaving NHRA? The definitive answer for the 2026 season is no. In fact, Tony Stewart remains deeply invested in the sport as both a highly competitive driver and a prominent team owner.

There is a significant twist for 2026, however. While Stewart drove a Top Fuel dragster for his own Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) team previously, things have changed. Leah Pruett, Stewart’s wife, is returning to the cockpit of the TSR Dodge Top Fuel dragster after stepping away to start a family.

Consequently, Tony Stewart will campaign a Top Fuel entry for Elite Motorsports in 2026. This fascinating development creates the distinct possibility of a husband-versus-wife matchup during Sunday eliminations. Far from leaving the sport, Tony Stewart is expanding his footprint and increasing the competitive drama in the Top Fuel ranks.

Who Was the NHRA Driver Killed by Tire Shake?

Tragedy has unfortunately touched drag racing, and fans frequently research who was the NHRA driver killed by tire shake. In March 2007, Funny Car driver Eric Medlen passed away following a devastating testing accident at Gainesville Raceway. This heartbreaking incident forever changed the safety culture within professional drag racing.

During a test run, Medlen’s vehicle experienced a violent mid-strip tire shake caused by a punctured, failing tire. The intense vibration generated over 40,000 pounds of force, causing the chassis to snap and slide uncontrollably into the retaining wall. The massive G-forces whipped his head violently over 150 times, causing a severe traumatic brain injury.

Medlen’s tragic death directly spurred immense safety innovations led by John Force Racing and the NHRA. The introduction of padded, wraparound roll cages, the mandatory use of the HANS device, and improved chassis designs saved countless lives. Eric Medlen’s lasting legacy is the dramatic, statistically proven improvement in drag racing safety protocols.

NHRA TV Schedule This Weekend (Quick Guide)

Because the touring series has an off-week, the NHRA TV schedule this weekend lacks live Mission Foods Series racing. However, you can still catch plenty of racing content on television and streaming platforms. Here is a quick guide to what you might find this Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: FS2 or NHRA.tv often broadcasts replays of the recent Gatornationals or Lucas Oil Series sportsman events.
Sunday: The FOX Sports app frequently features archived races, allowing you to relive classic finals from past seasons.
Next Weekend: Live action returns with the Winternationals in Pomona, featuring Friday/Saturday qualifying and Sunday eliminations on FS1.

Make sure to utilize the NHRA channel on various free ad-supported television platforms to get your nitro fix today. These channels stream 24/7 historical races, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and technical deep dives into 11,000-horsepower engines.

How to Watch NHRA Races Live (TV & Streaming Guide)

Understanding how to watch NHRA races live guarantees you never miss a record-setting pass. The traditional television viewing experience is heavily concentrated on the FOX Sports networks. Simply tuning into FS1 or FOX on Sunday afternoons will provide excellent, high-definition coverage of the elimination rounds.

If you prefer to stream on mobile devices or smart TVs, the FOX Sports app is your primary tool. By logging in with a participating cable or satellite provider, you can stream the broadcast channel directly. This is perfect for fans who are traveling or stuck away from their primary television set.

For the absolute best, most comprehensive coverage, a subscription to NHRA.tv is mandatory. This platform streams every single class, from Super Comp to Top Fuel, starting early in the morning. It is compatible with Roku, Apple TV, and most modern smart devices, putting complete control in the fan’s hands.

FAQs About NHRA Race Schedules

When is the next NHRA race?

The next event is the 66th annual NHRA Winternationals, taking place from April 9 to April 12, 2026. The race will be held at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California, featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock divisions.

What channel is NHRA on today?

Since the series is on a scheduled off-weekend as of Friday, April 3, 2026, there are no live races airing today. When events are active, live eliminations typically air on FS1 or the main FOX broadcast network on Sundays.

How long does an NHRA race last?

A full national event spans three to four days. Qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday, with professional sessions generally lasting a few hours each. Sunday eliminations start in the late morning and usually conclude with the finals by late afternoon.

Where can I watch NHRA live?

You can watch live broadcasts on FOX and FS1 with a traditional television package. For comprehensive streaming of every single pass, including qualifying and Sportsman classes, you can subscribe to NHRA.tv.

Can I stream the NHRA drag races for free?

Live NHRA eliminations require a cable login for FOX Sports or a paid NHRA.tv subscription. However, free ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi offer a dedicated 24/7 NHRA channel. This provides free access to classic races, documentaries, and past season recaps, even though it does not broadcast live weekend events.

Conclusion

Finding out exactly when is the next NHRA race ensures you never miss a moment of blistering nitro-fueled action. The 2026 season continues with the highly anticipated Winternationals in Pomona, California, starting on April 9. This 75th Anniversary season promises historic speeds, intense rivalries, and incredible engineering feats.

Whether you plan to watch the Sunday eliminations on FOX Sports or stream the entire weekend via NHRA.tv, the accessibility of drag racing is better than ever. The NHRA schedule 2026 provides 20 incredible national events to satisfy any motorsport fan’s craving for speed.

We highly recommend bookmarking this page so you can regularly check the NHRA TV schedule this weekend. By staying updated, you will always know exactly when the green light drops for Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock superstars. Get ready for the roar of the engines and the smell of nitromethane!

When Is the Next NHRA Race? 2026 Schedule & TV Guide