Event Guide: NHRA Midwest Nationals

Get ready for an action-packed weekend when the NHRA Midwest Nationals return to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., on Sept. 30. Taking place on the quarter-mile drag strip, this event is part of the Camping World Drag Racing Series and is one of the six races included in the Countdown to the Championship. St. Louis marks the midpoint of the Countdown to the Championship, a six-race playoff where every qualifying run and round can reshape title hopes. The NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship is a six-race playoff in which the top 10 drivers in each pro class advance after the regular season; points are reset for the qualifiers and qualifying bonus points can swing positions during the six-race run, according to NHRA coverage of the playoff format (NHRA Countdown overview).

Looking ahead to the next running, you can secure seats for the full 2026 weekend with TicketSmarter:

Friday qualifying on Oct. 2: NHRA Midwest Nationals tickets for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
Saturday qualifying on Oct. 3: NHRA Midwest Nationals tickets for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Sunday eliminations on Oct. 4: NHRA Midwest Nationals tickets for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026

Race weekend schedule

Spectator gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30 allowing fans to watch a full day of racing. Sportsman Qualifying and Time Trials run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with Pro Mod, Pro Stock Motorcycle and Car, and Funny Car and Top Fuel following. End the night with fireworks and a concert to kick off the weekend. Fans should note that Friday at WWT Raceway often features two nitro qualifying sessions, including a night session, and fireworks after the evening run. Schedules and any last-minute changes are at the discretion of the NHRA.

Qualifying continues Saturday and the eliminations begin with events scheduled from 8 a.m. to approximately 8 p.m. The final elimination rounds start at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday with Final Eliminations slated for 3:30 p.m. to round out the NHRA Midwest Nationals. Sportsman racing typically starts early, sometimes right at 8 a.m., and nitro categories often begin midday. For seating charts and venue maps, review the World Wide Technology Raceway venue page.

History of the race

World Wide Technology Raceway, formerly Gateway International Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park, hosted the NHRA for the first time in 1997. The current dragstrip broke ground a few years earlier in 1995. Joe Amato (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Warren Johnston (Pro Stock) and Jon Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were the inaugural champions of the NHRA Midwest Nationals in each class. WWT Raceway’s drag strip, nicknamed the Palace of Power, has produced some of the sport’s fastest runs in the shadow of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. WWT Raceway notes the return of NHRA competition in September 2012 after a brief pause and documents its long history hosting national drag events (WWT Raceway mission/history).

WWT Raceway hosted an NHRA race every year through 2010 with a hiatus in 2011 and then picked up the event again in 2012. A few of the most successful drivers on this track have included Gary Scelzi, Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Capps and Del Worsham (Funny Car), Warren Johnson and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Angelle Sampey and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). From 1998 to 2001, the NHRA Midwest Nationals also included the Pro Stock Truck class. The track has seen record performances in recent years, including a 3.659-second pass at 341.85 mph in the semifinals and standout Funny Car runs near 3.845 seconds at 337.60 mph, which underline the quick conditions at WWT Raceway.

Drivers to watch

After the 14th race of the 22-race Camping World Drag Racing Series, only a handful of drivers have clinched Countdown berths. In Top Fuel competition, Brittany Force is leading the way with 1,122 points. She holds the WWT Raceway track record of 337.66 mph which was set in 2021. Robert Hight has 1,334 points to lead the Funny Car class, Enders is leading Pro Stock with 1,156 points and Joey Gladstone leads the pack with 724 points in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Eight of the 10 Countdown spots are accounted for in the final class with less than 100 points separating the next three drivers. Marc Ingwersen has 378, Ryan Oehler has 298 and Jimmy Underdahl has 291. Names that often contend at the Midwest Nationals include Steve Torrence and Antron Brown in Top Fuel, plus Robert Hight, Matt Hagan and Austin Prock in Funny Car. First-round exits or streaks ending at St. Louis have repeatedly shifted the Countdown standings as teams chase the championship. NHRA race reports show Brittany Force has produced record-setting speed runs at St. Louis (including a 337.66 mph mark in 2021 and subsequent record runs), illustrating how quick conditions at WWT Raceway can produce historic passes (NHRA recap of Force’s St. Louis runs).

Best seats and fan experience at WWT Raceway

Where to sit: Grandstands near the finish line offer unbeatable views for Funny Car and Top Fuel eliminations. The pit side provides quick access to team areas and staging lanes.
Hospitality upgrades: Upgrade to the Finish Line Club for shaded seating, continental breakfast, a lunch buffet with beer during lunch, and soda or water throughout the day. Many fans pair this with pre-race ceremonies, the SealMaster track walk and Victory Lane celebrations.
Suites and loge boxes: Trackside suites typically include rooftop access, TV viewing, a private entrance and restrooms, and views of the staging lanes. Some loge-style seating options at similar venues provide drink rails and wide, ventilated chairs that are great for groups.
Family-friendly vibe: The NHRA Midway features vendors, displays and occasional live performances. The environment is welcoming for families with plenty of open viewing areas.

For seating maps, amenities and upcoming dates, review the WWT Raceway venue page on TicketSmarter.

Planning and ticket tips

Buy by day and by session: Many fans choose Friday night for header flames and fireworks, Saturday for final qualifying, and Sunday for eliminations. Pick one, two or all three with TicketSmarter’s dedicated listings for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
When to buy: Prices can move as the event approaches. See TicketSmarter’s guide on when to buy tickets for the best value.
Last-minute options: If seats tighten up, try our tips on getting last-minute tickets.
Selling plans changed tickets: If your plans change, list your seats using our guide to selling tickets with TicketSmarter.
Arrivals and parking: Suites often include vehicle passes. General attendees should plan ahead for parking and choose a meeting spot. Be courteous in crowded standing areas by taking up one viewing space.
Check official updates: Schedules and technical rules are set by the NHRA and the track. Always consult NHRA.com or wwtraceway.com for last-minute changes, weather notices or renewal deadlines.

What to expect on track

Technical inspection: All participating vehicles must pass NHRA technical inspection. Tech typically closes by late morning and is strictly enforced for safety.
On-track etiquette: Drivers are expected to exit quickly and safely after each pass and to stay aware of the other lane while turning off.
Countdown context: The Midwest Nationals sit at the midpoint of the playoff, so bonus points in qualifying and head-to-head rounds can be decisive for title hopes.

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FAQ: NHRA Midwest Nationals at WWT Raceway

How can I plan a weekend itinerary for the NHRA Midwest Nationals?

Start with Friday night qualifying for header flames and fireworks, add Saturday for final qualifying, then finish with Sunday eliminations. Use TicketSmarter to lock specific days with Friday, Saturday and Sunday listings, then check the WWT Raceway venue page for seating charts and amenities.

When do qualifying rounds and eliminations typically run?

Sportsman classes usually start around 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, with nitro sessions around midday and a night show on Friday. Final eliminations typically begin late Sunday morning with finals mid to late afternoon. Always confirm times with NHRA.com or the track, as schedules can change.

What are the best seats for Top Fuel and Funny Car?

Finish line grandstands offer the best view of side-by-side finishes and parachutes. Fans who want comfort and shade often upgrade to the Finish Line Club, while trackside suites deliver rooftop views and TV feeds. Compare options on the venue page and buy date-specific tickets through TicketSmarter.

Which drivers and stats matter most at the Midwest Nationals?

Watch current Countdown standings, recent elapsed times and speeds, and lane choice. St. Louis has produced record speeds and wins by contenders like Steve Torrence, Antron Brown, Robert Hight, Matt Hagan and Erica Enders. Brittany Force holds a recent WWT Raceway speed mark over 337 mph.

How does the Countdown to the Championship raise the stakes?

Only the top 10 in each pro class advance into the six-race playoff. Points are reset and bonus points from qualifying can swing positions. The Midwest Nationals are the midpoint of the Countdown, so every round at WWT Raceway can influence clinch scenarios. TicketSmarter covers all three days so you can follow every round.

Why is World Wide Technology Raceway significant for NHRA fans?

WWT Raceway has hosted NHRA racing since 1997 and is known as the Palace of Power for quick conditions and big speeds near the Gateway Arch. After a brief pause in 2011, NHRA action returned in 2012 and continues to deliver playoff-shaping drama.

What amenities and after-hours entertainment are offered?

Expect a lively Midway with vendors, displays and occasional musical or military performances, plus Friday night fireworks after nitro qualifying. Hospitality options like the Finish Line Club include meals, beverages and shaded seating. TicketSmarter can help you select seats that match your experience goals.

What if tickets are limited or my plans change?

Use TicketSmarter’s guidance on last-minute tickets if inventory tightens close to race day. If your plans change, you can list your seats following our steps for selling tickets with TicketSmarter.

Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Updated: January 17, 2026