Event Guide: Stampede of Speed

The Stampede of Speed returns to Texas Motorplex this October and, in true Texas fashion, it brings a full week-plus of racing and festival experiences. Dubbed “The Fastest Ten Days In Texas,” the programming is centered around the Texas NHRA FallNationals.

A few of the highlights include the High Noon Cattle Drive that kicks off the action on Oct. 7 and the Stars Over Texas Music Festival, which will be headlined by Brett Young. The Funny Car Chaos World Finals and Fan Fest in Waxahachie add to the full slate of race week activities. Take a closer look at the Stampede of Speed schedule so you can start planning your adventure in Ennis, Texas.

For venue context and seating tips, see the Texas Motorplex venue overview. The track sits about 35 miles south of Dallas off I-45, with stadium-style views of the quarter mile.

Texas NHRA FallNationals

On the quarter-mile drag strip, drivers will compete for a championship in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Texas Motorplex is a historic venue that was built in 1986 by retired funny car driver Billy Meyer as the NHRA’s first post-tension, all-concrete stadium-style drag racing facility.

The Texas FallNationals is scheduled for Oct. 13-16 as part of the Countdown to the Championship. Drivers will have just one more event before ending the 2022 Camping World Drag Racing Series with the Auto Club NHRA Finals which begin Nov. 10 in Pomona, Calif. According to NHRA coverage of the Countdown and Finals schedule, the season finale traditionally runs in mid-November and family-ticketing often includes free general-admission entry for children 12 and under with a paid adult, so verify specifics for each event date and area. click here to read more on NHRA’s event announcement

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won their class at the Texas FallNationals in 2021. Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) are a few of the other top contenders to keep an eye on ahead of the Texas FallNationals.

Planning your weekend around pro qualifying and eliminations helps you catch the big moments. Friday night qualifying often features prime-time runs. In recent editions, two Friday sessions at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. have delivered dramatic passes under the lights; the NHRA schedule page lists typical Friday evening qualifying windows and shows how those sessions are commonly timed for prime spectator viewing. See the NHRA event schedule for typical qualifying session times

If you are ready to secure seats, browse NHRA Texas FallNationals tickets for single-day and multi-day options.

Stars Over Texas Music Festival

Young, a multi-platinum recording artist with hits like “Sleep Without You” and “In Case You Didn’t Know,” will headline the Stars Over Texas Music Festival on Oct. 9 at Texas Motorplex. Other artists like Wade Bowen, Elvie Shane, Shane Smith and the Saints, and Kylie Frey will round out the exciting lineup.

The music festival is scheduled from noon to 10 p.m. that day with a BBQ contest and beer expo to keep race fans entertained between acts. There will also be bull riding, and races featuring winners from the Funny Car Chaos World Finals.

Interested in seeing Brett Young on tour beyond Stampede week? Check current dates and seats on the Brett Young tickets page.

Stampede of Speed Schedule

Friday, Oct. 7 – High Noon Cattle Drive
Friday/Saturday, Oct. 7-8 – Funny Car Chaos World Finals
Sunday, Oct. 9 – Stars Over Texas Music Festival
Monday, Oct. 10 – The Stampede of Speed Scott Palmer Nitro Side Show
Tuesday, Oct. 11 – 2nd Annual NHRA Texas Stampede of Speed Shootout
Wednesday, Oct. 12 – NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Invitational
Thursday, Oct. 13 – Texas Fall National Sportsman Qualifying
Friday, Oct. 14 – Friday Night Live at Texas Motorplex
Saturday, Oct. 15 – Final Qualifying for Texas NHRA FallNationals
Sunday, Oct. 16 – Texas NHRA FallNationals Race Day

What To Know Before You Buy Multi-Day Tickets

Multi-day packages let you sample both racing and festival programming across the week. Here are quick tips before you purchase from TicketSmarter.

Compare pass types: Full Event Pass covers the entire festival window, while 2-day or 4-day seat packages concentrate value around prime qualifying and eliminations.
General admission vs. premium: All GA typically includes spectator pit access. Premium options can add pit-side views, hospitality lounges, private restrooms, and catered dining.
Champions Club perks: Premium Champion’s Club seats are near the starting line with lounge access, big-screen TVs, and a full-service bar.
Limited inventory: 4-day packages and premium parking or camping often sell quickly for major NHRA weekends.
Ticket protection: For added flexibility on reschedules, consider protection during checkout and review its terms.
Kids and families: Children 12 and under are admitted free at many events with a ticketed adult. Verify eligibility for specific days before purchasing.

Explore dates and seating maps on the NHRA Texas FallNationals tickets page.

How To Plan Your Weekend Itinerary

Prioritize Friday night qualifying for big speeds under the lights; NHRA’s published schedules show Friday evening qualifying sessions are often timed for spectator prime time, making them a high-value slot to plan around. Check the NHRA event schedule for typical Friday qualifying windows
Pair Saturday final qualifying with festival activities like BBQ sampling, beer expo tastings, and bull riding.
Leave time for autographs, team pit walks, and junior categories to get the full Stampede vibe.
Consider evening moments like lantern releases on festival nights when scheduled.
If you love grassroots action, add Funny Car Chaos and shootout events early in the week.

For wayfinding, parking, and seating context, review the Texas Motorplex venue guide.

Camping, Parking, and On-Site Tips

Camping styles: Options can include Quarter Mile Campground, Motorhome Corral, Midway Campground, and Turn 1 areas, with premium upgrades where available. The Texas Motorplex plan-a-visit guide outlines permitted campground types and gate policies for on-site camping. See Texas Motorplex rules and camping policies
Weekend pricing: Most campsites are sold per weekend. Some premium locations offer advance pricing windows. The Stampede of Speed event page details on-site corral types and confirms that many campsites are allocated per weekend with some premium options available by advance purchase. Stampede camping details and typical policies
Parking: Premium parking areas and upgrades tend to sell out for headline NHRA events.
Essentials: Bring ear protection, hat, sunglasses, and a small blanket or jacket for night sessions.
Prohibited at gates: Firearms, weapons, fireworks, and outside food or beverages including coolers and ice packs. For a full list of prohibited items and gate policies, consult the venue’s visitor rules. Texas Motorplex lists prohibited items and gate rules
Family-friendly focus: Expect youth racing, educational displays, and activities for a wide range of ages.

How To Combine Concerts and Racing

Anchor your plan on FallNationals qualifying and race day, then layer in the Stars Over Texas Music Festival.
Use a Full Event Pass if you want maximum flexibility across racing and festival days.
If you are targeting a specific headliner like Brett Young, confirm set times and add a same-day or next-day race ticket for a complete weekend.

Stampede of Speed Tickets

Single-day and multi-day tickets are available for the Stampede of Speed. Review the schedule and select the days that match your ideal mix of racing, concerts, and fan experiences. There is also a Full Event Pass that gets you a seat for all the action as well as camping or trailer parking options.

For the Texas NHRA FallNationals portion, compare GA and premium packages on the NHRA Texas FallNationals tickets page.

FAQ

What should I know before buying multi-day tickets for Stampede of Speed?

Multi-day passes on TicketSmarter help you see more racing and festival programming. GA often includes spectator pit access, while premium options can add pit-side views and hospitality. Limited 4-day and premium seats may sell out early. Ticket protection is available during checkout for added flexibility.

How do single-day, multi-day, and full event passes differ?

Single-day works when you only want qualifying or race day. Multi-day packages group prime sessions across a weekend. A Full Event Pass spans the entire festival window so you can attend concerts, support series, and FallNationals sessions. Compare packages on TicketSmarter to match your budget and schedule.

How do I plan a weekend around the Texas NHRA FallNationals?

Build around Friday night qualifying, Saturday final qualifying, and Sunday eliminations. Add Stars Over Texas Music Festival and fan zones for the full experience. Use the Texas Motorplex venue overview to plan parking, seating, and travel time.

Are there family-friendly activities during Stampede of Speed?

Yes. Texas Motorplex emphasizes family programming with autograph sessions, junior categories, and festival attractions like BBQ sampling and bull riding on select days. Kids 12 and under are admitted free at many events with a ticketed adult; NHRA event guidance and finals announcements reflect similar family-ticketing policies, but always confirm day-specific rules. NHRA event announcement includes family-ticketing notes

What are my camping and parking options near Texas Motorplex?

On-site options can include Quarter Mile Campground, Midway Campground, and premium locations by the track. Weekend pricing is common and premium parking can sell out. Verify availability when purchasing on TicketSmarter and arrive early for the smoothest load-in.

Why do fans attend the Stars Over Texas Music Festival during race week?

It blends Texas culture with national touring acts, offering concerts, BBQ, beer expo tastings, and bull riding alongside NHRA action. If you want additional concert choices beyond festival day, you can also browse the Brett Young tickets page.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed at the gate?

Bring ear protection, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket or blanket for evening sessions. Leave outside food, drinks, alcohol, coolers, fireworks, and any weapons at home. For seating and access context, see the Texas Motorplex venue guide.