The 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals will take place at the World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) in St. Louis from October 2-4, 2026. For the sixth straight year a postseason NHRA event will be paired with a football broadcast, but this marks the first occasion the St. Louis stop lands in the prime FOX broadcast window. Most U.S. markets will see the drag-racing action immediately after the day’s football game, with a two-hour slot from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET, while a handful of affiliates will flip to the race at 2 p.m. ET, leading straight into the gridiron coverage.
Broadcast impact and historic viewership
The partnership with FOX has repeatedly generated record audiences for the sport. Last season’s Texas Motorplex showdown delivered an average of 2.065 million viewers and peaked at 3.631 million, the highest numbers in NHRA history. By positioning the Midwest Nationals after a popular football telecast, the league hopes to replicate that success and expose the Countdown to the Championship drama to a broader audience. The race will also be streamed on FS1 during a Friday night qualifying session at 6:30 p.m. ET, with a final qualifying round on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
Championship stakes and driver showdown
As the third of six playoff events, the St. Louis weekend carries enormous points implications. In Top Fuel Kalitta Motorsports teammates Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta dominate the leaderboard, with Langdon riding a three-race winning streak and holding the points lead. Challengers such as Tony StewartMaddi GordonLeah Pruett and Antron Brown will be looking to close the gap. The Funny Car class features newcomer Jordan Vandergriff of John Force Racing, fresh off a playoff-opening win, chasing points leader Matt Hagan who secured victory in Rockingham. Veteran Ron CappsJ.R. Todd and back-to-back champion Austin Prock round out a deep field.
In Pro StockGreg Stanfield seized the points lead after his Rockingham triumph and will defend it against experienced challengers like Matt Hartford reigning champion Dallas GlennGreg Anderson and former champion Erica Enders. The Pro Stock Motorcycle category sees reigning champion Richard Gadson atop the standings, with strong competition from the duo Matt and Angie Smith fellow rider Gaige Herrera and rising talent Chase Van Sant. All four classes will run the classic 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph runs that define the sport.
Fan experience, ancillary series and ticket information
Beyond the headline categories, the weekend will showcase the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and the Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. Fans can join the pre-race ceremonies that honor each driver’s pursuit of the coveted Wally walk the SealMaster Track Walk and celebrate in the winner’s circle after the final eliminations at 9 a.m. CT on Sunday. Pit passes grant access to the garage area, where spectators can watch crews service cars, snag autographs and explore the Manufacturers Midway filled with interactive displays, merchandise and food.
Qualifying for the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins Friday with sessions at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. CT, followed by Saturday rounds at noon and 2:30 p.m. CT. The Sunday eliminations start at 9 a.m. CT, aligning perfectly with the FOX broadcast slot. Tickets are sold through the WWTR ticket office, by calling (618) 215-8888, or online at . Children 12 and under enter free with a paying adult, making the event an affordable family outing.
