The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, was hit by a bout of lingering rain and dropping temperatures on Sunday. Organizers announced that the eliminations—the knockout phase that decides the day’s winners—are now slated for Monday. The decision came after track officials determined that the surface would not provide the safety and traction required for high-speed drag racing.
Fans who purchased tickets for Sunday will still be able to attend the rescheduled action on Monday, provided they present a valid Sunday ticket at the gate. Those unable to make the new date will receive a full credit that can be applied to a ticket for the same day of racing during the 2027 event at the same venue. Gate opening on Monday is set for 8:30 a.m. ET, with the first eliminations slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. ET, starting with Top Fuel and Funny Car followed by Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Tickets will also be sold at the turnstiles, and children twelve and younger gain free admission to general-admission areas when accompanied by an adult.
Broadcast details and final rounds
Television coverage will not be missed. The Monday eliminations will air live on FS2 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, with a repeat on FS1 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET. In addition to the regular brackets, the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Sportsman finals will also be contested on Monday. The Top Alcohol Funny Car championship round, however, has been scheduled for Dallas next month.
This event marks the 15th stop of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, and it is the opening round of the six-event “Countdown to the Championship” playoff. The top qualifiers heading into Monday’s showdown are Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel, Matt Hartford in Pro Stock, and Ryan Oehler in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Saturday qualifying action kept fans on edge
Despite a wet start, Saturday’s qualifying session turned into a showcase of raw power and strategic finesse. The track, freshly prepared after the NHRA Simpson Safety Safari cleared debris, offered a cool but slick surface that demanded precise car setups.
Top Fuel dominates Q3
Doug Kalitta posted the session’s quickest pass, clocking a 3.6606-second run at 338.86 mph, reinforcing his lead in the Top Fuel points standings. Teammate Shawn Langdon was not far behind, posting a 3.7005-second effort at 336.32 mph. Other notable times included Will Smith (3.7063 sec, 335.32 mph) and Spencer Massey (3.7367 sec, 330.15 mph). The margins were razor-thin, underscoring the class’s reputation for sub-four-second performances.
Funny Car encounters track-cleaning drama
Following the Top Fuel runs, the Funny Car field took to the strip. Hunter Green opened Q3 with a 3.9704-second run at 325.14 mph, while Joey Haas recorded 4.0719 seconds at 307.80 mph. Mid-session, the Safety Safari—equipped with a modified Ram truck—paused action to remove residual moisture and debris, ensuring the surface remained safe for the high-traction demands of Funny Cars.
When racing resumed, the results highlighted the fine line between brilliance and catastrophe. Jack Beckman delivered a “hero” pass of 3.8616 seconds at 332.10 mph, demonstrating that aggressive tuning could still yield reward. In stark contrast, Ron Capps spun out after only 8.4909 seconds at a mere 88.32 mph, a vivid reminder of the class’s low margin for error.
Pro Stock teams gauge a fickle surface
Six-time world champion Greg Anderson arrived at the staging area with a pragmatic outlook: “Let’s get the car to make it down,” he told the reporters, emphasizing the importance of a clean run before chasing low elapsed times. His teammate Cody Anderson had suffered a shut-off during Friday’s qualifying, adding uncertainty about how much grip remained for Saturday’s effort.
Further back, Dallas-born Glenn welcomed his position in the final pairing of the session. “I’m glad I’m the last pair; I get a good idea of what the track will be like,” he explained, noting the lingering moisture in the air could either help or hinder his run. The varying conditions made the first few Pro Stock pairs pivotal for crews deciding whether to push a more aggressive setup or prioritize stability.
Atmosphere and fan experience
The grandstands at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park were packed, reflecting the enthusiasm of a region that has eagerly awaited NHRA’s return. Photographs captured the roar of engines, the flash of header flames, and the palpable tension as crew chiefs fine-tuned their cars for the evolving track.
Beyond the competition, the event offered family-friendly incentives: children twelve and under entered for free with an adult ticket, and on-site ticket sales provided a last-minute opportunity for spectators who missed the advance purchase window. The combination of high-octane action, responsive fan services, and a solid broadcast plan ensured that, despite the weather-induced delay, the Great Lakes Nationals remained a marquee moment in the 2026 NHRA calendar.
