NHRA drag racing returning to Michigan for first time in 66 years

Big-time drag racing is returning to Michigan.

For the first time in 66 years, a full National Hot Rod Association race is coming to the Great Lakes State, according to a news release. The last full event was at the defunct Detroit Dragway in Brownstown Township in 1960.

Dodge and Mopar are set to serve as title and presenting sponsors of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series race at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Sept. 18-20, the release said. It’ll be the first of six playoff races for the season, NHRA’s 75th. The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, is scheduled for Nov. 12-15.

Driver Matt Hagan, a three-time Funny Car champion, is seen in a 2022 filed photo during qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. Hagan is among the big-time drivers supported by Dodge, which is part of Stellantis.

Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett, of Tony Stewart Racing, are set to represent Dodge and Mopar at the Michigan event, which will be broadcast on FS1. Dodge and Mopar, both part of Stellantis, are also planning an interactive exhibit and a Dodge muscle car display.

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"This race has huge importance as the first event in the countdown to the championship, and partnering with two iconic brands like Dodge and Mopar, which have a deep-rooted history in the area and in NHRA Drag Racing, elevates it even further. It's a great way to launch the playoffs at a new venue, and we're looking forward to delivering a standout weekend for everyone involved,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said of the Michigan race in the release.