MARTIN, MI –– Drag racing fans in Michigan, rejoice.

The wait is over.

For the first time in more than six decades, championship drag racing is set to return to the Great Lakes State.

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced it will host a national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, from Sept. 18-20 via a release on Monday –– marking the first-ever NHRA national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and the first NHRA national event held in Michigan since 1960.

Michigan last hosted an NHRA national event when Detroit Dragway –– now defunct –– welcomed the series before the NHRA U.S. Nationals moved permanently to Indianapolis in 1961.

“Hosting an NHRA national event underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety and delivering unforgettable motorsports entertainment,” U.S. 131 Motorsports vice president of operations Jason Peterson said in a release. “We are honored to welcome the NHRA, its competitors, sponsors and fans, and we look forward to showcasing our facility, our staff and our passionate racing community that makes this region so special.”

The event, which is donned the Great Lakes Nationals, will serve as the opening race for the 2026 NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs –– the first of six postseason races.

U.S. 131 has earned a reputation as the “fastest track in Michigan,” drawing racing fans from all over the state –– including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo.

The track joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of NHRA’s North Central Division (Division 3) last week, becoming eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future.

A storied track, U.S. 131 was founded by John Grivins in 1962 and became a beloved Michigan drag strip that gained national attention for hosting big-time events. It saw a major renovation in 2002 and continues its rich traditions under new ownership and NHRA sanctioning.

From nitro matches and jet cars to a standout bracket racing scene, the track has become a marquee destination, making it a prime candidate to host an NHRA national event, per the NHRA’s release.

“We are thrilled to welcome U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA national event schedule,” NHRA president Glen Cromwell said. “It’s a historic milestone for the facility and another terrific way to celebrate our 75^th anniversary season, bringing incredible action of NHRA drag racing to the passionate fan base in Michigan.”

The NHRA continues to place a large emphasis on its 75^th anniversary season, which includes four national event facilities during the 2026 campaign and a long list of premier national event tracks in 19 markets across the country.

“Opening the Countdown to the Championships at U.S. 131 will be extremely meaningful,” Cromwell said. “The track’s dedication to its races and fans, and its enthusiasm as a new NHRA member track makes it an excellent addition to the national tour.”

Tickets for the inaugural national event at U.S. 131 go on sale February 1.

U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will also host an NHRA national open on July 8-9, which leads into a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event on July 10-12.

NHRA continues to put some real muscle behind its 75th anniversary season, and one of the biggest additions for 2026 will come in the heart of the Midwest. U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, has officially been added to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule, hosting the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals on September 18–20, 2026.

Even bigger than the new market is where the race lands on the calendar. The Great Lakes Nationals will serve as the opening round of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, marking the first of six races that will decide NHRA world championships next season. It will be the 15th of 20 national events during NHRA’s milestone 75th anniversary year.

Tickets for the inaugural national event at U.S. 131 go on sale February 1.

The announcement marks the first time NHRA will stage a national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, making it one of four new national event facilities added to the 2026 schedule. It’s a clear signal that NHRA isn’t just celebrating its history in 2026, it’s continuing to expand its national footprint.

For the Peterson family, who have owned and operated the track for more than two decades, hosting an NHRA national event has been a long-standing goal. U.S. 131 Motorsports Park has earned its reputation as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” drawing racers and fans from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and beyond.

“Hosting an NHRA national event underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety, and delivering unforgettable motorsports entertainment,” said Jason Peterson, vice president of operations at U.S. 131. “We are honored to welcome the NHRA, its competitors, sponsors, and fans, and we look forward to showcasing our facility, our staff, and our passionate racing community that makes this region so special.”

The Great Lakes Nationals also plays a key role in reshaping the Countdown itself. The first two playoff races in 2026 will both be held at new Mission Foods Drag Racing Series venues. Following the Michigan event, the series heads to the historic Rockingham Dragway for the NHRA Nationals at The Rock. Those races come after additional first-time national event stops earlier in the season at South Georgia Motorsports Park on May 1–3 and Maryland International Raceway on May 29–31.

From a competition standpoint, opening the Countdown at a fresh venue adds another layer of unpredictability to the championship hunt, something drivers and teams will need to factor heavily into their playoff strategy.

NHRA President Glen Cromwell sees the Michigan addition as both a celebration and a statement about the sport’s future. “We are thrilled to welcome U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA national event schedule in 2026,” Cromwell said. “It’s a historic milestone for the facility and another terrific way to celebrate our 75th anniversary season, bringing the incredible action of NHRA drag racing to the passionate fan base in Michigan.”

Cromwell added that launching the Countdown at U.S. 131 reflects NHRA’s broader commitment to growth. “The track’s dedication to its racers and fans, and its enthusiasm as a new NHRA Member Track, makes it an excellent addition to the national tour. We look forward to launching the Countdown there in 2026.”

With championship stakes, a first-time venue, and a Midwest fan base that’s long supported high-level drag racing, the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals is shaping up to be one of the most significant new events on the 2026 schedule.

NASCAR HOFer and JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. “hypothesized” last week prior to NASCAR’s antitrust settlement that permanent charters would “effectively make the Cup Series a franchise model like stick-and-ball sports while also drastically increasing the value of those who own them,” according to Matt Weaver of MOTORSPORT. Now, following the settlement, these are “all valid points.” Earnhardt said if those charters “were to become permanent and therefore basically a franchise, the values are well north of $150 million.” Earnhardt: “So, you’re sitting there with a charter that’s worth let’s say $25 million and by the stroke of Jim France’s pen, it will now be $150 million.” The Earnhardts, who own JR Motorsports and want to compete in the Cup Series as full-time entrants someday, “know the barrier to entry is going to increase tremendously now.” Earnhardt: “You’ll basically have 36 franchises — however many cars start a race — they’ll be the franchises, owned and valued and they will sell and trade from one entity to another over the course of decades and centuries, however long this goes. They’ll be a gigantic barrier of entry” (MOTORSPORT, 12/14).

PUT UP A FIGHT: Lead counsel for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports Jeffrey Kessler said, “This is reminiscent for me of many sports that have gone through a transformative model. … No one wanted this litigation but NASCAR didn’t really give these teams any choice — you either submit to the bully or you fight. They’re going to fight.” He continued, “We think at the end of the day, NASCAR’s going to have to change because that’s what the legal system is going to require.” RACER’s Kelly Crandall wrote it “took 435 days for those words to come true” (RACER, 12/12).

NO PROBLEM: BLOOMBERG NEWS’ Adam Minter wrote NASCAR did not “seem to appreciate” 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan not minding “doing whatever it takes to win.” By late October, combined legal fees in the case approached $100M, but Jordan “didn’t seem in any rush to stop spending.” Minter added if NASCAR’s financial resources “don’t intimidate team owners, its power over the sport and willingness to bully often do.” But Jordan “didn’t flinch.” The money, legal power and 23XI’s refusal to retreat from racing were “enough to show that if either side should’ve been intimidated, it was NASCAR — not Jordan.” Instead, NASCAR spent the past five years “showing [Jordan] that he’d bought into an enterprise that can only improve if he sues it.” A “win for Jordan was a win for NASCAR, too” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 12/13).

Have you ever watched a NASCAR race and thought about how much planning goes on behind the scenes before a car even rolls onto the track? 

From the outside, it may look like pure speed and driver skill, but in reality, every lap is shaped by careful strategy, data study, and smart decisions. 

Front Row Motorsports is a strong example of how a NASCAR team uses race strategy and data to steadily improve performance and stay competitive throughout a long and demanding season.

NASCAR racing is not only about who has the fastest car. It is about knowing when to push, when to save, how to adjust during a race, and how to use information collected from every lap. 

Front Row Motorsports has built its approach around these ideas, focusing on preparation, smart calls, and learning from data week after week.

Understanding the NASCAR Racing Environment

NASCAR is unique because no two tracks are the same, and no two races play out in the same way. Teams must adjust their approach based on track type, weather, race length, and competition.

Different Tracks, Different Strategies

Front Row Motorsports competes on a wide range of tracks, including short tracks, intermediate speedways, road courses, and superspeedways. Each track type demands a different plan. Short tracks require patience and car control, while intermediate tracks focus more on long-run speed and tire management. Superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega place a strong focus on drafting, positioning, and teamwork.

By understanding these differences, Front Row Motorsports prepares specific setups and race plans for each event. This targeted approach allows the team to get the most out of every car, even when facing teams with larger budgets.

Building Race Strategy Before the Green Flag

Race strategy begins long before race day. Planning starts during the week, using information gathered from previous races and practice sessions.

Pre-Race Planning and Simulation

Front Row Motorsports studies past race results, lap-time trends, and pit-stop data to predict how a race might unfold. 

This includes reviewing how tire wear affects speed over long runs and how fuel windows align with stage breaks. Simulations help the team prepare for different scenarios, such as long green-flag runs or late-race cautions.

This preparation allows the team to stay calm and confident during the race, knowing there is already a plan in place for most situations.

Using Practice Sessions to Gather Key Data

Practice sessions are valuable opportunities to collect real-time information from the car and driver.

Long-Run and Short-Run Performance Analysis

During practice, Front Row Motorsports pays close attention to how the car performs over multiple laps. Short-run speed shows how the car reacts on fresh tires, while long-run speed shows how well it holds pace as tires wear. Engineers study lap-time falloff and driver feedback to decide which adjustments will bring the best balance.

This data-driven approach helps the team choose the right setup direction for qualifying and the race.

Qualifying Strategy and Track Position

Qualifying plays an important role in NASCAR because starting position can influence early race momentum.

Balancing Speed and Race Setup

Front Row Motorsports balances qualifying speed with race-day performance. A car built only for one fast lap may struggle during long runs. The team often focuses on a setup that allows consistent performance throughout the race, even if it means giving up a small amount of qualifying speed.

This strategy often pays off during the later stages of a race when consistency becomes more important than early position.

Pit Strategy During the Race

Pit road decisions are some of the most important moments in any NASCAR race.

Timing Pit Stops for Advantage

Front Row Motorsports closely tracks fuel mileage, tire wear, and caution patterns. The team decides whether to pit early for fresh tires or stay out longer for track position. These decisions are based on live data, spotter input, and race trends.

Smart pit calls can help the team gain positions without needing the fastest car on the track.

Stage Racing and Points Strategy

NASCAR’s stage format adds another layer of strategy to each race.

Choosing When to Chase Stage Points

Front Row Motorsports evaluates whether to compete for stage points or focus on overall race position. At certain tracks, the team may stay out during a stage break to gain track position, even if it means giving up stage points. At other tracks, collecting points early may support season-long goals.

This flexible approach allows the team to adjust based on race flow and championship priorities.

Using In-Race Data to Make Adjustments

Data does not stop being useful once the race begins. Teams continue to learn throughout the event.

Real-Time Feedback and Car Adjustments

Engineers monitor lap times, throttle input, and tire wear trends during the race. Combined with driver feedback, this data helps Front Row Motorsports decide on chassis adjustments during pit stops. Small changes can improve balance and comfort, helping the driver maintain a consistent speed.

This steady improvement often leads to better finishes as the race progresses.

Learning From Each Race

Every NASCAR race provides new information that can be used in future events.

Post-Race Analysis and Improvement

After the race, Front Row Motorsports reviews data from all stages of the event. This includes comparing performance with similar teams, studying pit-stop timing, and evaluating strategy choices. These reviews help the team understand what worked well and what can be refined.

Over time, this process supports steady growth and stronger overall performance.

Driver and Team Communication

Clear communication is essential during a race weekend.

Aligning Driver Input With Data

Front Row Motorsports values driver feedback as much as technical data. When driver comments align with lap-time trends, the team gains confidence in its decisions. This trust between driver and crew supports better adjustments and smoother race execution.

Strong communication also helps the team stay calm during unpredictable race situations.

Staying Competitive in a Challenging Field

NASCAR is a highly competitive series, with teams constantly pushing for small advantages.

Smart Decisions Over Raw Resources

Front Row Motorsports focuses on making the most of available resources through preparation and smart strategy. This mindset allows the team to compete effectively and steadily improve results across the season.

In today’s NASCAR landscape, performance analysis extends beyond the garage and into how fans and analysts interpret race data. Evaluating lap-time trends, historical results, and team consistency is similar to the research-driven approach people use when comparing platforms such as best casinos, where informed decisions are based on data, patterns, and proven performance rather than chance alone.

The Bigger Picture of Performance Growth

Performance improvement in NASCAR rarely happens overnight. It is built through small, consistent gains.

Consistency and Long-Term Focus

Front Row Motorsports stays focused on long-term development rather than chasing short-term results. By using data, strategy, and teamwork, the team builds a strong foundation that supports growth year after year.

This approach helps the team stay competitive across different tracks and conditions.

Final Thoughts

Front Row Motorsports shows how NASCAR success is built through careful race strategy and thoughtful use of data. From pre-race planning to in-race adjustments and post-race analysis, every step is designed to improve performance realistically and steadily. By understanding the unique demands of NASCAR racing and focusing on smart decisions, the team continues to strengthen its presence on the track and move forward with confidence throughout the season.

Inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to open Mission Foods Drag Racing Series playoffs during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season

MARTIN, Mich. (Dec. 15, 2025) – NHRA officials announced today that U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will have a Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event in 2026, with the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals set to open the 2026 Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

The event will take place Sept. 18-20 at the standout facility in Martin, Mich., serving as the 15th of 20 races during NHRA’s special 75th anniversary season and the first of six playoff races. Tickets go on sale for the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals on Feb. 1.

It marks the first NHRA national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, giving NHRA four new national event facilities during the 2026 campaign and further displaying NHRA’s growth during the special milestone season that includes a premier list of national event tracks in 19 markets across the country.

“Hosting an NHRA national event underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety, and delivering unforgettable motorsports entertainment,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Vice President of Operations Jason Peterson said. “We are honored to welcome the NHRA, its competitors, sponsors and fans, and we look forward to showcasing our facility, our staff and our passionate racing community that makes this region so special.”

The first two races in the Countdown to the Championship will be at two new facilities in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as the Great Lakes Nationals in Martin, Mich., is followed by a trip to historic Rockingham Dragway for the NHRA Nationals at The Rock. Both U.S. 131 and Rockingham are preceded by first-time stops at South Georgia Motorsports Park on May 1-3 and Maryland International Raceway on May 29-31.

Known as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Park has maintained its status as one of the Midwest’s premier drag racing facilities for decades, drawing fans from nearby markets in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo. A favorite for both racers and fans alike, the Peterson family has built the track into a marquee destination for more than two decades, making it a prime candidate to host an NHRA national event.

That comes to fruition in 2026, hosting a must-see playoff race during NHRA’s massive 75th anniversary season.

“We are thrilled to welcome U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA national event schedule in 2026. It’s a historic milestone for the facility and it’s another terrific way to celebrate our 75th anniversary season, bringing the incredible action of NHRA drag racing to the passionate fan base in Michigan,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said.

“Opening the Countdown to the Championship at U.S. 131 will be extremely meaningful during our 75th anniversary season, as it reflects NHRA’s continued commitment to growing the sport and bringing championship-level NHRA racing to outstanding venues. The track’s dedication to its racers and fans, and its enthusiasm as a new NHRA Member Track makes it an excellent addition to the national tour, and we look forward to launching the Countdown there in 2026.”

U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will also host an NHRA national open on July 8-9, leading into a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event on July 10-12.

For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ and NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The awards recognize the most innovative products powering the racing industry

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 15, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) — Performance Racing Industry presented 22 manufacturers with a Featured Products Showcase Award during the 2025 PRI Show, recognizing the most innovative and cutting-edge advancements powering the racing industry.

The Featured Products Showcase is the PRI Show’s premier destination for media, buyers, and professionals to discover the latest innovations driving motorsports. More than 400 products vied for top honors from a panel of 12 judges consisting of track operators, sanctioning body representatives, content creators, and media. Each product was evaluated for its breakthrough engineering, influence, and business potential. These standout products represent the technologies and trends that will revolutionize racing performance in 2026.

In addition to voting for their favorite top products, each judge had an opportunity to present one exhibitor with a Judge’s Pick Award, which represented their favorite product displayed in the entire showcase.

PRI Featured Products Showcase Top Product Award Winners

• AFCO Performance Group — New Elite Wireless Load Sticks from Longacre
• Antigravity Batteries — Antigravity Batteries Re-Start Sodium Battery
• ARP — BMW B58 ARP2000 Crank Pulley Bolt Kit
• DYME PSI — DYME Hose and Fittings
• EPIC Racewear — Custom Trailer Curtains
• Flagtronics by Ballenger Motorsports — Flagtronics FT200 / FT-RD / FT-AIO)
• FuelTech ECU — FT700 VCU
• GZERO Additive — GZERO Additive 43 Series 3D Printer
• Harts Turbo — 136mm Hartscharger
• Hoosier Racing Tire — TrackAttack Pro
• HP Race Brands — HPT F5 Dual Entry Turbine Housing
• INTERCOMP — Classic Weigh XBT Scales
• Katech Engineering — Katech TrackFlow LS7 & LS3 Billet High-Capacity Scavenge Oil Pump | KAT-A7936
• King Engine Bearings — King Racing Top Fuel Connecting Rod Bearings Set For Chrysler V8 Big Block 361CI 383CI – CR 806TFC
• Modern Driveline — 94-04 Mustang Stealth In-Dash Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
• MOTEC — MoTeC STW195 Steering Wheel
• NecksGen — NecksGen REVX
• ProCharger Superchargers — LS Air-to-Water intercooled Intake Manifold
• Racing Electronics — RE4000 Bluetooth Racing Scanner
• Redhorse Performance — RHP-HCM-888-2 Portable Crimp Machine Kit
• Sonic Tools USA — Mobile Track Kit
• SRI — Ocean Lagoon

Judge’s Pick Award Winners

• AFCO Performance Group — New Elite Wireless Load Sticks from Longacre
• CSM Performance — Precision Hub Stands–Motorsports
• Flagtronics by Ballenger Motorsports — Flagtronics SB-100 LED Signboards
• FuelTech ECU — FT700 VCU
• HP Race Brands — HPT F5 Dual Entry Turbine Housing
• King Engine Bearings — King Racing Top Fuel Connecting Rod Bearings Set For Chrysler V8 Big Block 361CI 383CI – CR 806TFC
• Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems — Lifeline Zero Formula Car Cockpit
  System (selected by two judges)
• Modern Driveline — 94-04 Mustang Stealth In-Dash Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
• ProCharger Superchargers — LS Air-to-Water intercooled Intake Manifol
• ProCharger Superchargers — F-4X-140-1
• Race Winning Brands — Chevrolet Gen V LT Billet CCW Crankshaft

The 2025 PRI Show is taking place Dec. 11-13 in Indianapolis with more than 1,060 exhibitors confirmed, including 161 first-time participants. This overwhelming response underscores the industry’s deep commitment to PRI as the central hub for connecting, innovating, and driving business forward. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.

About Performance Racing Industry

Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its monthly business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world’s premier motorsports trade show, the PRI Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.

Source: Performance Racing Industry

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