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NHRA has announced the 2026 Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule, featuring a thrilling lineup of nostalgia drag racing events at legendary venues across North America competitors in a celebration of drag racing heritage as part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season.

The 2026 season kicks off Feb. 13–14 with the Tucson Dragway Reunion at Tucson Dragway in Tucson, Ariz., featuring Group 1 and 2 classes. The excitement continues March 5–8 at the legendary Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield, Calif., for the Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, where all classes will compete.

In the spring, the action moves to Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz., for the Cactus Clash from April 24–26, showcasing Group 1 and 2. May brings two thrilling events: the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro Opener presented by The Blower Shop at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho, from May 15–17, spotlighting Funny Car competition, followed by Funny Car Fever at Redding Motorsports Park in Redding, Calif., May 22–23, again with Group 1 and 2.

Summer heats up with the National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., June 18–20, featuring Top Fuel. The Americana at Great Bend takes place July 3–4 at SRCA Dragstrip in Great Bend, Kan., also with Top Fuel. The Rocky Mountain Nationals roar into RAD Torque Raceway in Edmonton, Alta., July 10–11, with Funny Car action.

August brings the Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart back to Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho, August 7–9, with both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. Later in the month, the Nostalgia Summer Nationals take over Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore., August 28–30, with Funny Car and a double event for Group 1 and 2.

As autumn approaches, the Thunder Under the Lites event lights up Redding Motorsports Park in Redding, Calif., Sept. 11-12, with Top Fuel and Group 1 and 2. The season concludes Oct. 23–25 back at iconic Famoso Dragstrip, with the California Hot Rod Reunion, featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Group 1 and 2.

Tucson Dragway Reunion
Feb. 13–14, Tucson Dragway, Tucson, Ariz.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet
March 5–8, Famoso Dragstrip, Bakersfield, Calif.
Classes: All Classes

Cactus Clash
April 24–26, Firebird Motorsports Park, Chandler, Ariz.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro Opener presented by The Blower Shop
May 15–17, Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho
Classes: Funny Car (FC)

Funny Car Fever
May 22–23, Redding Motorsports Park, Redding, Calif.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

National Hot Rod Reunion
June 18–20, Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, Ky.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF)

Americana at Great Bend
July 3–4, SRCA Dragstrip, Great Bend, Kan.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF)

Rocky Mountain Nationals
July 10–11, RAD Torque Raceway, Edmonton, Alta.
Classes: Funny Car (FC)

Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart
Aug. 7–9, Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Funny Car (FC)

Nostalgia Summer Nationals
Aug. 28–30, Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, Ore.
Classes: Funny Car (FC), Group 1 & 2 (double)

Thunder Under the Lites
Sept. 11-12, Redding Motorsports Park, Redding, Calif.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Group 1 & 2

California Hot Rod Reunion
Oct. 23–25, Famoso Dragstrip, Bakersfield, Calif.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Funny Car (FC), Group 1 & 2
 

PHOENIX (Dec. 12, 2025) – NHRA announced today that Factory Motor Parts (FMP), a leading global distributor of premium automotive parts, solutions and services, has been named the title sponsor of the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park as part of an exciting multi-year partnership.

Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will take place March 20-22 as the second of 20 races during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. The annual “Duel in the Desert” remains one of the most popular stops on the NHRA tour, repeatedly drawing sellout crowds as part of the thrilling annual race weekend.

The 2025 race saw sellout crowds on both Saturday and Sunday, as Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) raced to wins at the historic facility.

“FMP is proud to deepen our partnership with NHRA and bring our name to such an iconic event in Phoenix,” said Andy Gorski, Vice President of Marketing at FMP. “The Arizona Nationals embody the passion, performance and competitive spirit that drive our business, and we’re excited to help elevate the fan and racer experience during this milestone season.”

As part of the title sponsorship in Phoenix, FMP will receive on-site signage and integration at the track during the race weekend, as well as significant exposure leading up to and during the highly-anticipated event.

The title sponsorship also adds to the recent noteworthy momentum for the race and facility, as NHRA and Firebird Motorsports Park previously announced a multi-year extension for the popular event.

The famed facility also made a series of significant track improvements and renovations leading up to last year’s race, as the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs continues to be a marquee NHRA event.

“Adding Factory Motor Parts to our Firebird family is the next great step in what has been a massive wave of positive momentum over the last 24 months for both our national event and the facility in general,” Firebird Motorsports Park Track Manager Casey Buckman said. “It is these key additional partners that truly anchor our success not only at the Arizona Nationals, but throughout all of our events. We look forward to the years of success that both of the FMP brands can share with each other as we build for the future.”

The 2026 event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the thrilling NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs first became a Southwest fixture in 1985 and it has been a must-see race for any NHRA fan, delivering record performances and incredible early-season action.

The track’s rich history includes major achievements from the sport’s biggest stars, as Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher’s has five Phoenix wins, while Funny Car legend John Force has eight wins at the facility. Top Fuel’s Antron Brown, Funny Car drivers Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, and Pro Stock’s Anderson all have three wins at Firebird Motorsports Park.

“Phoenix and Firebird Motorsports Park has always delivered an incredible weekend for our fans and racers, and adding FMP and NGK as the event’s title sponsor adds even more excitement to a standout early-season stop in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “We’re thrilled to welcome such respected partners to this event, and we look forward to working with FMP and NGK to elevate the experience for everyone in Phoenix.”

To purchase tickets to the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.nhra.com/tickets. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Factory Motor Parts

Factory Motor Parts (FMP) is a leading global distributor of premium automotive parts, solutions, and services for professional repair shops, dealerships, fleets, and do-it-yourself customers. Founded in 1945, FMP has built its reputation on unmatched customer service, extensive product expertise, and a commitment to quality that drives performance for partners across North America.

FMP is the parent company of FVP, a trusted brand of high-performance automotive products including FVP Batteries, the Official Battery of the NHRA. FVP delivers proven reliability, OE-level performance, and nationwide availability to keep drivers, teams, and fans powered with confidence.

To learn more, visit FactoryMotorParts.com or FVPParts.com.

About Niterra North America, Inc.

Founded in 1936, Niterra North America, Inc., formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc., has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in designing spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as they transform their organization’s business portfolio, expanding their core ceramic technologies, exploring capabilities beyond their traditional areas, and challenging themselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

NGK Spark Plugs has built a reputation for quality and reliability. As a result, the company will continue manufacturing ignition products under the trusted brand and sensor products under the NTK brand.

In North America, Niterra North America, Inc., is headquartered in Wixom, MI, and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, and Sissonville, WV.

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 Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage 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.

One of the most symbolic brands in the history of motorsports is making its long-awaited full-time return as Sunoco joins Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) in a multi-year agreement as the primary partner of the No. 8 Honda driven by Kyffin Simpson. 

It marks the first time since 1973 that Sunoco, the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas, has been a full season primary partner in the IndyCar Series. Sunoco was the primary fuel supplier of North America’s premier open-wheel championship from 2010-18, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 2015-18.

“Sunoco has long been synonymous with performance and innovation, values that mirror the DNA of our team,” said CGR team owner Chip Ganassi. “To join forces with such an iconic brand and one with a storied legacy in IndyCar is truly special. This partnership reflects our shared drive to keep pushing boundaries, and we look forward to what we’ll accomplish together on and off the track.”

In joining CGR, Sunoco partners with a team that is coming off a stout 2025 season in which Alex Palou, Scott Dixon and Simpson combined for nine wins (including the Indianapolis 500), six poles and 17 podiums, along with the IndyCar title. 

The 21-year-old Simpson, who is fresh off a sophomore campaign that featured a first career podium (Toronto) along with three top fives, joins a short list of legendary names that have driven with the Sunoco colors. 

Roger Penske; Mark Donohue

Photo by: IndyCar Series

The legendary Mark Donohue first drove the No. 12 Sunoco Eagle in 1968 at Riverside, and together won a maiden Indy 500 four years later in 1972. The likes of Gary Bettenhausen, Tony Kanaan, NASCAR legend Bobby Allison and current IndyCar on FOX analyst Townsend Bell have also made appearances in Sunoco-backed entries.

“Starting my third year in IndyCar with Sunoco joining the No. 8 Honda is an incredible boost,” Simpson said. “We’ve made big strides on the track, and this partnership will only help us get better. I’m confident we can take another step forward and have even more success in 2026 and beyond.”

Kyffin Simpson, Chip Ganassi Racing livery

Photo by: Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyffin Simpson, Chip Ganassi Racing livery

Photo by: Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyffin Simpson, Chip Ganassi Racing livery

Photo by: Chip Ganassi Racing

We want your opinion!

– The Motorsport.com Team

Spire Motorsports has officially locked down its competition lineup for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) campaigns, the team announced on Friday.

The organization’s lineup for the coming season doesn’t include any brand-new hires, but instead, features a shuffling of positions (and job titles) for several members of the Spire Motorsports family — many of which have been with the team for several years.

Matt McCall, a four-time race-winning crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series (with Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski), has been promoted to the position of Competition Director within the organization’s framework at NASCAR’s top-level. McCall joined the organization at the start of this season as Director of Vehicle Performance.

Ryan Sparks, who spent the majority of last season serving in a dual role as Competition Director and crew chief of the No. 7 Chevrolet (which, at the time, was driven by Justin Haley) will get the opportunity to focus on being shot-caller of the No. 7 in 2026, driven by Daniel Suarez.

Both Travis Peterson (who joined Spire Motorsports with Michael McDowell in 2025) and Luke Lambert (who moved with Carson Hocevar from LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2024) will retain their positions as crew chief of the No. 71 and No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro, respectively.

In their first season together at Spire, McDowell and Peterson collected three top-fives and six top-10s, finishing 22nd in NASCAR Cup Series points, one spot in front of teammate Carson Hocevar, who with the help of Luke Lambert, collected two top-fives and nine top-10s.

Spire Motorsports has also made some slight changes to its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program’s competition lineup for the upcoming campaign.

Veteran NASCAR National Series crew chief and long-time Spire Motorsports employee Kevin “Bono” Manion has been promoted to Competition Director of the teams NASCAR Truck Series program in 2026, after spending last season as crew chief for Rajah Caruth and the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado.

When it comes to the crew chief lineup, though, there aren’t any changes — with Brian Pattie continuing to serve as shot-caller for the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST and Chad Walter continuing as crew chief for the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST.

Spire Motorsports has yet to confirm its driver lineup for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign. Additional details regarding that, and sponsorship for the program, will come at a later date.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The biggest lawsuit in NASCAR history is over.

But questions certainly remain on the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, how it went eight days into trial before settling Thursday afternoon and what impact it will have on the future.

Here are some thoughts:

Who won?

It’s pretty clear 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were big winners. It appeared they were winning the trial and the only risk they had is, even if they did win, whether they would get their charters back while NASCAR appealed any decisions. So the settlement eliminates that risk. But from all indications, they received a significant financial award, in addition to the changes in the charter agreement that gives teams a guaranteed spot in every race and guarantees a fixed, base amount of revenue.

Did the non-suing teams win?

They got permanent charters as well as, from among those briefed on the changes, a portion of revenues from international media rights and new business from team intellectual property. And sources indicate they got back a “strike rule” with a five-strike rule over the six years left in this deal. Anytime NASCAR makes a change that could cost at least $500,000 per car and the teams don’t approve it, it’s a strike. If NASCAR gets five strikes, then the exclusivity clause in the charter agreement is nullified.

Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, departs the Charles R Jonas Federal Building on December 1, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What is the framework of the evergreen charters?

The terms of the settlement haven’t been disclosed, but according to multiple people associated with the teams, it has created a collective bargaining type situation at the end of each charter agreement. The financials have to be approved by two-thirds of the teams to ratify a deal. If a team doesn’t want to sign it, the owner has time to sell the charter (likely a year). The same is true if a team doesn’t meet certain performance standards or the owner does something so egregious (such as violating gambling policy, getting in trouble with the law, etc.) that they become a prohibited person as an owner. But here’s the thing that NASCAR gets: NASCAR gets 10 percent of all charter sales instead of two percent. So over time, NASCAR recovers some of the revenue that it will distribute to teams based on the new terms.

So this lawsuit is over, right? 

The case is over. The parties will likely file a one-page stipulation of dismissal soon (it is due in 30 days).

What is the fallout of the Richard Childress testimony?

That is one of the biggest questions going forward. Childress has two potential legal issues he could pursue. The texts from NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps calling him an “idiot” and an “ass-clown” who should be “taken out back and flogged” likely aren’t the basis for a lawsuit, unless Childress can connect those feelings to any decisions pertaining to penalties and officiating. But the fact hat NASCAR attorneys appeared to have a pitch to investors from Bobby Hillin Jr. with some sensitive RCR Enterprises information possibly opens up Hillin to a violation of any non-disclosure agreements he signed when pursuing a purchase of a significant piece of the team.

NASCAR driver and 23XI team co-owner Denny Hamlin (L) and wife Jordan Fish depart the federal building after a long day at the beginning of the trial.

Did the Johnny Morris letter spark the settlement?

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris released a statement Wednesday night critical of NASCAR leadership and urging them to settle the case. 

“We hope the France family and team owners will reflect carefully on the damage that’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise,” Morris said.

Morris, a long-time sponsor of RCR, also indicated that the texts show that Phelps (who called Childress in September to apologize) can’t preside over the sport.

“Many of our teammates have validly expressed concern that the commissioner’s recently revealed contempt for Richard Childress makes it abundantly clear that he and his lieutenants are not capable of being fair and objective when it comes to impartially enforcing the rules and regulations that govern the sport, including the objective assessment of fines and penalties,” Morris wrote.

But did that statement really spark the settlement? That’s hard to tell. It certainly didn’t help NASCAR, especially in the court of public opinion, on whether NASCAR has respect for its teams or if it handle things well when frustrated by its teams. And if someone under an NDA gave the info to NASCAR’s attorneys, that might be more of a legal problem for that individual, but it would be a black eye for NASCAR. 

So what might have caused the settlement?

It wasn’t looking good for NASCAR in the trial. Nearly all the NASCAR executives had testified and they came off defensive and evasive, and the documents indicated that they at least made decisions based on threats of rival series. Whether the acts themselves were or were not anticompetitive might not have been an issue, as much as the issue of jurors viewing the executives in a negative light. Additionally, if they are being evasive or having a lack of memory, then it could be reasoned they probably do have something to hide. 

There also was the fact that team owners Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske were supposed to testify for NASCAR in the case. But earlier in the trial, 23XI and FRM put letters from Hendrick and Penske in front of the jury, letters they wrote to NASCAR Chairman Jim France during the negotiations begging for permanent charters. For them to try to testify about the good things NASCAR does would have been overshadowed by 23XI and FRM attorneys asking about those letters. And France would have been opening the door for Hendrick and Penske to answer uncomfortable questions about their team finances, and for Penske, about INDYCAR and its operations.

Sometimes lawsuits settle after the plaintiffs rest their case, which 23XI and FRM did Wednesday. It appeared the writing was on the wall for NASCAR. And it was time to put the pen to paper.

Why didn’t it settle earlier?

That’s the million-dollar question. Actually, 10s or maybe hundreds of millions of dollars, when considering the legal costs of this trial. Judge Kenneth Bell said he wished they could have settled a couple of months ago, as the two sides nearly settled at the end of October. Maybe the check was just a little bit too big back then for NASCAR to write. NASCAR gave it its best shot by going to trial and seeing what 23XI and FRM presented. NASCAR could have lost and sent the case into 2026 with an appeal looming, but now everyone can move on.

But really, can they move on?

Maybe even a better question. Phelps and O’Donnell texting the word “redneck” in a negative tone in a sport that has plenty of fans who take pride in a lifestyle that some would term as redneck won’t just go away with a five-minute news conference on the courthouse steps. And whether Phelps can effectively lead after that scathing Childress text remains to be seen. Phelps has great respect for many in the garage for his leadership and ability to balance all the stakeholders. Only that respect could keep him in the role he has. 

Anything else to look for in lawsuit fallout?

The drivers haven’t yet been mentioned in this piece. It would be naive to think that, if the teams have more stability and more money, the drivers aren’t going to want a piece of that. 

Let the silly season begin.

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.