NHRA Moving in the right direction with SGMP, MIR, and Rockingham!!

Listen, we all know that I have had my issues with NHRA in the past and have called them out on things that I didn’t agree with. In fact, that is presumably what lead to me not being issued media credentials over the last few years. That said, I think NHRA is making great decisions when it comes to holding events at three historic tracks during the 2026 season.

I don’t always see eye to eye with NHRA and their decisions, you could say that NHRA and I have a contentious relationship.And overall it has been warranted on both sides, but my readers also know that when they, the NHRA does something right, I have no problem praising them for their decisions. This is one of those times that I have to give huge props to NHRA regarding the 2026 season and add three great tracks to the schedule.

All three of the tracks are ones that I have photographed events at before. Rockingham being the newest for me, as I shot a Radial race there in the spring of this year. Maryland International Raceway I had the pleasure of covering back to back World Cup races pre covid. And of course, South Georgia Motorsports Park, a track that I have photographed at more than any other track in the country. So when I talk about these three tracks, I speak for some experience.

What NHRA is doing by having national events at these three tracks is bring the highest level of competition in our sport to areas that will greatly benefit from them being there. If we are being honest, Maryland and Cecil are the two greatest upper east coast quarter mile tracks left! MIR knows how to handle a huge crowd when it comes to events. I’ve seen it first hand with World Cup. The Miller family is on point with what needs to be done from the planning to execution of the event.

Looking at the two southern tracks that NHRA has worked onto their schedule and it’s obvious why these are great choices. Rockingham is practically the birthplace, or at least one of the birthplaces of Pro Mod racing. They have held huge events in the past and now will be hosting the crème de la crème of drag racing. The decision was made that NHRA Pro Mod would be a part of both the Rockingham and South Georgia races, which in my opinion is absolutely perfect! Bringing NHRA nitro and Pro Mod to Rockingham does great things for not only the track but the entire community.

Lastly, there is SGMP. The lore surrounding this track is something that will be passed down for generations to come. The home of the flying cars. SGMP is one of the longest tracks in the country, so there is no worry about shutdown space either. When Raul Torres and his family purchased SGMP he made quite the effort to build relationships with the community. Relationships that were in need of repair and make the image of SGMP one that reflects greatness.

I have been at the track when fans where climbing the fences to get it in like it was Woodstock. Having spent countless days and weeks at this track, I think that SGMP is the perfect place for NHRA to hold a national event. There is a built in fanbase that comes along with all three tracks that have been added to the schedule, and these are rabid drag racing fans. All three tracks has excellent track surfaces as well.

The real reason that I love these moves from NHRA is not just about the racing though. The real reason is because of what it provides the communities that they visit. If you’ve ever been to Rockingham or SGMP, you know that you aren’t going to find a Ritz Carlton to stay at. These communities are amazing communities that most people outside of Pro Mod and Radial fans know very little about. In the financial times that we are experiencing right now, not only within the drag racing community, but in the real world, are tough times.

NHRA going to these communities will provide such a huge financial boost. You are looking at a boost for hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and so much more. And I am not talking about thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars coming into the community, I am talking about millions of dollars following into communities that could really use that. Small business owners that have the potential to make in one weekend what they normally make in an entire year. For some people in these areas, NHRA coming to town is a life changing thing. You will have those that don’t like the noise or traffic, but I’d say to them, you can deal with that for five days because the inconvenience is outweighed by the amount of revenue that will be generated.

So in closing, a huge congratulations to all three tracks and the communities that will undoubtedly benefit from this. Also, a huge kudos to NHRA for making the decision to go to these track in these communities and bring the big show with to present to the masses in areas that may otherwise only get to see online or on television! This is certainly a positive move for the NHRA moving forward!!