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MARTIN, Mich. -- For the first time since 1960, Michigan will host a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) national event. The NHRA announced that the US-131 Motorsports Park in Martin will host the inaugural Great Lakes Nationals from September 18 to 20, 2026. This event will be part of the NHRA's 75th anniversary season and will kick off the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, marking a significant return of championship drag racing to the state.
The decision to hold the event in Michigan comes after the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) acquired the Maple Grove Raceway, a long-standing NHRA venue in Pennsylvania. This acquisition prompted the NHRA to find a new location to begin its playoff series. The Great Lakes Nationals will be one of four new tracks added to the NHRA's 2026 schedule, alongside Maryland International Raceway, South Georgia Motorsports Park, and Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina.
The US-131 Motorsports Park, known for its updated and family-friendly facilities, will also host an NHRA national open on July 8-9, leading into a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event from July 10-12. NHRA President Glen Cromwell expressed excitement about the new event, stating it is "a[n] historic milestone for the facility" and a great way to celebrate the NHRA's 75th anniversary by bringing drag racing to Michigan's passionate fan base.
Tickets for the Great Lakes Nationals will go on sale on February 1, 2026. The event is expected to draw significant attention as it marks a new chapter in the NHRA's efforts to expand into new markets while maintaining its rich history in the sport.