NHRA Returns to Michigan After 66 Years With Dodge & Mopar as Title Sponsors
Also serving as presenting sponsors, Dodge & Mopar will showcase an interactive exhibit, the SIXPACK Dodge Charger & more at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park…
NHRA officials announced that the Dodge and Mopar brands will serve as title and presenting sponsors of the first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. Racing takes place Sept. 18–20 during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. The event is the first of six playoff races during the 20-event 2026 campaign.
The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar makes its debut at the facility in Martin, Michigan, representing the first NHRA National event Michigan stop in 66 years and kicking off the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs in grand fashion, company officials stated in a press release. The last full NHRA National event in Michigan was at the now-defunct Detroit Dragway in 1960.
NHRA, Dodge & Mopar Partner for Countdown Opener
“Having Dodge and Mopar step into the role of title and presenting sponsor for our debut event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is incredibly exciting,” NHRA vice president and chief development officer Brad Gerber said. “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.”
“Let the Countdown begin,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with Mopar to bring NHRA National event racing back to Michigan for the first time in 66 years. At the same time, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dodge Charger. Dodge performance is rooted in drag racing then and now, and it will be a great weekend to kick off the NHRA playoffs.”
Dodge, Mopar Continue Partnership With Tony Stewart Racing
Dodge and Mopar continue to be heavily involved in the NHRA ranks, serving as partners for the Tony Stewart Racing team’s Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers, longtime Dodge and Mopar racers Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett, noted the release. Racing legend and team owner Tony Stewart also competes in the Top Fuel class with Dodge HEMI power.
In Martin, Dodge and Mopar will have a strong presence at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park with an interactive exhibit and Dodge muscle cars on display, including the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger. Additional information on Dodge and Mopar activities planned around the NHRA’s historic return to Michigan will be shared later this summer, the companies said.
NHRA Pro Classes Set to Compete at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park
All the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle are set to debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, one of four new facilities during NHRA’s milestone season, officials said. The special diamond Wally trophy celebrating NHRA’s 75th season will be on the line for the winners of the new race in Martin. The event will also be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations on Sunday, Sept. 20.
The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar will also feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.
