The NHRA Countdown to the Championship begins at the inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park, set for September 18-20, 2026. This event marks the playoff kickoff, where top drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock compete for points following the regular season finale. The weekend promises thrilling races featuring 12,000-horsepower vehicles and rounds of qualifying leading to eliminations on Sunday. Fans can expect high-speed excitement as leading contenders, including Doug Kalitta and Shawn Langdon, aim to make a strong impression in front of a dedicated motorsports audience.

By the Numbers
  • The 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals is the 15th of 20 events in the season.
  • 12,000-horsepower nitro machines are expected to race at speeds of up to 340 mph.
State of Play
  • The Countdown features six critical races where every point counts.
  • Current points leader in Top Fuel is Shawn Langdon, while Matt Hagan leads the Funny Car category.
What's Next

As the playoffs progress, key rivalries will heat up, particularly among contenders like Greg Anderson in Pro Stock and Richard Gadson in Pro Stock Motorcycle. The outcomes of the initial races will set the tone for the remainder of the championship series. Anticipation will build as teams strategize to gain an edge in the next events.

Bottom Line

The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals will be a pivotal moment in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, with fans set for an unforgettable weekend of high-octane racing and the chance to witness history at US 131 Motorsports Park.