For the first time, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs will feature a four-wide race, when one of the most unique spectacles in motorsports comes to zMAX Dragway for the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals, Sept. 19–21.
HISTORIC FIRSTS
The Bellagio of Dragstrips has continuously delivered milestone moments since its opening in 2008, and this fall will add another with the debut of four-wide racing in the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship. Earlier this year, zMAX Dragway hosted NHRA’s 1,000th Top Fuel race, where Shawn Langdon triumphed over a star-studded quad that included Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley and reigning champ Antron Brown.
Brown kicked off the 2024 Countdown to the Championship playoffs with back-to-back wins in Reading and Charlotte en route to his fourth world title last season. He returns this year, joined by 2024 Carolina Nationals winners Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and hometown favorite Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle), all aiming to add their names to the record books once again.
With stars like Tony Stewart, Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the mix, every round at zMAX promises championship drama. This September, history is certain—whether it’s the first four-wide Countdown win, a Charlotte sweep or a title run sparked in Concord.
ALL ABOUT THE FANS
At zMAX Dragway, the action extends far beyond the starting line. Every ticket doubles as a pit pass, giving fans an all-access look at 340-mph machines and the crews who keep them running. Fans can meet their favorite drivers, watch teams thrash between rounds to rebuild their monster machines and experience the NHRA’s raw power up close.
Throughout the weekend, the Nitro Alley Stage will serve as the hub of entertainment, with Nitro School, live music, driver Q&As and interactive fun for the entire family. On Sunday, the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk and driver introductions set the stage for eliminations, while the post-race winner’s circle celebration gives fans the chance to join champions in victory lane. With the Manufacturers Midway, food, games and shopping, the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals is set to deliver a full-throttle festival of speed and fun.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 19, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 a.m. ET and then live coverage eliminations at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday.
TICKETS:
To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267).
CONNECT WITH US:
Fans can connect with zMAX Dragway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
