Four lanes. Four drivers. One winner. Nowhere else in the world delivers drag racing like the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway — and this weekend, fans will once again witness one of motorsports’ most unique spectacles.
As NHRA continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary season in 2026, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to zMAX Dragway for one of the most thrilling spectacles in all of motorsports with the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 24-26.
Pro Stock Motorcycle returns in Charlotte after last racing at the season opener in Gainesville. Six-time world champ Smith won at his home track last season when he defeated reigning world champ Richard Gadson, two-time champ Gaige Herrera, and veteran Steve Johnson. Gadson opened 2026 with a win and will face off against Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall, and Chase Van Sant.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Across 75 years of NHRA drag racing, perhaps nothing stands out more to highlight the thrill of the sport than 44,000 horsepower on display at blistering speedway. Four-wide drag racing only happens this weekend at zMAX Dragway, turning every pass into a high-stakes, side-by-side battle unlike anything else in NHRA competition.
FOUR MOMENTS THAT SHAPED 4-WIDE
From historic firsts to record-breaking runs, the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals have produced some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments, including:
2010: A historic debut
The first-ever NHRA 4-Wide Nationals delivered instantly. John Force — the winningest driver in NHRA history — captured Funny Car victory, cementing his place in another milestone moment.
Winners also included Corey McClenathan (Top Fuel), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and North Carolina’s Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).
The result: A groundbreaking event that changed drag racing forever.
2018: Underdogs take over
Independent teams stole the spotlight in one of the most surprising years.
Steve Torrence powered to Top Fuel victory, launching a run of five straight zMAX Dragway wins.
Cruz Pedregon snapped a 92-race winless streak for an emotional Funny Car triumph.
Brittany and Courtney Force made history together as No. 1 qualifiers.
2021: Records fall, stars rise
Speed reached new heights — literally.
Three Pro Stock Motorcycle riders topped 202 mph, highlighted by Eddie Krawiec’s national record of 203.49 mph.
Meanwhile, Mooresville’s Dallas Glenn earned his first career victory, signaling a new generation of talent.
2025: A milestone moment
History hit a major benchmark.
Shawn Langdon won the NHRA’s 1,000th Top Fuel event.
NHRA legend Don Garlits — winner of the first Top Fuel race in 1963 — presented a special trophy, bridging generations of greatness.
This weekend marks the next chapter in NHRA 4-Wide racing history. Fans will be treated to back-to-back days of four-wide qualifying on Friday and Saturday, setting the stage for an action-packed elimination Sunday at the Bellagio of drag strips.
BONUS RACING:
The Right Trailers Outlaw Street Series дебuts alongside NHRA competition, bringing Street Outlaws stars Shawn Ellington, Ryan Martin, Scott Taylor and Jeff Lutz to the track for qualifying and eliminations
