The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship kicks off in a major way, celebrating four decades of excitement at Maple Grove Raceway with the 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera is the current points leader, while other top names include Matt Smith, a three-time Reading winner, Angie Smith, Richard Gadson, Chase Van Sant, Steve Johnson and John Hall.
Showcasing an incredible atmosphere and a passionate fanbase that packs the popular venue, Maple Grove Raceway marks an ideal facility to kick off the NHRA’s six-race playoffs. The 40th annual NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish is the 15th of 20 races during the 2025 season and the weekend is packed with excitement, including the can’t-miss action of the 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars.
The annual event in Reading comes at a pivotal point, too, as a win at Maple Grove Raceway can pave the way for championship success. The weekend starts with two qualifying sessions on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday. With a standout surface and typical ideal conditions, records could also fall by the wayside at the historic event.
Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claimed wins in their respective categories, with Brown and Prock finishing the season as world champions. The race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 14, as all the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle look to start their championship journey with a victory at Maple Grove Raceway, long considered one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit.
Brown got hot at the perfect time last year, winning the race en route to his fourth world championship. Top Fuel is again loaded, as racing legend Tony Stewart takes the points lead into Reading. Other top contenders include Shawn Langdon, Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force, who went a whopping 343.51-mph at Indy to set another world record, Indy winner and area native Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.
Funny Car’s Prock has been dominant again in 2025, winning seven races – and the regular-season championship – thus far. He’s back for a repeat win and a repeat championship for John Force Racing, but Prock will be challenged by a host of standouts, including teammate Jack Beckman, four-time champ Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, Paul Lee and Daniel Wilkerson.
Stanfield will attempt for back-to-back Pro Stock wins against a loaded group that features reigning world champ Greg Anderson, points leader Dallas Glenn, six-time world champ and Indy winner Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr., a five-time champ.
The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.
Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, the entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, interviews, music and more. Reading race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate event winners.
As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2:30 and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 12 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday on FS1, and eliminations at 2 p.m. Sunday on FS1.
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