Midwest Nationals Comes To An End

MADISON, Ill. — The 13th annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway concluded on Sunday evening with nearly 30,000 weekend attendees representing 41 states, 4 Canadian Provinces, Mexico, and 6 countries outside of North America.   The traditional three day event, which has been held the last week of September since 2012, was condensed to two days after rain washed out Friday’s first day of qualifying. 

 

“It was a very rare wet September weekend but it did not dampen the spirits or the enthusiasm of the fans who flock to World Wide Technology Raceway for NHRA Drag Racing,’ said track owner Curtis Francois of the rain and unfavorable forecast due to the remnants of Hurricane Helene.  “The local weather forecast for the weekend was not great, but those that ignored those predictions were treated to two amazing days of racing that will be remembered for many years to come. Cool temperature and overcast skies combined to make for optimal racing conditions.”

 

WWT Raceway’s new asphalt racing surface lived up to expectations with a new track record elapsed time of 3.814 seconds with a blistering mile-per-hour run of 330.96 by Austin Prock of John Force Racing in Funny Car.  It was not only the quickest time ever recorded in the class at the Madison, Illinois venue, but it was the quickest run in the NHRA Series since 2017. 

 

Professional category winners included Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car, Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle.  In addition to the professional categories, there were more than 300 sportsman participants representing 

 

“The continued investment to improve the drag racing facility generated tremendous results and once again put a spotlight on St. Louis and the Metro East region as a world class motorsports destination,’  continued Francois. “Throughout the event weekend I was greeted by fans, participants and industry leaders who commented on the continued improvements to the facility including expanded parking, additional camping areas, traffic infrastructure upgrades and a newly paved racing surface.  In addition, the commentary on the international Fox Sports broadcast was extremely complimentary of the many positives of our city and region.”

 

WWT Raceway’s new asphalt racing surface exceeded expectations with a new track record elapsed time of 3.814 seconds with a blistering mile-per-hour run of 330.96 by Austin Prock of John Force Racing in Funny Car.  It was not only the quickest time ever recorded in the class at the Madison, Illinois venue, but it was the quickest run in the NHRA Series since 2017. 

 

Professional category winners included Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, Jack Beckman in Funny Car, Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle.  The event featured 384 participants representing 34 states as well as Finland, Norway, Canada, Bahrain, Mexico, Brazil, Russia and the Dominican Republic.  

 

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Midwest Nationals will return to WWT Raceway on September 26-28, 2025 to wrap up a major event line-up that includes the NTT Indycar Series (June 14-15), NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season finale (September 6) and the NASCAR Cup Playoffs (September 7). Tickets for all major events are available at wwt.raceway.com or by calling 618-215-8888.