MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Maryland International Raceway will transition to National Hot Rod Association sanctioning in 2026 and serve as the venue for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, scheduled for May 29-31. The event, part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, will feature televised coverage on FOX Sports and mark one of two new additions to the national circuit during the organization’s 75th anniversary season.
Raceway officials confirmed the shift in a statement released August 28, noting no changes to the 2025 schedule under current World Drag Racing Alliance sanctioning. Royce Miller, the owner of MIR, said, “We are thrilled to be hosting an NHRA National event here at Maryland International Raceway, I am excited to showcase the stars of our sport and incredible nitro racing to our dedicated and loyal MIR fans.”
The Potomac Nationals will bring professional drag racing categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, to the track for a three-day competition. Qualifying rounds typically occur on Friday and Saturday, with eliminations on Sunday, drawing competitors from across the country. The event aligns with NHRA’s expansion plans, introducing high-speed racing to new audiences in the Mid-Atlantic region.
NHRA officials unveiled the full 2026 schedule earlier this week, highlighting the addition of MIR alongside South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Georgia, which will host its debut national event May 1-3. The series opens March 5-8 at Gainesville Raceway in Florida for the Gatornationals, followed by stops in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Chicago before arriving in Mechanicsville. Later events include traditional venues like Sonoma Raceway and the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, culminating in the finals at Pomona, California, in November.
This move positions MIR among 20 national events in the series, where drivers compete for points toward the season championship. The Mission Foods sponsorship, in place since 2023, supports the professional classes with purses exceeding $3 million annually across the tour. FOX Sports coverage will include live broadcasts of eliminations, reaching millions of viewers and amplifying exposure for the venue.
Located in Budds Creek, St. Mary’s County, MIR has served as a cornerstone of Southern Maryland’s motorsports scene since its opening in 1966. Built by Joe LaRoque, the track hosted its first event that July, featuring NASCAR Top Fuel Championships.
Under WDRA sanctioning, MIR currently hosts a variety of bracket racing, heads-up competitions and specialty events, such as the Xtreme Dragbike Association series and Midnight Madness for street-legal vehicles. The track’s 2025 calendar includes the Platinum General Services Spring Nationals in April and the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals in August, featuring 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel and Funny Cars. These gatherings attract thousands of participants and spectators, contributing to the local economy through tourism and vendor activity.
The NHRA affiliation will elevate MIR’s profile, introducing nitro-fueled racing that involves methane-based fuels propelling vehicles from zero to 330 mph in under four seconds. Founded in 1951 by Wally Parks, NHRA oversees more than 40,000 members and 120 member tracks nationwide, promoting safety standards and grassroots racing. The 75th anniversary in 2026 includes commemorative elements like special logos, historical exhibits and fan engagements at events.
