Overview
- The NHRA Nationals at The Rock is set for Sept. 25–27, 2026, serving as race 16 of 20 and the second event in the Countdown to the Championship.
- The event will feature playoff rounds in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, alongside Lucas Oil Series and NHRA Pro Mod competition.
- Rockingham takes the fall playoff slot previously held by zMAX Dragway, while zMAX retains its spring four-wide weekend on April 24–26, 2026.
- Owners Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli, who bought the track in 2022, cite completed upgrades and plan further work including concrete grandstands, higher walls, relocated fencing and scoreboards, paved pro pits and added EMS access.
- The move aligns with NHRA’s 75th-anniversary expansion that also adds Maryland International Raceway and South Georgia Motorsports Park to the 2026 schedule.