GLENDORA, Calif. — The NHRA has announced the remainder of this year’s NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule with six races on the docket for the remainder of the campaign.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NHRA also canceled six remaining events scheduled for this year, including three previously postponed races and fall events at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C., Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway and the World Finals at California’s Auto Club Raceway.
“We are grateful to the loyal NHRA fans who have stuck with us during these trying times,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “NHRA plans to hold these next six national events to conclude the 2020 season. Thank you to our fans, racers, and partners for your continued support and cooperation.”
This weekend’s Denso Spark Plugs U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis kicks off the stretch run of the season, with the other remaining events to be run at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway (Sept. 25-27), World Technology Raceway at Gateway (Oct. 2-4), Texas Motorplex (Oct. 14-18), Houston Raceway Park (Oct. 23-25) and The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Oct. 30-Nov. 1).
The Gatornationals, which was postponed in March, will take the place of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, where COVID-19 restrictions prevent fans from attending.
“We want every drag racing fan to know that alongside the NHRA, we made every effort to keep the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on the calendar for 2020,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMAX Dragway. “With the uncertainty that still remains, it is simply not feasible to produce and host the world-class spectacle that fans have come to expect from the Bellagio of drag strips. While it pains us to cancel such a marquee event, it simply gives us that much more motivation to work harder than ever looking ahead to 2021.”
The event at Bristol Dragway was also canceled.
“After much deliberation with NHRA officials in respect to the pandemic, our intimate grandstand area and the vastly interactive nature of this event that fans have become accustomed to, we were left with the very difficult decision to cancel the race this season,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Dragway. “The safety of our guests and participants is our top priority and we thank everyone involved in this event for their patience and understanding. We simply aren’t able to host our 20th anniversary race in a befitting manner, and we look forward to bringing the Thunder Valley Nationals back to Bristol Dragway in 2021.”
At the conclusion of the Dodge NHRA Finals in Las Vegas, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will crown its four champions in each of the respective professional categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Events postponed earlier this season at Bandimere Speedway, Brainerd Int’l Raceway and Heartland Park have been canceled.
In total, the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season will feature 11 events, including the five previously-completed races and the six remaining on the calendar.
Remaining 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Schedule
Date – Event – Location
Sept. 3-6 – Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals – Clermont, Ind.
Sept. 25-27 – Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals – Gainesville, Fla.
Oct. 2-4 – Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals – Madison, Ill.
Oct. 14-18 – AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals – Ennis, Texas
Oct. 23-25 – Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals – Houston, Texas
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Dodge NHRA Finals presented by Pennzoil – Las Vegas, Nev.