ROCKINGHAM — The countdown is on for one of the biggest weekends in motorsports history in North Carolina, and it all begins in downtown Rockingham.
The City of Rockingham, Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and Rockingham Dragway are proud to announce NitroFest, a free community celebration on Thursday, September 24,
2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. around Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham.
NitroFest will officially kick off the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock, marking the first-ever NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national points event to be contested at historic Rockingham Dragway. The three-day national
event, scheduled for September 25-27, 2026, will serve as the second of six races in NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship playoffs, bringing the stars of NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle to Rockingham, North Carolina, as championship contenders battle for valuable playoff points.
Before engines roar down the quarter-mile, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate with an unforgettable evening in downtown Rockingham. Country music trailblazer Colt Ford will headline the evening with a free concert
beginning at 7:45 p.m., following autograph and meet-and-greet sessions with some of NHRA’s biggest stars from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.
NitroFest will also feature:
• NHRA driver autograph sessions and meet-and-greets
• Motorsports and automotive vendors and displays
• Race cars on display
• A free Kids Zone featuring bounce houses, inflatable slides, a rock
climbing wall and face painting
• Food trucks serving a variety of local favorites
• A beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway
• NHRA, team and event merchandise
• A drag racing practice tree competition
• Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences celebrating the return
of nitro-powered racing to The Rock
Admission is free, making NitroFest the perfect opportunity for families, race fans
and visitors to experience the excitement of NHRA while enjoying an evening of
entertainment, food and community fellowship in the heart of downtown
Rockingham.
The NHRA Nationals at The Rock is expected to attract thousands of competitors, crew members and fans from across the country, generating a significant economic impact for Richmond County while showcasing the area’s
hospitality, attractions and vibrant downtown. Whether you’re a lifelong drag racing enthusiast or experiencing NHRA for the first time, NitroFest offers something for everyone.
NitroFest
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Harrington Square
111 E. Washington Street
Rockingham, NC
Then experience history as the NHRA Nationals at The Rock take over Rockingham Dragway September 25-27, 2026, for the first NHRA national points event ever held at one of drag racing’s most legendary venues.
For event information, lodging opportunities and everything happening throughout NHRA Nationals weekend, visit VisitRichmondCounty.com and RockinghamDragway.com.
Secure your seats here: https://nhra.evenue.net/list/RN1
The event is designed to be affordable for the entire family:
• Kids 12 and under receive FREE General Admission.
• Children 12 and under can also purchase reserved seats for just $25
in non-premium seating locations.
• Every event ticket includes pit access, giving fans the opportunity to
get just feet away from their favorite NHRA drivers and race cars
throughout the weekend.
• Free parking is available for all spectators.
• Active military, veterans, and first responders are eligible for special
discounted ticket pricing through GOVX at:
https://offers.govx.com/event/offers