Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by WWTR
Nearly 3.5 million television viewers make the event the second biggest broadcast in NHRA history.
MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 7, 2026) – World Wide Technology Raceway is celebrating a historic and highly successful NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals weekend that delivered a sold-out crowd, record-setting performances on the racetrack, and one of the largest television audiences in NHRA history, further elevating the visibility of the St. Louis and Metro East region on a national stage.
FOX’s Sunday coverage of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals averaged 1.896 million viewers, making it the second-most viewed NHRA telecast in NHRA history. The broadcast also reached a peak audience of 3.247 million viewers, showcasing the excitement of NHRA Drag Racing to millions of viewers across the country and around the world.
The milestone television audience followed a Saturday sellout at World Wide Technology Raceway, marking NHRA’s 11th sellout event date of the season during the sanctioning body’s landmark 75th Anniversary season.
Fans attending the event witnessed an unforgettable weekend featuring new track records, a world-record Pro Mod performance, championship implications across multiple categories, and the electric atmosphere that has made the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals one of the premier stops on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule.
Beyond the competition, the event once again demonstrated its importance as one of the Midwest’s leading tourism and economic development drivers. Thousands of visitors traveled to the St. Louis metropolitan area for the event, filling hotels, restaurants, attractions, and businesses throughout both Missouri and Illinois while generating significant economic activity on both sides of the Mississippi River.
“This was an extraordinary weekend for NHRA, for World Wide Technology Raceway, and for the entire St. Louis region,” said Curtis Francois, Owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway. “A sellout crowd on Saturday and one of the largest television audiences in NHRA history on Sunday reflects the passion of our fans and the tremendous momentum behind the sport. Just as importantly, this event served as a powerful showcase for St. Louis and the Metro East, introducing millions of viewers to our region and reinforcing why major motorsports events are such important tourism and economic engines for our communities.”
Francois added, “The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals generates benefits well beyond the raceway gates. Visitors stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, shop in local stores, and enjoy attractions throughout both Illinois and Missouri. The impact is regional, and we are proud to host an event that contributes meaningfully to the economy while creating unforgettable memories for fans from across North America.”
The record audience and strong attendance continue a trend of growth for both the NHRA and World Wide Technology Raceway, which has become one of the sport’s marquee destinations. The success of the event further highlights the strength of the partnership between NHRA, FOX Sports, local tourism organizations, community stakeholders, and the thousands of dedicated fans who make the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals a cornerstone event on the motorsports calendar.
World Wide Technology Raceway extends its appreciation to NHRA, FOX Sports, sponsors, race teams, officials, volunteers, tourism partners, and the fans whose enthusiasm helped make the 2026 NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals one of the most successful and widely viewed events in the history of the sport.
Renewals for the Oct. 1-3, 2027, event are now live, and guests will receive a unique renewal code via email from TIXR. Visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1 for more information.
Source: wwtraceway.com
