IHRA Triple Crown at Maple Grove Raceway Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
MOHNTON, Pa. — What was poised to be one of the most anticipated drag racing weekends of 2026 has been postponed. International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) officials announced on May 18 that the Triple Crown event at Maple Grove Raceway, scheduled for May 22-24, will not take place as planned due to a persistent forecast of rain throughout the weekend.
The decision came after a thorough review of multiple weather models, which showed little relief from precipitation on Friday and Saturday—the core days for time trials and eliminations. IHRA and track officials opted for a proactive postponement to avoid the risk of a fragmented or unsafe event that could disappoint competitors, fans, and staff alike.
A Premier Event Cut Short Before It Started
The IHRA Triple Crown represents a major initiative for the series in 2026, serving as the kickoff to a three-race program with massive financial incentives. The opener at the historic Maple Grove Raceway (now under IHRA ownership) featured an stacked professional lineup, including:
- Top Fuel and Funny Car (running 1,000 feet)
- Pro Mod, Outlaw Pro Mod
- Mountain Motor Pro Stock
- Supporting classes such as Fuel Altered, Nitro Harley, Top Alcohol Dragster/Funny Car, and more
A total of 108 entries had already been received across 11 classes.
Purse highlights included $150,000-to-win for Top Fuel and Funny Car, with even larger stakes across the series: a $1 million sweep bonus awaits any driver who captures all three Triple Crown events (Maple Grove, National Trail Raceway in June, and Memphis in September).
Off-track attractions were equally ambitious, with a free Pit Party on Thursday, May 21, and a post-racing concert on Sunday, May 24, headlined by Dwight Yoakam with special guest Jake Owen, plus “Bulls & Burnouts” featuring bull riding and freestyle events.
For drag racing fans in the Northeast, the wait continues for nitro to return to the Grove. Stay tuned to IHRA and Maple Grove channels for the reschedule announcement. In the unpredictable world of outdoor motorsports, sometimes the best run is the one you save for better weather.