IHRA Triple Crown Roars into Darana Raceway – Hebron This Weekend
HEBRON, Ohio — The ground will shake and the nitro will thunder as the International Hot Rod Association’s Triple Crown series launches its 2026 campaign this weekend at historic Darana Raceway – Hebron (National Trail Raceway).
The June 19-20 event marks the opening round of the three-race Triple Crown, with Top Fuel Dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Mods, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, and more chasing big money and early momentum in the high-stakes championship. A $1 million bonus awaits any driver who can sweep all three Triple Crown events in one of the five eligible classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Mod, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, and Pro Stock).
Massive Fields and Star Power
Qualifying gets underway Friday morning, with eliminations and the big-money finals set for Saturday evening. The nitro classes headline the show:
- Top Fuel Dragster (15 cars) — A stacked field featuring Mike Salinas, Scott Palmer, Spencer Massey, Lex Joon, Krista Baldwin, Jasmine Salinas, Shawn Reed, and Bernie Plourd. Adding intrigue is the IHRA Triple Crown debut of the Meyer Sisters — Megan (GUNK) and Rachel (Hedinger’s Equipment) — bringing fresh family energy and strong recent form to the class.
- Funny Car (15 cars) — Headlined by two-time NHRA world champion Del Worsham, alongside Dale Creasy Jr., Jon Capps, Paul Lee, and a deep supporting cast including Alex Barker, Bobby Bode, and more.
- Nitro Harley (20 riders) — One of the deepest and most fan-favorite fields in drag racing, packed with talent.
- Top Fuel Motorcycle (8 riders) — Featuring the legendary Larry “Spiderman” McBride.
Supporting classes include Pro Mod (26 entries), Mountain Motor Pro Stock (26), Outlaw Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car, Fuel Altered, Hemi Shootout, and Nostalgia Pro Stock — bringing the total entry to 165 drivers across 12 classes.
Schedule Highlights
- Thursday, June 18: Test day (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and the free IHRA Triple Crown Street Party in Buckeye Lake Village (6:30–9 p.m.) featuring driver meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, car displays, live music, and vendor village.
- Friday, June 19: Gates open 8 a.m. for fans. Qualifying throughout the day, highlighted by Top Fuel and Funny Car sessions in the afternoon and evening.
- Saturday, June 20: Gates open 8 a.m. (Chapel Service at 8 a.m.). Eliminations begin at 10 a.m., with nitro finals and the big-money Pro classes wrapping up in the evening.
Live coverage will be available on Speed Sport, with additional audio on Tower Radio 88.5 FM.
Fan Experience and Tickets
This is a family-friendly weekend with plenty beyond the racing. A wheelstanding fire truck will perform, and the atmosphere promises classic Midwest drag racing energy at one of the region’s historic tracks.
Tickets:
- $30 in advance online (ihra.com)
- $40 at the gate (adult daily)
- Kids 12 and under admitted FREE
- Friday night carload special: $40 per vehicle (starting 3 p.m.)
- Veterans and active military receive free admission + one guest at 50% off
Camping is available on-site. For more information, visit ihra.com or nationaltrailraceway.com.
The Road to $1 Million
The Hebron round kicks off a grueling three-event chase. The series concludes with the massive “Triple Crown x2” doubleheader at Maple Grove Raceway (September 10-13), where two full Triple Crown events will be contested in one epic weekend. Any driver who wins all three events in their class stands to take home the life-changing $1 million bonus on top of the already substantial event purses.
With nitro Top Fuel and Funny Cars running at 1,000 feet, 12,000-horsepower machines capable of 300+ mph, and some of the deepest professional and sportsman fields of the season, this weekend promises to be an unforgettable kickoff to the IHRA Triple Crown.
RaceCrewMedia will be on-site covering the action. Stay tuned for qualifying reports, photo galleries, and full results from Darana Raceway – Hebron.