NHRA Potomac Nationals Bring High-Octane History to Maryland International Raceway

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series reaches a landmark moment this Memorial Day weekend as the organization makes its long-awaited debut at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Scheduled for May 29-31, the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS marks the first national event ever held at the historic facility, capping off the 75th anniversary season with a celebration of speed, competition, and fan engagement.

Maryland International Raceway, located at 27861 Budds Creek Rd., has undergone significant upgrades to host the event, positioning it as a premier stop on the national tour. The three-day program features the full lineup of Mission Foods Drag Racing Series classes, including the thunderous Top Fuel and Funny Car entries capable of reaching 340 mph with 12,000 horsepower, alongside Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Competition Eliminator, Top Sportsman, and Junior Dragster competition. A Summit JDRL National Shootout adds extra excitement for the junior ranks.  

Action kicks off with a free Fan Fest on Thursday, May 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Barns at New Market in Mechanicsville. Fans can meet and greet a stacked roster of drivers during autograph sessions from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with additional attractions including Jr. Dragsters on display, live music, food and drink vendors, and a classic car show.  

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day of the main event, with the midway firing up at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Friday’s schedule includes multiple qualifying sessions across all classes, a Total Seal Tech Talk at Matt Hartford’s pit, and a John Force autograph session. Saturday ramps up the intensity with further qualifying runs, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge rounds and finals in the pro categories, eliminations in support classes, and multiple autograph opportunities featuring Mission Foods, John Force Racing, SCAG Racing, and JEGS Elite Pro Stock drivers.  

Sunday brings the climactic eliminations, starting at 11 a.m. with Top Fuel and running through the Mission Foods Series finals. A SealMaster track walk and driver introductions at 10 a.m. set the stage for the day’s showdown. Fans arriving early on Sunday will receive a free limited-edition NHRA 75th anniversary pennant while supplies last for the first 4,000 attendees. Additional highlights include a new-look Nitro Mall with special displays and appearances by NHRA legend Shirley Muldowney.  

JEGS, the presenting sponsor, will showcase its high-performance parts and accessories through an on-site experience trailer, underscoring its longstanding support for the sport and this historic debut. Tickets remain available through NHRA channels, with special Memorial Day weekend savings offered on select national event passes.  

Television coverage includes qualifying sessions on FS1 and live eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. The event also ties into PlayNHRA for fans interested in fantasy gaming and legal wagering options tied to the series.  

As the series rolls into Mechanicsville for the first time, the Potomac Nationals promise to deliver the raw power, close competition, and family-friendly atmosphere that define NHRA racing while etching a new chapter in drag racing history at Maryland International Raceway.