Winternationals back as NHRA season opener for 2027

NHRA is returning to a more traditional schedule next season, starting with restoring its Winternationals event at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip as the series opener, as it announces the first four dates of the 2027 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

After the 67th annual NHRA Winternationals on Feb. 18-21, the series' 76th season will move on to races in Phoenix, Gainesville and Charlotte to launch a season-long “50 Years of Force” celebration, which will honor NHRA’s winningest star, legendary 16-time Funny Car champion John Force.

"There is something special about beginning an NHRA season in Pomona," NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. "It's one of the most iconic venues in our sport and a place where so much history has been made. Returning to this traditional schedule allows us to honor our roots as we begin to celebrate one of the most remarkable figures in motorsports at John’s home track in Pomona. We’re very excited about these first four races of 2027, which will be another special year in NHRA history.”

Following Pomona, teams will head to Firebird Motorsports Park the following weekend, with the 42nd annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs set to take place Feb. 26-28. That also marks a return to an earlier date for the annual race in Phoenix.

After the back-to-back race weekends to open 2027, race teams will have an off week before the 58th annual NHRA Gatornationals. The traditional East Coast opener is set for March 11-14, also serving as the opening race of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

The sport’s biggest spectacle will see an earlier date in 2027 as well, as the 17th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals is set for April 2-4 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. The full schedule for the 2027 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, as well as details for the “50 Years of Force” celebrations, will be released in the coming weeks.