The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) brings its signature event -- the 69th Annual NHRA U.S. Nationals -- to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Hendricks County, Indiana, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 4, 2023, and we have everything you need to know!

Whether you're a devoted nitro-in-your-veins racing enthusiast, a first-time visitor or anything in between, here are 10 things to know about this year's NHRA U.S. Nationals.

1. Just the Facts 2022 Matt Hagan NHRA U.S. Nationals

So you want me to get right to the point about the NHRA U.S. Nationals, huh? No problem.

2. Special Visit Hendricks County Discount! 15% off U.S. Nationals tickets? Yes please! (Photo courtesy of NHRA.com)

If you're coming to Hendricks County for the NHRA U.S. Nationals, we have an exclusive 15% discount code just for you! 

Fill out some quick information for a special link to an exclusive page where you will receive access to special pricing on 2023 NHRA U.S. Nationals tickets! You will be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for Friday through Sunday event days. 

How cool is that?! Just for following us and reading this blog post, we'll hook you up with a 15% discount! You'll get 100% of the fun for only 85% of the price!

Click here to get your discount tickets to U.S. Nationals!

 

3. Military and First Responders Get Discounted Tickets Current and former military, first responders and law enforcement are eligible for discounted tickets to U.S. Nationals. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Fire Territory on Facebook)

I really love what the NHRA is doing -- honoring those who serve and protect our country, as well as the first responders who rush to the aid of those in need during emergencies.

This program provides discounted tickets to medical professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, members of the armed forces and a number of other professions charged with the safety and well-being of the public.

If this applies to you, thank you very much for your service, and click here to learn how to get discounted tickets to U.S. Nationals.

4. Wear Ear Protection John Force at NHRA U.S. Nationals

For the love of everything holy, wear ear protection. These dragsters are unbelievably loud.

I made the mistake a few years ago of absent-mindedly leaving my ear protection hanging around my neck when John Force stomped on the accelerator, and it took a week for my brain to stop rattling around inside my skull.

I'm pretty sure the thunderous avalanche of sound that slammed into my unprotected ears stopped time briefly and knocked a few dozen points off of my IQ. I definitely had to purchase a new pair of britches afterward.

Wear ear protection!

5. Let's Go Camping! Photo courtesy of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Facebook

If you've got an RV, camper or tent that you'd like to stay in during U.S. Nationals, you have three camping options.

You can choose trackside RV parking (less than 80 feet from the drag strip!!), camping on the grounds of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and camping across the street from the track at Raceview Family Campground.

For more information about camping options, click here.

(If your idea of camping is staying in a hotel, click here for a list of hotels in the area.)

6. Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout

Returning in 2023, the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout will feature a race-within-a-race of the top-seeded drivers during U.S. Nationals weekend. More than $125,000 in additional prize money will be awarded!

The Funny Car Callout takes place on Sunday, Sept. 3

Ron Capps rocketed off the starting line to defeat Matt Hagan on a 3.93 to 3.90 holeshot to win the $80,000 top prize in the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car Allstar Callout at the 2022 NHRA U.S. Nationals. Check it out:

 

7. Competitors NHRA Top Fuel driver Antron Brown lives in Pittsboro, Ind. (Photo courtesy of Antron Brown on Facebook)

Drivers from all over the world compete in the U.S. Nationals in a wide variety of classes. We even have some competitors from Hendricks County!

Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown and Austin Prock call Pittsboro their home, while Shawn Langdon is an Avon High School graduate and now hangs his hat in Danville.

Pro Stock Motorcycle riders include Eddie Krawiec from Danville.

Super Comp drivers Devin Isenhower, Nick Isenhower and Alaia Wischmeyer all hail from Brownsburg.

Stock Eliminator driver Rusty Hall comes from Camby.

Top Dragster driver Edward Dudley lives in Plainfield

To find all of the competitors in each class at U.S. Nationals, click here.

8. Food Press Play Gaming Lounge in Brownsburg is a fun experience!

Race fans gotta eat, right?

Brownsburg sports a bunch of great places to grab a meal, a drink and some entertainment! Places like Pho 88Panoony's Pizza & Wings, Thai Basil and Best Friends Coffee & Bagels are among the top-rated restaurants in Hendricks County, according to Yelp users.

Press Play Gaming Lounge is a unique spot in Brownsburg where you can fill your belly while also playing games and watching sporting events on TV. 

Need some morning sweets before you head to the track? I highly recommend Hilligoss Bakery

Check out our listing of Brownsburg restaurants and restaurants in surrounding communities before you travel to Hendricks County to maximize your dining pleasure!

Beasley's Orchard

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9. Nearby Racing Tracks & Attractions Fulfill your need for speed in nearby Speedway! (Photo courtesy of Speedway Indoor Karting on Facebook)

Racing enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that in addition to the NHRA U.S. Nationals, there are all sorts of racing tracks and attractions within an hour of Hendricks County.

Whether you like to drive fast, bask in the history of racing, see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, take in some dirt racing, or do some shopping, chances are real good that you'll find what you're looking for in and around Hendricks County.

Stay an extra few days and enjoy all that Central Indiana has to offer!

Click here to learn more.

10. Other Hendricks County Events First Friday Cruise-Ins are a fun, free, family experience!

While you're in town for U.S. Nationals, there are a couple additional local events taking place that might interest you.

On the historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, the First Friday Cruise-In for September takes place on Friday, Sept. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.

During this free, family-friendly event, the Courthouse Square is full of restored vehicles from days gone by, and their owners are happy to chat about their classic cars with admirers.

Additionally, the 48th Annual North Salem Old Fashion Days takes place in North Salem from Sept. 2-4. Three days of family fun features live music, craft and food vendors, tractor and horse pulls and so much more small-town, family-fun entertainment. 

Some of the key, not-to-be-missed events include the parade, the largest in Hendricks County, at 11 a.m. on Saturday and the bed race down Pearl Street on Monday. Be sure to arrive early whichever day you visit because parking around town fills up fast.