The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) brings its signature event -- the NHRA U.S. Nationals -- to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Hendricks County, Indiana, from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2, 2024, 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
So you want me to get right to the point about the NHRA U.S. Nationals, huh? No problem.
- Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, 2024
- Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Brownsburg
- Great information from Visit Hendricks County
- Facility map
- Ticket prices vary by day and by where you want to sit (click here for a full list of ticket and package options and prices)
- General admission for kids age 12 and under is free
- Every ticket is a pit pass
2. Special Visit Hendricks County Discount!
Just by reading this post you get access to the biggest discount on tickets anywhere, an exclusive 15% off 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 2024 NHRA U.S. Nationals tickets! You will be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for Friday through Sunday event days.
3. Military, First Responders Get Discounted Tickets
NHRA offers 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 enjoy those discounted tickets!
4. Wear Ear Protection
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. You will feel the roar of the engines in the depths of your soul, so don't leave those ears exposed!
5. Let's Go Camping!
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.
(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 2024, 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 $130,000 in additional prize money will be awarded! The Funny Car Callout takes place on Sunday, Sept. 1.
7. Local Drivers
Drivers from all over the world compete in the U.S. Nationals in a wide array 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. Several more drivers in a variety of classes also call Hendricks County home.
8. Food
Race fans gotta eat, right?
Brownsburg sports a bunch of great places to grab a meal, a drink and some entertainment! Places like Pho 88, Panoony'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 doughnuts before you head to the track? I highly recommend Hilligoss Bakery.
9. Nearby Racing Tracks & Attractions
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 good you'll find what you're looking for in and around Hendricks County.
10. Other Hendricks County Events
While you're in town for U.S. Nationals, there are additional local events taking place that might interest you. One in particular is a biggie.
The 49th Annual North Salem Old Fashion Days takes place in North Salem from Aug. 31 - Sept 2. 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.
