Top 10: Tips to Get the Full U.S. Nationals Experience
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The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) brings its signature event -- the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals -- to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Hendricks County, Indiana, from Sept. 2-7, 2026, 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 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.
1. Just The Facts
So you want me to get right to the point about the Cornwell Quality Tools Nhra U.S. Nationals, huh? No problem.
- Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-7, 2026
- 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 2026 Cornwell Quality Tools 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 several 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. Family Fun & Driver Access
A general admission ticket is also a pit pass at U.S. Nationals, which grants you access to explore the pits, meet the drivers and watch their crews work on the cars.
You will also find a lot of fun activities, games and memorabilia and food vendors throughout the pit areas. Events within the event such as autograph sessions with the drivers also occur throughout the event.
5. Wear Ear Protection
For the love of everything holy, wear ear protection! These dragsters are unbelievably loud. If you forget to bring ear protection, vendors sell them onsite.
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!
6. 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 or camping across the street at Raceview Family Campground.
(If your idea of camping is staying in a hotel, click here for a list of hotels in the area.)
7. Nhra Funny Car All-Star Callout
Returning in 2026, the 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 during the Funny Car Callout on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Austin Prock won the event last year, and he currently sits in fourth place in the 2026 standings behind leader Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan and Ron Capps. Who will take the trophy home this year?
8. Four Champs Will Be Named
The Nhra Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will crown its four regular-season champions at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
One driver from Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be named the regular season champ, with NHRA set to award almost $400,000 of additional purse to the regular season champions in each class.
9. Food
Brownsburg boasts 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.
10. Nearby Racing Tracks & Attractions
Racing enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that, in addition to the NHRA U.S. Nationals, there are other 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, or do some shopping, you'll find what you're looking for in and around Hendricks County.
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