Due to potential inclement weather, NHRA announced an earlier start on Friday for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
The revised schedule moves NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying earlier in the day, with Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock opening Friday qualifying, followed by Nitro Qualifying at 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. in Funny Car and Top Fuel.
Friday’s schedule also includes the completion of the final rounds from the NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto in Funny Car and Top Fuel.
Parking lots will open at 7:30 a.m., with gates opening at 8 a.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and stay tuned to NHRA and Bristol Dragway social channels for the latest schedule updates throughout the day.
Single-day Friday tickets start as low as $35 for adults. Saturday adult tickets start at $60 and Sunday’s tickets start at $50. All grandstand tickets for kids 12 and under are free on Friday and $12 each day on the weekend with a paid adult. Discounted weekend packages and limited premium seating are also available.
To purchase tickets to the 2026 Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets or call Bristol Dragway at (866) 415-4158. For more information about NHRA, visit NHRA.com.
REVISED FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Friday, June 12, 2026
Bristol Dragway
7:30 a.m. – Parking lots open 8:00 a.m. – Gates open
1:00 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying Session 1
Followed by – Pro Stock Qualifying Session 1
2:00 p.m. – Funny Car Qualifying Session 1
Followed by – Top Fuel Qualifying Session 1
3:15 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle Qualifying Session 2 Followed by – Pro Stock Qualifying Session 2
4:15 p.m. – Funny Car Qualifying Session 2
Followed by – Top Fuel Qualifying Session 2
This is an excerpt from a press release from NHRA…
Friday night in Thunder Valley has always been a huge highlight of the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. But there will be even more excitement—and a lot more on the line—when nitro at night comes alive in a major way this Friday at Bristol Dragway.
The second round of qualifying—which starts at 7:30 p.m. in Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock and continues at 8:30 p.m. in Funny Car and Top Fuel—will also see the final rounds in Top Fuel and Funny Car of last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto completed under the lights on Friday.
Rain halted those two final rounds on Sunday and postponed them to Friday in Bristol, which will lead to an electric atmosphere at Thunder Valley.
Following a can’t-miss Friday, final qualifying, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge and a special autograph session take place on Saturday, followed by eliminations on Sunday. Plus, the race will feature a host of 75th anniversary items, including:
- An appearance from NHRA fan-favorite Top Fuel driver Clay Millican as well as NHRA legend Darrell Gwynn. Millican’s memorable 2017 Bristol win will also be celebrated as the race’s historic moment.
- On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 4,000 fans in attendance.
This season’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14.
Gadson, the reigning world champ and points leader, hopes to repeat but will be challenged by Maryland winner Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, and Steve Johnson.
Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremony that introduces each driver and includes the fan-favorite SealMaster NHRA Track Walk and congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. They can visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 13 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 2 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets.
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