NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals attracts millions of viewers on television and social media, big crowds and big payouts, and record-breaking performances.

An impressive audience tuned in on FOX for the world’s biggest drag race, as Monday’s live broadcast of the prestigious 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals from Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park drew 1.036 million viewers.

It marks the most-viewed live U.S. Nationals telecast in NHRA history and is the most-watched non-NFL adjacent NHRA telecast on FOX since 2017. Monday’s telecast was also the most-viewed U.S. Nationals finals broadcast (live or tape delayed) since 2002.

As part of Monday’s live action on FOX, fans watched a spectacular day of eliminations on the sport’s grandest stage, as Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claimed victories at the Big Go.

“It was exciting to showcase a live three-hour broadcast on FOX that included multiple active sets, all conveying the true size and scope of the world’s biggest drag race,” NHRA Vice President of Broadcasting Steve Reintjes said. “Our amazing team executed with great precision when the lights came on, and it was a fantastic weekend to celebrate all the incredible performances and amazing teams racing for the ultimate drag racing glory in Indy.”

The impressive TV viewership number was part of a monumental weekend in Indy, as the NHRA also enjoyed a huge week on social media. The nonstop action and excitement at the Big Go led to 10.5 million video views and more than 11 million impressions across all social media platforms, including 2.4 million views on Instagram and 1.5 million views and 7.1 million impressions on YouTube.

Other highlights from a historic Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals include:

•    All RV and camping spots sold out
•    Top Eliminator Club sold out Friday through Monday
•    Debut of new Wally Parks Tower; all tower and concourse suites sold out
•    $1,750,000 total event payout
•    More than 800 cars in action at IRP
•    National speed record – 343.51 mph by Brittany Force – and five track records set in the Professional categories
•    17 champions crowned across all categories during the Big Go
 

The Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals finishes off a span of seven event weekends appearing on FOX since early June. The final race of the year on FOX takes place in the Countdown to the Championship as the 40th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals Stampede of Speed, which takes place at historic Texas Motorplex in Dallas, will air adjacent to a FOX NFL broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Most markets on Sunday, Oct. 12 will see NHRA action from the Texas NHRA FallNationals following NFL broadcasts early in the day, including in the popular Dallas market. Those markets will air the NHRA playoff race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET following the NFL on FOX game, while some markets will air NHRA coverage from 2-4 p.m. ET, leading directly into NFL on FOX action.

Also in the Countdown to the Championship, all three elimination rounds of the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals will be broadcast live on FS1 (starting at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21), giving fans a unique opportunity to watch the intense action of the playoff race live for the first time, all in the wild and unique four-wide setting.