NHRA Announces 2027 Schedule Changes, Returns Winternationals To Season Opener

For the 2027 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, the Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will once again serve as the season opener, marking a return to the sport’s traditional schedule while launching a yearlong celebration honoring one of drag racing’s greatest icons.

NHRA officials announced that the 76th season of championship competition will begin with the 67th annual NHRA Winternationals on February 18-21 in Pomona, California. From there, the series will head to Phoenix, Gainesville, and Charlotte, creating a four-race stretch that blends NHRA’s historic roots with some of its biggest modern events.

The 2027 opener carries even greater significance because it will officially launch the “50 Years of Force” celebration, a season-long tribute recognizing John Force’s extraordinary impact on NHRA Drag Racing.

John Force’s Legacy Takes Center Stage

Few figures have shaped drag racing like John Force.

Over five decades, the 16-time Funny Car world champion has become the face of NHRA competition, compiling an unmatched 157 national event victories, 16 Funny Car world championships, and helping introduce generations of fans to the sport.

There’s perhaps no better place to begin honoring that legacy than Pomona.

Force won 17 times at his home track, making the Winternationals the perfect backdrop for the opening chapter of the celebration. The tribute will continue throughout every event of the 2027 season.

“John Force’s impact on NHRA extends far beyond his championships and race wins,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “For 50 years, he has been one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, helping introduce generations of fans to NHRA Drag Racing. It will be a huge thrill to start the season at his home track to kick off 2027 in a big way.”

A Return To NHRA Tradition

For longtime NHRA fans, seeing Pomona reclaim its place as the season opener brings back a familiar rhythm to the championship calendar.

Following the Winternationals, teams will head directly to Firebird Motorsports Park for the 42nd annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, scheduled for February 26-28. The earlier return to Phoenix gives fans another chance to enjoy the popular “Duel in the Desert” before spring arrives.

After an off weekend, the series shifts east for one of drag racing’s most prestigious events.

The 58th annual NHRA Gatornationals takes place March 11-14, serving once again as the traditional East Coast opener while also marking the season debut for the Pro Stock Motorcycle category.

The opening stretch concludes with one of the sport’s biggest spectacles as the 17th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals moves to an earlier spot on the calendar. The event will take place April 2-4 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, moving up three weeks and giving fans their first four-wide action of the season in early April.

Honoring The Sport’s Past While Looking Ahead

NHRA President Glen Cromwell believes returning to the traditional schedule is the perfect way to begin what promises to be another memorable season.

“There is something special about beginning an NHRA season in Pomona,” Cromwell said. “It’s one of the most iconic venues in our sport and a place where so much history has been made. Returning to this traditional schedule allows us to honor our roots as we begin to celebrate one of the most remarkable figures in motorsports at John’s home track in Pomona. We’re very excited about these first four races of 2027, which will be another special year in NHRA history.”

More 2027 Details Coming Soon

While NHRA has unveiled the opening four events, the complete 2027 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule and additional details surrounding the “50 Years of Force” celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.

Between the return of Pomona as the season opener, the sport’s biggest traditional events falling back into their familiar places on the calendar, and a year dedicated to celebrating the greatest Funny Car driver in NHRA history, the 2027 season is already shaping up to be one of the most meaningful in recent memory.