The Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund is set to make the 2026 NHRA season even more rewarding for racers. As the National Hot Rod Association celebrates its diamond anniversary, officials announced a massive $27 million total purse for the upcoming year. This initiative honors the legacy of founder Wally Parks while putting extra money directly into the pockets of the teams that keep the sport alive.
This new fund allocates $500,000 specifically to recognize teams in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. To qualify for these payouts, competitors simply need to promote the milestone year by displaying a 75th-anniversary decal on their race cars and flying a commemorative flag on their haulers. It is a simple way to unify the pitsunder one banner while boosting the financial incentives for everyone involved.
The anniversary is just one piece of a larger financial puzzle. The $27 million pot represents an increase from the 2025 season and covers a wide range of payouts. This includes event purses for both the Mission Foods and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series on the national tour. It also funds the year-end championship bonuses and special events like the All-Star Callout races and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
“Supporting and rewarding our racers at every level has always been a priority for NHRA,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “The introduction of the Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund is a fitting way to honor Wally and NHRA’s legacy, while directly giving back to the competitors who are currently part of it.”
The 2026 campaign kicks off March 5-8 with the 57th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. This will be the first of 20 events in a historic season that promises to be unlike any other. Fans can expect fierce competition as drivers like Doug Kalitta and Austin Prock look to defend their recent titles. With millions of dollars on the line and a tribute to the sport’s founder in play, the stakes have never been higher. The Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund ensures that as the NHRA looks back on 75 years of history, it is also investing heavily in its future.
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