Story By: SCOTT SMITH / NHRA – GLENDORA, CA – NHRA has announced the remainder of the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
In collaboration with all stakeholders, NHRA plans to hold six national events to complete the 2020 season.
The 2020 NHRA season has looked very different due to the global pandemic. NHRA has worked closely with its partner tracks and race teams to construct a schedule that will honor its rich racing history.
“We are grateful to the loyal NHRA fans who have stuck with us during these trying times,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “NHRA plans to hold these next six national events to conclude the 2020 season. Thank you to our fans, racers, and partners for your continued support and cooperation.”
Dates for the remaining NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series are as follows:
- Sept. 3-6 Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis
- Sept. 25-27 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Fla.
- Oct. 2-4 Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Pennzoil, St. Louis
- Oct. 14-18 AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, Dallas
- Oct. 23-25 Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil, Houston
- Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Dodge NHRA Finals presented by Pennzoil, Las Vegas
At the conclusion of the Dodge NHRA Finals in Las Vegas, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will crown its four champions in each of the respective professional categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
With the elimination of the traditional Countdown to the Championship playoffs, every round of racing is crucial. Race teams will be ready to battle it out for their shot at an NHRA world championship.
Due to the pandemic and scheduling conflicts, the three below listed national events have been removed from the 2020 schedule:
- Sept. 18-20 NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Charlotte, N.C.
- Oct. 9-11 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol, Tenn.
- Nov. 13-15 Auto Club NHRA Finals, Pomona, Calif.
NHRA and its partner tracks originally planned to reschedule three national events but due to location and traditional climates, the below events have been canceled:
- Original date: Aug. 7-9 Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil, Denver
- Original date: Aug. 14-16 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, Brainerd, Minn.
- Original date: Aug. 21-23 Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals present by Minties, Topeka, Kan.
California Hot Rod Reunion Canceled
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum officials announced today the cancellation of the 2020 California Hot Rod Reunion presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif.
“We made this difficult decision as we see the effects this pandemic is having on our country, fans, sponsors and racers,” said Martin Betz, executive director. “We believe this is the right decision given the continued high rate of COVID-19 cases in California and the restrictions implemented by the State and Kern County.”
“For 28 years, the Famoso Raceway has hosted the California Hot Rod Reunion,” said track owner Blake Bowser. “As much as I hate seeing the Reunion canceled, the current restrictions placed upon large scale events in our State make hosting the event virtually impossible. We look forward to a bigger and better event in 2021.”
Event participants and ticket holders will receive more information from the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum via mail soon.
The California Hot Rod Reunion presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California is a production of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and cultural organization. Ticket sales, racer entries, merchandise sales, memberships, and donations go directly to helping the Museum preserve the past and inspiring the youth of today.
