The biggest drag racing weekend of the year is almost here. The 61st annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals takes place from November 12 to 15, 2026, at the legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California. This is the final race of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. It is also the grand closing act of NHRA’s historic 75th anniversary celebration.
Champions will be crowned. Records could fall. Legends of the sport will appear in person. For any drag racing fan, this is the event of the year.
About the Event: The Season Finale at Pomona
The In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip sits at 1801 W. McKinley Avenue inside the Fairplex grounds in Pomona, California. It is one of the most historic drag racing facilities in the world. The track has hosted NHRA events for decades, and it consistently delivers some of the most dramatic moments in the sport’s history.
This year’s Finals is the 20th and final race on the 2026 NHRA schedule. All four professional categories — Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle — compete here with world titles on the line. The Countdown to the Championship playoff has been building all season. Now it reaches its peak in Pomona.
Additionally, this event closes out a landmark year. NHRA marks its 75th anniversary throughout 2026, and the Finals serves as the final celebration of that milestone season. Special activities, legendary guest appearances, and unique anniversary experiences are planned throughout the weekend.
Event Dates and Day-by-Day Racing Schedule
The action spans four days. Each day has a distinct purpose, and understanding the schedule helps you plan your visit properly.
| Day | Date | Main Activity |
| Thursday | November 12, 2026 | Gates open, early fan activities, track preparation |
| Friday | November 13, 2026 | First round of qualifying runs |
| Saturday | November 14, 2026 | Second round of qualifying runs |
| Sunday | November 15, 2026 | Final eliminations, championship crowning |
Qualifying takes place on both Friday and Saturday. Each professional category gets two qualifying runs across those two days. The field is set by Saturday evening, which means Sunday is reserved entirely for eliminations. That is when the champions are officially crowned.
Sunday is the day most fans prioritize. However, attending on Friday or Saturday gives you a more relaxed atmosphere, lower crowd density, and just as much on-track action in terms of raw speed and noise.
Racing Categories: What You Will See on Track
Four professional categories compete at the Finals. Each one offers a different kind of excitement.
| Category | Speed Range | Engine Type | Race Distance |
| Top Fuel | 330+ mph | 11,000 HP nitromethane | 1,000 feet |
| Funny Car | 330+ mph | 11,000 HP nitromethane | 1,000 feet |
| Pro Stock | 210+ mph | Naturally aspirated gasoline | 1,000 feet |
| Pro Stock Motorcycle | 200+ mph | Twin-cylinder motorcycle | 1,000 feet |
Top Fuel dragsters are the fastest accelerating vehicles on earth. They cover a quarter mile in roughly 3.6 seconds. The sound and force of a Top Fuel pass is something you feel in your chest as much as you hear it. Funny Cars follow the same power formula but run inside a carbon-fiber body shaped like a production car.
Pro Stock cars are engineering masterpieces running on gasoline. They look like street cars but are tuned to extraordinary precision. Pro Stock Motorcycles complete the lineup with two-wheeled battles that demand incredible skill from their riders.
The 75th Anniversary Celebration at Pomona
This year’s Finals carries extra weight. The 2026 event closes out the entire 75th anniversary season, so organizers have packed the weekend with special programming.
A lineup of legendary names from NHRA history will appear at the event. Tony Schumacher, Tommy Ivo, Sean Bellemeur, Terry Vance, and Del Worsham are all scheduled to attend. These names represent decades of championship racing and unforgettable moments at this very track.
One centerpiece of the anniversary celebration is a tribute to “The Run.” This refers to Tony Schumacher’s record-setting Top Fuel pass at Pomona in 2006 — a moment that still resonates deeply in drag racing history.
A redesigned Nitro Mall, special anniversary displays, and additional experiences are also planned. Fans who renew their tickets onsite will receive a special commemorative ring honoring Hall of Fame legend John Force, giving a preview of the upcoming “50 Years of Force” celebration planned for 2027.
Additionally, the race will broadcast on FS1, so those who cannot attend can still catch every elimination round from home.
Tickets: Pricing, Categories, and Where to Buy
Tickets for the 61st annual event are on sale now. They are available through the official NHRA ticketing platform at NHRA.com/tickets.
One of the most valuable features of attending any NHRA national event is that every ticket includes pit access. This means you can walk through the paddock, watch crews work on cars between rounds, and get remarkably close to the machinery and drivers.
| Ticket Type | Who It Suits | Pit Access Included |
| General Admission (Single Day) | Casual fans, first-time visitors | Yes |
| Weekend Pass | Fans attending multiple days | Yes |
| Reserved Grandstand | Those who prefer assigned seating | Yes |
| Premium / Club Experience | Fans wanting VIP amenities | Yes |
Children 12 and under are admitted free in the general admission area when accompanied by a paying adult. Therefore, this event works well as a family outing without adding a significant cost.
Hagerty Drivers Club members receive an exclusive 15% discount on advance ticket purchases. If you are a member, use the dedicated link provided through your club account before arriving.
Tickets sell quickly as the event approaches. Buying in advance is strongly recommended, especially for Sunday eliminations day.
Visitor Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Trip
Attending a large motorsports event takes a little preparation. These tips will help you have a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Arrive Early
Parking fills up fast, particularly on Sunday. Arriving before the gates open gives you time to find a good parking spot, explore the pits without crowds, and settle into your grandstand seat before the action starts.
Bring Hearing Protection
Top Fuel and Funny Car runs produce sound levels that exceed 150 decibels. Ear protection is not just a comfort item — it is genuinely necessary. Bring foam earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs. This is especially important for children. Many vendors sell ear protection at the venue, but bringing your own is cheaper and more convenient.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The Fairplex grounds cover a large area. You will walk considerably throughout the day, especially if you explore the pits, the Nitro Mall, and the grandstands. Comfortable closed-toe shoes make a real difference over a full day on your feet.
Plan Your Viewing Spots
Different spots on the track offer different experiences. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Starting line area: Best for watching burnouts, staging, and launch reactions
- Midtrack grandstands: Good overall view of the full run
- Finish line area: Best for seeing top-speed runs and parachute deployments
- Pit areas: Best for close access to cars, drivers, and crews
Stay Hydrated and Pace Yourself
November in Pomona is generally mild but can still be warm during the day. Carry a water bottle and eat regularly. Food vendors are spread across the grounds, and In-N-Out Burger is available on-site, making it easy to grab a meal between rounds.
Check the TV Broadcast Schedule
If a family member cannot attend, they can still watch Sunday eliminations on FS1. Letting them know the broadcast time in advance means everyone can follow the championship drama together.
Getting to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip
The venue sits at 2780 Fairplex Drive in Pomona, California. It is located off the 10 Freeway and is easily reachable from Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and Orange County.
| Direction | Route |
| From Los Angeles | Take I-10 East to Fairplex Drive exit |
| From Riverside / IE | Take I-10 West to Fairplex Drive exit |
| From Orange County | Take SR-57 North to I-10 West |
Public transportation options are available from the Pomona Metrolink station, which sits close to the Fairplex grounds. Rideshare services also operate well in the area. However, if you drive, carpooling is smart since parking lots can back up significantly on Sunday.
Why This Event Stands Apart
Most motorsport events give fans a barrier between themselves and the competition. NHRA removes that barrier almost entirely. The pit pass included with every ticket lets you walk the full length of the paddock. You can watch a Top Fuel crew rebuild an engine in under an hour between rounds. You can stand close enough to feel the heat from a burnout.
Additionally, the Finals is where the season’s story concludes. Every point battle, every rivalry, and every dramatic moment from the previous 19 races of the year comes down to this single weekend. The pressure on drivers and teams is real and visible. That makes the atmosphere unlike anything else in American motorsports.
Conclusion
The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals 2026 is a landmark event on every level. Scheduled for November 12 to 15 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California, it closes out the 61st edition of the Finals and the entire 75th anniversary NHRA season. Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle champions will all be determined across four days of qualifying and eliminations. Special anniversary celebrations, legendary driver appearances, and the unique pit-access experience make this weekend one of the most compelling events in American motorsports. Buy your tickets early, plan your visit carefully, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend at one of drag racing’s most hallowed venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals 2026?
The event runs from November 12 to 15, 2026, at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, located at 2780 Fairplex Drive in Pomona, California. It is the final race of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the 61st annual edition of the Finals.
Are children admitted free to the NHRA Finals?
Yes. Children 12 and under are admitted free in the general admission grandstands when accompanied by a paying adult. This makes the event a great option for families looking for an exciting, accessible day out.
Does my ticket include access to the pits?
Yes. Every ticket to the NHRA Finals includes a pit pass, giving fans access to the paddock area. You can walk among the race cars, watch crews work, and get very close to the teams and drivers between rounds.
What racing categories compete at the NHRA Finals?
Four professional categories compete: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. World champions are crowned in all four categories at this event, making it the highest-stakes weekend of the entire season.
Where can I buy tickets for the 2026 NHRA Finals?
Tickets are available through the official NHRA website at NHRA.com/tickets. Hagerty Drivers Club members receive a 15% advance ticket discount. Fans should purchase their tickets early, as Sunday eliminations typically sell out well before the event.
