As the great American motorsport , we ’ re fortunate to have an event like the NHRA U . S . Nationals , the world ’ s biggest drag race , that takes place at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park .

However , The Big Go didn ’ t always call Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park home .

The first NHRA U . S . Nationals occurred in 1955 at the Great Bend Municipal Airport . In 1956 , the event moved to Kansas City , then to the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds in 1958 , and then to Detroit Dragway in 1959 and 1960 . Finally , the NHRA U . S . Nationals settled into its permanent home at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1961 .

As part of the celebration ’ s lead-up , the NHRA announced a multi-phase plan for Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park . The updates include a new Wally Parks Tower , renovated suites , a new entrance for fans and the relocation of the professional pits to the west side of the facility .

This multi-year plan , which is already underway , will only add to the legacy of the legendary facility , where so many careers are defined by victories at the NHRA U . S . Nationals .

A win means more at the legendary race , and when Top Fuel made its debut in 1964 and Funny Car later in 1967 , it was game on .

All the greats have forged their legacies through their Indy success , including iconic drivers like

Don Garlits , Don Prudhomme , Kenny Bernstein , Ed McCulloch , Connie Kalitta , Shirley Muldowney , Joe Amato , Bob Glidden , Warren Johnson , Lee Shepherd , Dave Schultz , and many more .

These lists also include current stars like Tony Schumacher , John Force , Antron Brown , Ron Capps , Greg Anderson , Jeg Coughlin Jr ., Steve Torrence , Erica Enders , Matt Smith , Doug Kalitta ,

Matt Hagan , Cruz Pedregon , Shawn Langdon , and J . R . Todd .

Plus , the NHRA U . S . Nationals has been synonymous with some of the biggest moments in NHRA history . A win in Indy has helped carve out the legacies of the sport ’ s biggest legends and the NHRA U . S . Nationals has long been a proving ground in the sport .

From Don Garlits to Tony Schumacher , who has an incredible 10 wins at Indy , to Capps to Don “ The Snake ” Prudhomme to John Force to Greg Anderson and Erica Enders , NHRA ’ s biggest names have enjoyed special moments at Indy .

Last year , Capps ’ Hot Wheels car featured a tribute to Prudhomme . With the legend watching from the starting line , Capps picked up one of the most meaningful wins in his career .

Force ’ s five Funny Car wins are the most in class history , while Greg Anderson ’ s seven Pro Stock victories at The Big Go lead the way among active drivers in the category . In 2024 , he ’ ll try to move a step closer to Bob Glidden ’ s nine Pro Stock wins at Indy .

Now , nearly every class offered within the sanctioning body competes at The Big Go during the five-day event held every year over Labor Day weekend , as well as a few specialty races .

A few highlighted moments on the docket in 2024 are the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout on the pro side , as well as the special Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the Mc- Candless Collection and racing action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series , Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV +, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X .

The NHRA U . S . Nationals is a staple on many fans ’ schedules and a bucket list item on others ; either way , the event packs tons of history that has laid 70 years of groundwork for where we find the state of our sport today . – KAYLA ZADEL DI

Indy icons like “ Big Daddy ” Don Garlits and Don “ The Snake ” Prudhomme have added to the rich history of the NHRA U . S . Nationals on the hallowed grounds of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NHRA

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