History of NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in Timeline

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, organized by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), is a premier drag racing series. It features four classes: Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. As the top competition series of the NHRA, it showcases high-speed racing and technological innovation in motorsports. The series is a significant event for motorsports enthusiasts and participants, drawing attention to both the sport and the advancements in racing technology.

1965: Introduction of Top Fuel Dragster

In 1965, the Top Fuel Dragster was the first category introduced in the NHRA series, marking the beginning of professional classes in the sport.

1966: Addition of Funny Cars

In 1966, Funny Cars were added to the NHRA series, expanding the professional classes and introducing a new type of racing vehicle.

1970: Addition of Pro Stock

In 1970, the Pro Stock category was added to the NHRA series, further diversifying the professional classes and attracting more participants.

1974: Season champion determined by World Finals winner

Prior to 1974, the NHRA season champion was determined by the winner of the World Finals event.

1975: Winston becomes title sponsor

In 1975, Winston cigarettes became the title sponsor of the NHRA series, marking a significant partnership.

1983: Beginnings of NHRA television broadcasts

NHRA events have been broadcast on television dating back as far as 1983.

1987: Addition of Pro Stock Motorcycles

In 1987, the Pro Stock Motorcycle category was added to the NHRA series, introducing motorcycle racing to the professional classes.

1990: Introduction of Rookie of the Year award

Since 1990, the NHRA has annually presented the Rookie of the Year award to a first-year racer in its Professional classes.

1992: TNN model live coverage

By the 2015 season, at least six events were broadcast live using the TNN model from 1992 to 2000.

1992: TNN carries live coverage of selected final rounds

From 1992 until 2000, TNN carried live coverage of selected final rounds, typically with a condensed package to air until the finals began.

1996: Introduction of two awards for rising stars

Between 1996 and 2001, two separate awards, the NHRA Rookie of the Year award and the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, were given to recognize rising stars.

2000: TNN model live coverage

By the 2015 season, at least six events were broadcast live using the TNN model from 1992 to 2000.

2000: TNN carries live coverage of selected final rounds

From 1992 until 2000, TNN carried live coverage of selected final rounds, typically with a condensed package to air until the finals began.

2001: Consolidation of rising star awards

After 2001, the NHRA Rookie of the Year award and the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award were consolidated into one award — the Road to the Future — limited to true rookies.

2001: Winston ends sponsorship

In 2001, Winston cigarettes ended its sponsorship of the NHRA series due to a condition of the Master Settlement Agreement, choosing to retain its NASCAR sponsorship instead.

2001: Exclusive broadcast agreement with ESPN

In 2001, the NHRA entered into an agreement with ESPN for it to become the exclusive broadcaster of NHRA events.

2002: Coca-Cola takes over title sponsorship

In 2002, The Coca-Cola Company took over the title sponsorship of the NHRA series.

2007: Ashley Force Hood's rising popularity

In 2007, Ashley Force Hood was named Rookie of the Year, made appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show, and was voted AOL's Hottest Female Athlete, increasing her public profile.

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2007: Implementation of the Countdown to the Championship playoff system

In 2007, the NHRA implemented a playoff system to determine the champion in each class, known as the Countdown to The Championship, dividing the season into two segments of races.

July 2, 2008: Reduction of race distances after Scott Kalitta's death

On July 2, 2008, the NHRA temporarily reduced race distances for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 ft from the traditional 1/4 mile (1320 ft) following the death of Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta.

2008: Branding with Powerade

Until 2008, the NHRA series was branded with Coca-Cola's Powerade sports drink brand.

2009: Branding with Full Throttle energy drink

In 2009, Coca-Cola changed the branding of the NHRA series to promote its Full Throttle energy drink brand.

2012: Adoption of 1,000 foot racing globally

By late 2012, 1,000 foot racing became globally recognized as the 2012 FIA European title in Top Fuel became 1,000-foot championships, with Santa Pod and Hockenheim making the switch, and Australian nitro racing switching to the 1,000-foot distance only for selected tracks in the world.

2013: Sponsorship changes to Mello Yello

In 2013, following an extension of its sponsorship, Coca-Cola changed the title sponsorship of the NHRA series to its citrus soda brand, Mello Yello.

July 2015: Early termination of ESPN contract

In July 2015, ESPN and the NHRA agreed to end their contract one year early, with the association citing ESPN's scheduling issues as a concern.

2015: Live events using the TNN Model

By the 2015 season, at least six events were broadcast live using the TNN model from 1992 to 2000.

January 2016: New logo and "My NHRA" campaign

In January 2016, the NHRA unveiled a new logo for the series and launched a new "My NHRA" marketing campaign, coinciding with Mello Yello's updated logo.

2016: New television deal with Fox Sports

In 2016, the NHRA announced a new television deal with Fox Sports beginning in the 2016 season, with coverage primarily on FS1 and FS2.

September 20, 2020: Coca-Cola pulls sponsorship

On September 20, 2020, Coca-Cola announced that it would immediately end its sponsorship of the NHRA series, despite an agreement in effect until 2023.

October 4, 2020: NHRA announces sponsorship deal with Camping World

On October 4, 2020, the NHRA announced a new sponsorship deal with Camping World.

2020: Reversion to NHRA Rookie of the Year award name

Beginning in 2020, the rising star award name reverted to NHRA Rookie of the Year.

2020: Suspension of qualifying format due to COVID-19

In 2020, the NHRA suspended the qualifying format, which originally rewarded teams for making qualifying passes, after the COVID-19 pandemic led to five races being removed from the schedule.

2021: Renewal of contract with Fox

In 2021, the NHRA renewed its contract with Fox, expanding network television coverage but incorporating more tape-delayed races.

October 25, 2023: Mission Foods announced as new title sponsor

On October 25, 2023, Mission Foods was announced as the newest title sponsor for the 2024 NHRA season.

2023: Contract end date for Coca-Cola sponsorship

In September 20, 2020, Coca-Cola announced that it would immediately end its sponsorship of the NHRA series, despite an agreement in effect until 2023.

2023: Camping World to end sponsorship after 2024 season

In early 2023, an NHRA representative confirmed that Camping World would not be renewing their agreement with the NHRA after the conclusion of the 2024 season.

2024: Mission Foods replaces Camping World as title sponsor

For the 2024 season, Mission Foods replaced Camping World as the title sponsor of the NHRA, following renegotiated terms.

2024: End of Camping World sponsorship

In early 2023, it was announced that Camping World would not be renewing their sponsorship agreement after the conclusion of the 2024 season, prompting the NHRA to seek a new title sponsor.