NHRA Potomac Nationals Bring National Spotlight To Southern Maryland

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Southern Maryland is ready to host one of the largest motorsports events in the region’s history as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series arrives at Maryland International Raceway (MIR) for the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals this weekend.

The three-day event, scheduled for May 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, marks the first time the NHRA has brought a national event of this scale to the track. The weekend is part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and is expected to draw competitors, racing teams and fans from across the country.

For local officials, tourism leaders and longtime race fans, the event represents more than just a major weekend of drag racing. It also places Southern Maryland on a national stage while bringing increased tourism activity and economic traffic to the region.

Maryland International Raceway has long been considered one of the premier drag racing facilities on the East Coast, regularly hosting large regional events and nationally recognized racers. The Potomac Nationals will elevate the venue to a new level with nationally televised competition featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle divisions.

Top Fuel dragsters — the fastest category in NHRA competition — can exceed 330 mph in runs lasting less than four seconds.

Race weekend will include qualifying rounds Friday and Saturday followed by final eliminations Sunday. Organizers also plan fan experiences, autograph sessions, vendor areas and Nitro Alley activities throughout the weekend.

The event is expected to attract both longtime motorsports fans and first-time attendees interested in experiencing professional drag racing.

NHRA officials and track representatives described the event as family-friendly, with opportunities for spectators to interact directly with drivers and crews in ways uncommon in many major professional sports.

MIR Owner Says NHRA Event Marks New Era For Raceway

Royce Miller, owner of Maryland International Raceway, said the timing was right for MIR to host its first NHRA national event after years of facility improvements and ongoing development at the Budds Creek raceway.

“The timing was right for the facility improvements and all that we have done over the years for the raceway,” Miller said. “The opportunity came up once NHRA called and said we’d like to bring your series to Maryland.”

Miller said hosting the NHRA Potomac Nationals represents a major visibility opportunity for both Maryland International Raceway and Southern Maryland as a whole. He noted the event’s national television coverage on FS1 and FOX is expected to provide exposure for the raceway, local businesses and the region’s tourism assets, including restaurants, seafood industry and rural culture.

“We’re going to be broadcast on Sunday on FOX Network, not just FS1. It’s a lot of good exposure for the track and the community of the Southern Maryland area,” Miller said. “We’re happy to bring the top stars of our sport to Southern Maryland and here at MIR.”

Miller also said national television exposure tied to the NHRA event creates additional sponsorship and revenue opportunities that can support the raceway’s long-term operations and future growth.

Miller described nitro racing as a top attraction for the weekend and said it is a sensory experience unlike most forms of motorsports. He hopes first-time visitors experience the intensity and atmosphere created by Top Fuel and Funny Car competition during race weekend. He also highlighted the return of Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competition to MIR, noting the track’s longstanding history with Pro Stock racing.

“Nitro is an amazing experience. You feel it, you hear it — your chest feels it. All your senses are engaged,” Miller said. “That is the calling card for this series. If you haven’t experienced that, I invite you to come experience Nitro here at Maryland International Raceway.”

Potomac Nationals Expected To Boost Tourism And Regional Visibility

Liz Mildenstein, executive director of Visit St. Mary’s MD, described the NHRA Potomac Nationals as a significant tourism and visibility opportunity for both St. Mary’s County and the state of Maryland. Mildenstein said the event is expected to attract race fans from across the region while showcasing Southern Maryland to national audiences.

“This is the first time that NHRA is holding a contested race in Maryland, so it’s not only significant for St. Mary’s County, but it’s significant for the state,” Mildenstein said. “It’s also nationally televised, which is exciting. Folks across the country — and who knows, maybe across the globe — will see St. Mary’s County within the racing field.”

Mildenstein said the three-day event is expected to generate increased activity for local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and surrounding businesses as visitors travel to and from Maryland International Raceway throughout the weekend. She also noted that MIR has extensive experience managing large-scale motorsports events and has built a reputation for hosting major races safely and successfully.

“This is a three-day event that has the power to bring visitors for all three of those days. People are going to need to make stops along the way to ensure they get the full experience,” Mildenstein said. “Maryland International Raceway has been hosting large-scale events for quite some time. They know how to put on a big event, and they know how to do it safely.”

Mildenstein said nationally televised events like the Potomac Nationals help strengthen Southern Maryland’s identity as a tourism destination by giving the region an opportunity to highlight its culture, attractions and community assets on a larger stage.

“We want everyone to know why we think — why we know — this area is so special,” Mildenstein said. “It gives us an opportunity to show off the amazing culture, assets and attractions that we have in St. Mary’s County.”

NHRA Potomac Nationals

Unlike many professional sports venues, NHRA events allow spectators to walk through pit areas, observe vehicle maintenance and interact with crews preparing cars between rounds.

Tickets and event information are available through the NHRA and Maryland International Raceway event pages.

Parking, Directions And Spectator Policies

Maryland International Raceway and the NHRA have released parking maps, traffic guidance and spectator policies ahead of the NHRA Potomac Nationals race weekend.

Organizers expect increased traffic throughout the area during the three-day event and encourage attendees to arrive early, especially during qualifying and elimination rounds.

Public parking will be available throughout the facility, with designated ADA parking, VIP parking, trackside RV parking and camping areas. NHRA has also published an interactive event map online to help spectators navigate parking areas, entrances and pit access.

Directions From Washington, D.C.

From the Capital Beltway, drivers can take I-495 to Exit 7A for Branch Avenue. Continue south approximately 13 miles before turning left onto Route 5 South. Continue another 13 miles before turning right onto Route 236. Follow Route 236 to Route 234, where Maryland International Raceway will be located on the right.

Directions From The South

Drivers traveling from Virginia and points south can take Interstate 95 North to Exit 104 for Route 301 North. After crossing the Potomac River into Maryland, continue approximately 5 miles before turning right onto Route 234. Maryland International Raceway will be located about 7 miles ahead on the right.

Spectator Guidelines

MIR officials have also issued spectator policies for race weekend, including restrictions on coolers, alcohol and pit vehicles.

Track officials noted that mobility scooters are permitted for accessibility purposes.

Due to the scale of the event, spectators are encouraged to wear hearing protection, stay hydrated and prepare for extended outdoor conditions throughout race weekend.

Fast Facts About NHRA Potomac Nationals

• Event: NHRA Potomac Nationals (NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series)
• Dates: May 29–31, 2026
• Location: Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, Md. 
• Final Eliminations: Sunday, May 31
• Spectator Gates Open: 9 a.m. daily 
• Track Walk & Driver Introductions: 10 a.m. Sunday 
• Mission Foods Series Eliminations Begin: 11 a.m. Sunday
• Hotels: MIR hosting hotels
• Results:Live results page

Fan Fest: Thursday, May 28, from 5–7 p.m. at The Barns at New Market in Mechanicsville, with driver autographs scheduled from 5:30–6:30 p.m. 

Tickets And Information: Tickets, schedules, maps, camping and event information are available through the NHRA and Maryland International Raceway event pages.

Additional re-airings are expected on FS1 and FS2 following the event weekend. More information about Maryland International Raceway can be found at https://goracemir.com.

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