In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals 2026: Dates, Schedule, Tickets and Complete Event Guide

The biggest weekend in drag racing is almost here. The 61st annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals takes place November 12 through 15, 2026, at the legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California. This is the season-ending championship event of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. World champions in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all be crowned here. Additionally, this year carries extra weight. It is the grand finale of NHRA’s historic 75th anniversary season, making it one of the most meaningful events in the sport’s history.

Whether you are a lifelong fan or attending for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why the 2026 NHRA Finals Are Extra Special

This year is not just another season closer. NHRA is celebrating 75 years of drag racing in 2026, and the Pomona finale marks the conclusion of that milestone season. The event is the 20th and final race on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar. Championship points battles are expected to go down to the wire in multiple categories. Therefore, the pressure, drama, and emotion at Pomona will be unlike anything fans have seen in recent years.

The 2026 season has already delivered record-breaking runs and unforgettable performances. However, the biggest moments are still ahead. Everything concludes at one of the sport’s most iconic facilities, where history has been made time and time again.

Additionally, winners in 2026 receive a special diamond 75th anniversary Wally trophy. These trophies are only awarded this season, making a championship win at Pomona even more significant for drivers and teams.

Event Dates and Daily Schedule

The event runs across four days from Thursday to Sunday. Here is how the schedule breaks down.

Qualifying on Friday and Saturday sets the stage. Each class runs two qualifying passes per day, giving fans four opportunities to see their favorite drivers push for the top position on the eliminations ladder. Sunday is the main event. All four professional classes run full eliminations, and world champions are officially crowned by the end of the day.

The event will be broadcast on FS1 to close the season in a big way for fans watching from home.

Racing Classes and What to Watch

Four professional categories compete at the NHRA Finals. Each class offers something different, and all four deliver heart-pounding action.

Top Fuel is the headline act. These cars cover a quarter mile in under four seconds, producing over 11,000 horsepower. The noise alone is something fans never forget. Funny Car is equally dramatic, with fire, smoke, and explosive performance in every run.

Pro Stock offers technical excellence and incredibly close racing, often decided by thousandths of a second. Pro Stock Motorcycle rounds out the card with high-speed two-wheeled competition that is as thrilling as any four-wheeled class.

Drivers to Watch in Pomona

Several big names have defined this event over the years. Heading into November, championship battles are expected across all four classes. Here are some drivers who have historically dominated at Pomona and are worth watching closely.

• Doug Kalitta holds the record for the most Top Fuel wins at Pomona, with seven career victories at this track.
• Matt Hagan has claimed eight Funny Car victories at the iconic Southern California facility.
• Greg Anderson is the benchmark in Pro Stock, tying the all-time record for Pomona wins with 17 victories.
• Matt Smith leads all Pro Stock Motorcycle riders with six wins specifically at the Finals event.

Additionally, younger stars like Austin Prock, Dallas Glenn, and Josh Hart have shown championship-level speed throughout 2026. Any of them could make history in Pomona.

75th Anniversary Special Celebrations

The Pomona finale doubles as the closing ceremony of NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration. Several special events and appearances are confirmed for the weekend.

A legendary group of names are set to appear, including Tony Schumacher, Tommy Ivo, Sean Bellemeur, Terry Vance, and Del Worsham. The weekend will include a dedicated celebration of Schumacher’s iconic 2006 Top Fuel run at Pomona, known simply as “The Run.” It was a record-setting, season-defining moment that cemented Schumacher’s legacy in the sport.

Fans can also expect a redesigned Nitro Mall, special anniversary displays, and an expanded 75th anniversary stage in Nitro Alley. These additions make the weekend a true celebration, not just a race.

The event also serves as a preview for 2027. Fans who renew their tickets on-site receive a special commemorative ring honoring Hall of Fame legend John Force, ahead of his “50 Years of Force” celebration planned for next season.

Tickets: How to Buy and What to Expect

Tickets for the 61st annual event are now on sale. Fans can purchase them directly through the official NHRA website at NHRA.com/tickets. One of the most fan-friendly policies in motorsport applies here: every ticket includes pit access. That means general admission and grandstand ticket holders alike can walk through the pits, meet drivers, watch crews work on race cars, and get closer to the action than at any other major motorsport event in the United States.

Children 12 and under are admitted free in the general admission area when accompanied by a paying adult. This makes the NHRA Finals a genuinely family-friendly outing at a reasonable cost.

Hagerty Drivers Club members receive an exclusive 15 percent discount on advance-purchased tickets. If you are a member, be sure to use that benefit before buying through the standard channel.

A limited-edition 75th anniversary commemorative ticket featuring NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein is also available for the Pomona event. These collector items have been popular throughout the season and sell out quickly, so early purchase is recommended.

Getting There: Venue and Location Details

The event takes place at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, located at 1801 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768. The facility sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet and has a total seating and standing capacity of around 40,000 fans.

Pomona is conveniently located in the greater Los Angeles area. It is accessible by car via the 10, 210, and 57 freeways. Several major hotels and lodging options are available near the venue, and event lodging packages are listed on the official NHRA website. However, accommodation near Pomona fills up fast during the Finals weekend, so booking early is strongly advised.

Parking at the facility is available on-site. Plan for extra time when arriving on Saturday and Sunday, as traffic volume near the dragstrip is highest on those days.

Fan Experience: What Makes Pomona Unique

The NHRA Finals at Pomona is widely regarded as one of the most fan-friendly events in American motorsport. The pit lane experience alone sets it apart. Walking alongside multi-million dollar race machines, watching crews make last-minute adjustments, and occasionally exchanging a few words with drivers creates a connection that few sporting events can match.

The SealMaster NHRA Track Walk is a fan-favorite experience on Sunday morning. Fans walk the actual racing surface before eliminations begin. It provides a rare ground-level perspective of the quarter-mile strip where championships are decided.

The winner’s circle celebration at the end of Sunday’s racing is open to fans. Attending this moment gives everyone in the crowd a chance to share in the joy of a driver claiming a world title, which is a uniquely NHRA experience.

The Nitro Alley Stage provides live entertainment throughout the weekend. Food vendors, merchandise booths, and the redesigned Nitro Mall add to the overall atmosphere. And yes, there is an actual In-N-Out Burger at the track serving Double-Doubles throughout the event.

Conclusion

The In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals 2026 promises to be the most memorable season finale in years. Taking place November 12 through 15 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, the event combines championship drama, 75th anniversary celebrations, legendary driver appearances, and unmatched fan access into one unforgettable weekend. World champions in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be crowned in front of one of the sport’s most passionate crowds. Tickets are on sale now, children attend free, and every admission includes pit access. If you plan to attend, book your tickets and accommodation early. Pomona in November is a drag racing experience like no other.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals 2026?

The event runs from Thursday, November 12, through Sunday, November 15, 2026, at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, located at 1801 W. McKinley Avenue in Pomona, California.

How do I buy tickets for the 2026 NHRA Finals?

Tickets are available at NHRA.com/tickets. Hagerty Drivers Club members receive a 15 percent discount on advance purchases. Children 12 and under are admitted free in the general admission area when accompanied by a paying adult.

Does my ticket include pit access?

Yes. Every ticket to the NHRA Finals includes access to the pit lanes. This applies to both general admission and grandstand ticket holders, making it one of the most accessible fan experiences in professional motorsport.

What racing classes compete at the NHRA Finals?

Four professional classes compete: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Sunday’s elimination rounds crown world champions in all four categories.

What makes the 2026 NHRA Finals different from previous years?

The 2026 event is the finale of NHRA’s historic 75th anniversary season and the 61st running of the Finals specifically. Special celebrations include legendary driver appearances such as Tony Schumacher and Tommy Ivo, a tribute to Schumacher’s record-setting 2006 Pomona run, special anniversary diamond Wally trophies, and a redesigned Nitro Mall with anniversary displays throughout the weekend.

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