NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

For the first time, the popular Legends Nitro Series presented by Extreme Steel Inc. and Modern Warriors will showcase 1970s-style Funny Car racing at the world’s premier drag racing event, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway.

Bringing the Legends Nitro Series to the hallowed grounds of Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway is a landmark for the series that has earned its place at the prestigious event in its third full season, which was made possible with cooperation from NHRA, involvement from fans and participating race teams, and the support of its sponsors. Extreme Steel Inc. stepped up as the presenting sponsor at the Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals, joining longtime series backer and co-presenting sponsor Modern Warriors, “Your Tactical Specialist.” Associate sponsors Red Line Oil, Scottsdale Speed, and Gearhead Coffee Co. will be on board for a memorable outing this weekend.

An eight-car ladder of competitors invited based on priority of accumulated Legends Nitro Series points earned throughout the 2025 season will have the honor of displaying their brand of nitromethane-burning, supercharged acceleration with the body styles and colorful aesthetics akin to the golden age of Funny Car racing. Fans who have clamored for the exciting category during NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series and select NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events will finally get the chance to do so on the sport’s grandest stage over Labor Day weekend.

Legends Nitro Series presented by Extreme Steel Inc. and Modern Warriors confirmed entries include Bill Windham in “Shakedown,” Todd Plate in Eddie Knox’s “Problem Child,” Geoff Monise in Keith Clark’s “Quarter Pounder,” Nathan Sitko in Ron Hodgson’s “Bubble Up Pacemaker,” Todd Miller in Don Nelson’s “California Hustler,” Derrick Moreira in “Nitro Junkies,” and March Meet winner Jon Capps in “Cecil Matthews Motorsports.” In addition to the opportunity to compete for a coveted Wally, CHE Precision Inc. is putting up a #NeedForSpeed bonus awarded to the driver with the lowest average e.t. through qualifying.

Legends Nitro Series presented by Extreme Steel Inc. and Modern Warriors qualifying begins this Friday, Aug. 29, at 5:45 p.m. They get two more qualifying sessions on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2:45 and 6 p.m. Eliminations begin on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2:25 p.m. for the first round and 4:50 p.m. for the semifinals. The final round will take place at a to-be-determined time slot on Monday, Sept. 1. Tickets for the event are available at www.nhra.com/tickets.