NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

To celebrate its 40th season of racing excellence and the fifth year of the Stampede of Speed, the 10 days of concerts, racing, and special events, Texas Motorplex is offering fans a wide variety of free events or events with discounted tickets as well as special 40th celebration pricing. 

The track is offering tickets starting at just $40 with straight shooter pricing and free parking. Fans can camp for the full 10 days of the Stampede of Speed for $40. Kids 12 and under are free, and new for 2026, the track is offering a $40 meal deal that includes four entrées, four sides and four drinks, the perfect four-pack for a family or small group.

“We wanted to really celebrate our 40th anniversary with as many fans from across the country as possible, and the best way to do that is to make it as affordable as possible,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “The $40 family meal plan, along with $40 camping, we think are two of the best values not just in motorsports but in entertainment. JEGS has stepped up to make our JEGS Friday Night Live qualifying session amazing, and there will be all sorts of freebies throughout the night on Friday of the race. Having kids 12 and under free gives families the chance to come out and see the biggest names in drag racing.”

The Stampede of Speed gets underway on Friday, Oct. 3, at high noon with a cattle drive through historic downtown Waxahachie. Later that day the Stars of Texas Music Festival starts with Friday headliner Pat Green. The Saturday and Sunday of the Stars of Texas Music Festival feature bull riding, a beer expo, BBQ contest, a cornhole tournament, the Texas Invitational match-race on the track, and Saturday headliner Chris Young, followed by Sunday’s concert featuring Clint Black. Saturday and Sunday tickets also include the chance to participate in the magical and emotional lantern release. Kids 6 and under are free throughout the Stars of Texas Music Festival.
 
When the music fades the motors will really rev with the Lucas Oil Divisional Racing Series on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 6-7. The best regional racers will be closing out their season looking to earn valuable championship points and iconic Wally trophies. Grassroots grit meets national-caliber action with two days of the best sportsman racing in the country.

Thursday night, Oct. 9, the biggest names in NHRA drag racing will mix and mingle with fans at the annual Texas Fall Nationals Prestage Fan Fest on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6–9 p.m., at Railyard Park in Waxahachie. This free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music, car displays, and a massive driver autograph session from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with an epic lineup of NHRA drivers and riders.

More than 50 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers and riders, including fan favorites Brittany Force, Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Texans Steve Torrence and Erica Enders, Matt and Angie Smith, and more, are scheduled to sign autographs at this free event held for the fifth consecutive year. The JEGS All-Star participants will once again join the festivities, allowing fans to meet and greet some of the best sportsman racers from across the country.

The NHRA Countdown to the Championship storms into Ennis, Oct. 10-12, for one of the most important races of the season. Tickets start at $40 with kids 12 and under free to see racing under the lights at the wildly popular JEGS Friday Night Live, which will include special Opening Ceremonies prior to the start of professional qualifying and huge cash payouts for all four professional categories during the nighttime qualifying session as part of the “Battle for the Saddle.” Texas Motorplex will promote a “Black & Yellow Bash” encouraging fans to wear JEGS colors to the Friday JEGS Allstars and Friday Night Live activities.  Happy Hour drink specials run 5–8 p.m., making this the ultimate Friday night out at Texas Motorplex.

“Friday Night Lights is such a big part of Texas high school football, and we want to bring that same energy to JEGS Friday Night Live,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. "We want all the fans to wear their black and yellow gear, or even better, wear some cool JEGS t-shirts or jackets and really turn the grandstands black and yellow. We’ll have some fun contests to reward fans for the most creative and wild looks. There will be several surprises during the event, and we will celebrate John Force as one of our Texas Motorplex Legends.”

The NHRA Texas Fall Nationals will pick up speed on Saturday and Sunday with the final day of qualifying and race day putting added pressure on all the Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle drivers and teams. Championship hopes will be dashed or emboldened following four rounds of eliminations at the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals.

Details on all the events and promotions can be found at www.stampedeofspeed.com.