The 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship will kick off in the NT with an epic one-week northern swing which will feature the first two rounds of the title chase, plus the chance to be a part of the non-championship Red CentreNATS action.
Nitro Up North at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip will open the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship across August 29 and 30, with ANDRA’s sportsman racers to be joined on-track by 4000hp Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars and the NDRC Top Doorlsammer Grand Final.
Combined with interactive fan experiences, full pit access and a festival-like atmosphere with food vendors, merchandise stores and family-friendly entertainment, Nitro Up North is sure to deliver a spectacular show for all involved.
The racers will then head to Alice Springs Inland Dragway for a mid-week round two of the championship chase – the Desert Nationals – on Wednesday September 3 (preceded by a Tuesday evening test and tune) allowing them to truly make the most of their trip to the NT when it comes to pursuing valuable ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship points.
Those that want to up the ante even further have the opportunity to race again at Alice Springs Inland Dragway on Saturday September 5, this time as part of the (non-championship) Heavy Hitters racing of Red CentreNATS, with big prize money on offer for the unique time-based racing format in front of what is expected to be a packed house.
Also on-track at the RCN event will be four of the country’s top Doorslammer drivers, with Team Zappia and Team Gregorini racing in an all-new teams format, facing off in what promises to be a dramatic family feud on the track. Each team will field two drivers and cars and with some recent scores to settle, this will be a must-see for any Top Doorslammer fan.
The Desert Nationals will mark round two of the new season, at Alice Springs Inland Dragway (Amber Simms Photography)
“We are so very pleased, in conjunction with the NDRC, CADRA and HVDRA, to announce this fantastic line-up of events which will not only be fantastic for the racers, but also for the NT,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.
“These three ANDRA-sanctioned events will provide a fantastic opening for our 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship season, see the return of a ‘northern swing’ concept for our racers which has always been popular in the past, and also provide the opportunity for travelling racers to truly make the most of their time away to the NT with not one, not two, but three amazing racing opportunities to be had.
“We absolutely cannot wait to see how this incredible week of racing unfolds in the North and encourage all of our racers to get their entries in quick for what are sure to be popular events on our calendar.”
This incredible week of racing is made possible through the collaboration of NDRC, Hidden Valley Drag Racing Association (HVDRA), Central Australian Drag Racing Association (CADRA), Red CentreNATS (RCN), and the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).
“ANDRA is very pleased to be a part of the team bringing together this one-of-a-kind motorsport experience for Territorians and visitors alike,” McAvaney said.
“With world-class competition across multiple iconic NT venues, whether you’re a devoted fan, a competitor chasing championship points, or new to the sport, this is your chance to witness the best of Australian drag racing.
“Now is your time to secure your tickets and entries to be a part of the action.”
To enter for Nitro Up North, racers should visit www.ndrc.tv
To enter for the Desert Nationals, visit www.cadra.com.au
To learn more about Red CentreNATS, visit www.redcentrenats.com.au
For more on the NDRC, visit www.ndrc.tv
