The National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) has today announced two major additions to the 2026 calendar.
TOP FUEL makes a thunderous return to Mildura’s Sunset Strip, with the Twilight Nationals set to host an 11,000 horsepower 1/8 mile shootout alongside an Aeroflow Sportsman Championship round on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February 2026.
In more great news, the flame throwing XPRO NITRO FUNNY CAR Championship roars into Willowbank Raceway on Australia Day weekend, joining the Pro Alcohol Nationals and Aeroflow Sportsman Championship.
NDRC Promoter Andy Lopez said, “With the Perth Motorplex unavailable for our 2026 season, it opened the window for us to do something a little different. So, we coined the “Mystery Round” for Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars until we worked out the best way forward for the Championship, racers and fans.
“And how good! Top Fuel is back in Victoria at the Sunset Strip with the Aeroflow Sportsman Championship, and the Nitro Funny Cars are heading to Willowbank in Queensland for the NDRC Pro Alcohol Nationals.
“There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes. Willowbank waited very patiently for us to plan our Victorian round, and everyone’s pretty happy about how the calendar has worked out.”
Top Fuel back where the crowd roars loudest
Top Fuel racer Phil Lamattina said, “As a proud Mildura local, I can’t wait to show everyone just how good the Sunset Strip and our town really are. It means a lot to be bringing Top Fuel championship racing back to my home track. It’s something special for the whole community. And just quietly, last time we were here, things went pretty well for me, so let’s see how the city boys handle the heat! I’ll be turning it on for the home crowd, that’s for sure.”
Jim Read Racing Crew Chief Bruce Read added, “We had a blast last time we raced in Mildura, and the whole team can’t wait to get back there. It’s a tight, exciting venue with a passionate crowd that absolutely love their Top Fuel racing.”
Mildura welcomes the NDRC
Mildura Councillor for Events and Tourism, Rebecca Crossling said, “This is fantastic news for the sport of drag racing in our region and our community. To attract Top Fuel – the absolute pinnacle of drag racing – is a major coup for our region and ringing endorsement of the hard work and professionalism of the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association and its members. It will also attract potentially thousands of visitors to our region and all the economic benefits that will flow into our community as a result.”
Member for Mildura Jade Benham MP said, “Motorsport is such a huge part of our local economy and an event such as Top Fuel Racing coming to Mildura will inject a huge amount into the local economy. We need more of it!
“I’ve beaten two-time Australian champion Phil Lamattina TWICE on the Sunset Strip, so it would be nice to see him win in Top Fuel. I always say, in Mildura we put food on your plate and champions on racetracks!”
President of the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association, Dave Thornton said, “The Club and the local drag racing community can’t wait to welcome the NDRC Top Fuel Championship back to Mildura. We were considering our plans for the 2026 Twilight Nationals when the NDRC approached us, and that is when everything fell into place. Now the Twilight Nationals will be bigger than ever with Top Fuel.”
XPRO Nitro Funny Car brings the heat to Willowbank
Aeroflow Nitro Funny Car driver Morice McMillin said: “I’m pumped to be heading to Willowbank Raceway for our opening round in January. After an epic Winternationals in Season 2, resetting the Australian records for ET (3.929) and speed (524.15 kph), and winning by just .0005 of a second over Josh Leahy which is less than two inches – I’m fired up to bring that same intensity to Willowbank.”
Willowbank Raceway Board Member, Danny Lake said, “The Willowbank team are really excited to present the first round of the XPRO Nitro Funny Car Championship as part of the NDRC Pro Alcohol Nationals. With a full round of the Aeroflow Sportsman Championship, the Australia Day long weekend is going to be massive.”
Other news
The 2026 Top Doorslammer Championship is confirmed to run over six broadcast rounds, and Pro Stock will join Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars at the East Coast Nationals in Sydney on 26 – 27 September 2026.
The NDRC 2026 calendar is shaping up as the biggest yet, showcasing the diversity, passion and power of Australian drag racing across the country.
To learn more about the NDRC, visit www.ndrc.tv
