The Denso Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge is one of the marquee events on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour and this year’s race, which takes place July 17-19 at Sonoma Raceway, will again deliver an incredible weekend to the passionate Northern California fans.
The picturesque track in the heart of scenic wine country is the perfect setting for the heart-pounding action of 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro machines, providing fans with unforgettable memories and world-class drag racing for nearly 40 years.
Along with the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, the event also features the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout. Eight top riders in the category will compete in the unique bonus race on the Saturday of the race, with big money and bragging rights on the line.
Last season, six-time world champion Matt Smith defeated Richard Gadson, the reigning world champ, in the final round. This year, the eight riders will make two time trial runs on Friday before the thrilling one-day Saturday shootout.
That day also features the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while Friday kicks off the show in a major way with two qualifying sessions, including a must-see night run that always showcases some of the biggest and most spectacular runs of the year.
The Denso Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge is the 11th of 20 races during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and will feature:
- An appearance from legendary NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car world champion Gary Scelzi. Scelzi is one of only three drivers in NHRA history to claim world titles in both Top Fuel (1997, 1998, 2000) and Funny Car (2005). NHRA will honor Scelzi’s accomplishments at his home track, Sonoma Raceway.
- Brittany Force appears on the special commemorative ticket for the event following her incredible 343.16-mph run from a season ago.
- A new-look Nitro Mall, special displays and more.
The 2025 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge featured wins by Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car) and Greg Stanfield (Pro Stock). This year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19.
Reigning Top Fuel world champion Kalitta is the winningest driver in class history at Sonoma Raceway with six wins. Kalitta won last season over five-time Sonoma winner Antron Brown. Kalitta and Brown both have wins in 2026, but it’s Kalitta’s teammate, Shawn Langdon, who has dominated this season with four wins and the points lead. Others to watch will be Epping winner Leah Pruett, Winternationals winner Tony Stewart, Gainesville Josh Hart and rookie standout Maddi Gordon.
Two-time reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock won for the first time in Sonoma last season, defeating 2025 Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde. This season, Prock joined Tasca Racing and has one win thus far. Three-time champ Ron Capps leads the points while four-time champion Matt Hagan sits second in a field that includes class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Chad Green, J.R. Todd and Jack Beckman.
Last year’s Pro Stock final was a family affair, as Greg Stanfield defeated his son, Aaron, in the final round. Aaron won in Chicago, but KB Titan Racing has dominated most of the year, with points leader Greg Anderson and reigning world champ Dallas Glenn leading the way. Matt Hartford has three wins this year against a field that includes six-time champ Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr.
The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the popular Top the Cops exhibition race.
Sonoma race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and the SealMaster Track Walk. After racing finishes on Sunday, fans are invited to congratulate and celebrate with event winners. Fans always get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet and can visit Manufacturers Midway, featuring displays, merchandise, food and fun.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:55 and 6:55 p.m. PT on Friday, July 17, and the final two rounds on Saturday, July 18 at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, July 19.
The first round of the GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout takes place at 11:15 a.m. PT on Saturday, with the semifinals at 1:30 p.m. and the finals at 3:40 p.m.
Television coverage includes Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET and the GETTRX Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout at 9 p.m. ET on FS1. Elimination coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET on FS1 on Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, fans can visit www.sonomaraceway.com or call 800-870-7223. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.
This story was originally published on June 22, 2026. 
