Monday’s live FOX telecast of the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals from Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park drew 1.036 million viewers, marking the most-viewed live U.S. Nationals broadcast in NHRA history. It was also the most-watched non-NFL-adjacent NHRA telecast on FOX since 2017, and the most-viewed U.S. Nationals finals broadcast (live or tape-delayed) since 2002.
Fans tuned in for a full day of eliminations on drag racing’s biggest stage, where Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed victories at The Big Go.
“It was exciting to showcase a live three-hour broadcast on FOX that included multiple active sets, all conveying the true size and scope of the world’s biggest drag race,” said NHRA Vice President of Broadcast Steve Reintjes. “Our team executed with precision, and it was a fantastic weekend to celebrate the performances and the teams racing for ultimate drag racing glory in Indy.”
The TV number capped a strong weekend across NHRA’s digital channels. The U.S. Nationals generated 10.5 million video views and more than 11 million impressions on social, including 2.4 million views on Instagram and 1.5 million views with 7.1 million impressions on YouTube.
Additional U.S. Nationals highlights:
• All RV and camping spots sold out
• Top Eliminator Club sold out Friday through Monday
• Debut of the new Wally Parks Tower; all tower and concourse suites sold out
• $1,750,000 total event payout
• More than 800 cars on the property
• National speed record: 343.51 mph by Brittany Force; five pro track records set
• Seventeen champions crowned across all categories
The U.S. Nationals closed a run of seven NHRA event weekends on FOX since early June. The final FOX race of the year airs during the Countdown to the Championship at the 40th annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, part of the Stampede of Speed, from Texas Motorplex on Sunday, Oct. 12. In most markets, NHRA coverage will follow the NFL on FOX game from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET; some markets will air NHRA from 2-4 p.m. ET leading into NFL on FOX.
Also in the Countdown to the Championship, all three elimination rounds of the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals will air live on FS1 starting at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21, giving fans a first-ever live look at four-wide playoff eliminations.
This story was originally published on September 5, 2025. 
