Midwest Nationals Draws Another Sold-Out Saturday Crowd

October 3, 2026 - 20:28

MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 3, 2026) - World Wide Technology Raceway hosted a packed house on Saturday for the 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, marking the sixth straight year the event has sold out its reserved seating for the day.

Track and NHRA officials confirmed the sellout, pointing to the steady support the St. Louis area has shown for the event since it joined the schedule. The crowd filled the grandstands throughout the day as qualifying and elimination rounds ran under clear skies.

The atmosphere around the facility reflected what has become a familiar scene at the suburban St. Louis track. Fans arrived early, tailgated in the lots, and stayed through the final passes. Drivers and teams repeatedly noted the energy coming from the stands, which has helped the Midwest Nationals build a reputation as one of the stronger stops on the circuit.

The sellout continues a run that began several seasons ago and has held firm despite changes to the schedule and the sport overall. Track officials said the result speaks to a loyal regional fan base that treats the fall race as a fixture on the calendar.

Racing continues through the weekend, with championship implications on the line as teams push toward the close of the season.