The NHRA Heartland Nationals will move over to the Missouri side next year.

According to the NHRA in a prepared statement, the sanctioning body will remain in the Kansas City Market in 2024 with the newly constructed Flying H Dragstrip in the Kansas City area. This news comes as Heartland Motorsports Park, a longstanding venue for NHRA events since 1989, prepares to host its final event, the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor, on August 11-13.

The decision to add the Flying H Dragstrip to the schedule comes after Heartland Motorsports Park faced ongoing tax and land disputes with Shawnee County, ultimately leading to its closure. 

NHRA President Glen Cromwell expressed gratitude for Heartland Motorsports Park’s support over the years and highlighted new opportunities opening.

“As one door closes, another opens, and we are looking forward to the great opportunity of racing in the Kansas City area at a brand new facility,” Cromwell said. 

The Flying H Dragstrip, located in Odessa, MO, just outside Kansas City, broke ground on its new facility in May. The construction process is expected to be completed by October. As part of the NHRA Member Track Network, the quarter-mile Flying H Dragstrip at I-70 Motorsports Park will offer first-rate amenities and establish itself as a premier dragstrip in the Kansas City area.

Scott Higgs, who acquired the property in March 2023, plans to integrate the dragstrip into I-70 Motorsports Park. Higgs and his team, led by Vice President Blake Housley, have been diligently working to ensure the readiness of the track for a National Event during the 2024 season. 

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“We are truly excited to bring NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series action to our track in 2024,” Higgs said. “Everyone at Flying H Dragstrip was thrilled to join the NHRA Member Track Network earlier this year, and to have a National Event during our first full year of operation is going to be incredible. 

“We’ve been dedicated to building a great facility with great people and a strong family environment. It’s been a lot of work, but our team is committed to building a top-notch facility at Flying H Dragstrip and making it a memorable weekend for the race teams, fans, and partners.”

Heartland Motorsports Park Owner Chris Payne also expressed gratitude for the partnership with NHRA and its racers and the fans who have visited the track throughout the years.

“We are extremely thankful for our longtime partnership with the NHRA and its racers, as well as all the fans who have visited Heartland Motorsports Park over the years,” Payne said. “Because of the actions by Shawnee County, unfortunately, this will be the last national event at Heartland Motorsports Park. We look forward to completing the 2023 season as well.”

As Topeka bids farewell to NHRA drag racing history, the NHRA and Topeka track officials extend their invitation to racers and fans to be part of the last Menards NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor. Known as the “House of Speed,” Heartland Motorsports Park has witnessed numerous record runs over the years. 

NHRA President Cromwell acknowledged the significance of this final race weekend.

“There have been many great moments at Topeka over the years, and we know this upcoming final race weekend will be one fans won’t want to miss.” Cromwell surmised.