NAPA has been named the title sponsor of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ annual race in St. Louis, following a multi-year agreement with World Wide Technology Raceway and NHRA officials.
The 14th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals is scheduled for Sept. 26-28. This event serves as the third of six races in NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship playoffs, with tickets currently on sale.
“NAPA has always been synonymous with racing, so having a presence at one of the biggest and best NHRA events in the country is a natural fit,” said Earl Flack, owner of multiple NAPA Auto Parts in the Midwest. “We’re proud to support the fanbase at World Wide Technology Raceway and continue our commitment to motorsports at every level.”
NAPA has a long history in NHRA drag racing, serving as the primary sponsor for three-time world champion Ron Capps since 2008. Earlier in 2025, NAPA was named the “Official Auto Parts Store of NHRA.”
As the title sponsor for the 17th race of the 20-race NHRA season, NAPA’s involvement marks a pivotal moment in the championship playoff race. Fans can expect to see 12,000-horsepower, 330 mph nitro machines compete at this event.
“This event partnership is the next step in a longstanding relationship between WWT Raceway and the NAPA dealer network,” said Chris Blair, WWT Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager. “We plan on further growing the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals as one of the showcase events in championship countdown.”
In 2024, Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Dallas Glenn, and Gaige Herrera each took event wins at World Wide Technology Raceway. The playoff event has established a strong tradition in late September, drawing large crowds for its impressive shows.
This year’s race will feature a Friday night session, four qualifying rounds, and eliminations on Sunday.
Schumacher and Beckman’s victories last year gave each driver three wins in St. Louis. Antron Brown leads Top Fuel with five wins at this venue, while Capps’ NAPA Funny Car has four wins, the most in its category.
In 2023, reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock set a track record with a time of 3.814 seconds. Brittany Force set the Top Fuel speed record at 338.43 mph in 2022, and Erica Enders boasts six Pro Stock wins at the facility.
“It’s exciting to see NAPA partner with World Wide Technology Raceway to serve as the title sponsor of the NHRA Midwest Nationals,” said NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber. “With the addition of NAPA as the title sponsor, we can’t wait to get there in 2025.”
