NHRA on Thursday confirmed a report first published Wednesday by CompetitionPlus.com, officially announcing that U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will join the NHRA Member Track Network as part of the North Central Division beginning in 2026. The confirmation ties a long-circulating industry rumor to NHRA’s 75th anniversary season plans.
The addition brings one of Michigan’s most recognizable drag racing facilities under the NHRA banner. It also represents a notable sanctioning move in a region with deep drag racing roots and strong racer participation.
Located in Martin, Michigan, U.S. 131 Motorsports Park has long been regarded as one of the Midwest’s premier drag racing destinations. Known widely as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” the facility has built a reputation for performance, consistency, and strong attendance.
Opened in 1962, the track has hosted an extensive calendar of events spanning grassroots racing, regional competition, and high-profile specialty shows. Its program has included nitro exhibitions, jet cars, and one of the region’s most active bracket racing scenes.
For more than two decades, the facility has operated under the leadership of Jason Peterson and his family. During that time, U.S. 131 has steadily expanded its footprint while maintaining a racer-focused approach.
Peterson said the decision to align with NHRA followed direct feedback from competitors and long-term planning for the track’s future. He framed the move as a strategic step rather than a short-term adjustment.
“Our decision to move to NHRA sanctioning comes from listening closely to our racers and looking toward the long-term future of the sport,” said Peterson, vice president of operations at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. “The NHRA provides an incredible platform for growth, safety, and competitive opportunity. We’re excited to bring our racers expanded programs, national-level support, and a stronger path for advancement. This is a major step forward for our entire racing community.”
By joining the NHRA Member Track Network, U.S. 131 becomes eligible to host a wide range of NHRA-sanctioned programs. These include the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Racing Series, the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, and NHRA Jr. Street.
The track will also be positioned to host NHRA specialty events, including the NHRA King of the Track. Those additions provide new opportunities to elevate local racers while attracting competitors from outside the region.
The 2026 schedule already includes two NHRA-sanctioned events at the facility. U.S. 131 will host an NHRA national open on July 8–9, followed immediately by a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event from July 10–12.
NHRA officials said the partnership extends beyond event scheduling. The sanctioning body plans to introduce additional grassroots programs, expand junior drag racing opportunities, and help build events that spotlight standout regional competitors.
As part of NHRA membership, the track will also gain access to national support programs, insurance resources, and marketing platforms. Those tools are designed to provide operational consistency while increasing visibility for both the facility and its racers.
NHRA North Central Division Director William Tharpe said the move fulfills a long-standing objective for the division. He credited the Peterson family with developing a facility respected throughout the sport.
“The addition of U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA North Central Division has been a long-standing goal, and we are thrilled to see it become a reality,” Tharpe said. “Jason Peterson and his family have built a world-class facility that is widely respected throughout the industry, offering competitors an exceptional experience. Their inclusion will play a key role in strengthening NHRA’s presence in Michigan and elevating the overall experience for racers and fans alike.”
Tharpe said the timing aligns with NHRA’s anniversary season and broader stability efforts. He emphasized consistency as a defining element of the sanctioning body’s approach.
“The timing couldn’t be better as we celebrate NHRA’s 75th Anniversary,” Tharpe said. “Consistency has always been one of our greatest strengths, and we look forward to extending that same level of support and stability to Jason and the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park team.”
