NHRA officials and Firebird Motorsports Park announced revised start times for the upcoming Arizona Nationals to address anticipated high temperatures in the Phoenix area. The event, scheduled for March 20–22, will now feature earlier sessions across all three days of Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competition.
The adjustment creates what organizers are calling a “Coffee and Nitro” format, with racing action beginning earlier each morning. Officials said the move is intended to protect fans, teams and track personnel while maintaining the quality of competition.
Friday qualifying will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time with Pro Stock, followed by Funny Car and Top Fuel. A second qualifying session is set to start at noon.
Saturday’s program will open with Top Fuel at 10 a.m., followed by Funny Car and Pro Stock. The final qualifying session and the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race of the season will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Top Fuel.
Sunday eliminations have also been moved forward, with the opening round now scheduled for 10 a.m. local time. Track officials expect the earlier start to provide more manageable conditions as temperatures climb later in the day.
The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series will maintain its role in filling out the weekend schedule. Gates will open at 7 a.m. each day, with sportsman competition beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.
NHRA President Glen Cromwell said the decision was made after reviewing weather forecasts and consulting with track management. He emphasized that safety considerations remain the sanctioning body’s top priority.
“Due to the expected heat in the Phoenix area next week, both NHRA and Firebird Motorsports Park felt it was important to be proactive and adjust the schedule to include earlier start times,” Cromwell said. “Our priority is always the safety of our fans, race teams and partners, as well as putting on the best show possible.”
Cromwell added that cooperation between stakeholders helped make the transition possible without disrupting the competitive structure of the event. He credited track staff and teams for working collaboratively to implement the changes.
“We appreciate the flexibility and work from the amazing staff at Firebird Motorsports Park, the teams and partners to make these time changes, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing in Phoenix,” Cromwell said. The Arizona Nationals mark the second event on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar.
The “Duel in the Desert” has long been a test of both performance and endurance for competitors. With the revised timetable, officials believe teams will still face the track’s unique challenges while operating under safer environmental conditions.
Event organizers anticipate the earlier schedule could also improve fan experience by avoiding peak afternoon heat. The shift underscores a growing emphasis on adaptability as weather patterns increasingly influence race operations.
NHRA officials said additional updates would be communicated through official channels if further adjustments become necessary. For now, teams and fans are preparing for a condensed but carefully structured weekend of racing in the Arizona desert.
BOBBY BENNETT: NHRA DIDN’T ANOINT ITS NEXT FACE — MADDI GORDON TOOK IT