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NHRA, Dodge and Mopar Bring National Event Racing Back to Michigan for First Time in 66 Years, Serve as Title and Presenting Sponsors for NHRA Debut at US 131 Motorsports Park

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), through its Dodge and Mopar brands, will title and present the inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, on Sept. 18-20, 2026, marking NHRA National event racing’s return to Michigan after 66 years.

The race opens the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, features Tony Stewart Racing drivers Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett, showcases the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger, includes Lucas Oil Series action, and will be broadcast on FS1 during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season.

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Positive

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Negative

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News Market Reaction – STLA

+3.16%
+3.16% Session close to close

In the May 14 session, STLA gained 3.16%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Stellantis’ strategy of leveraging Dodge’s drag-racing heritage through...
Analysis

This announcement highlights Stellantis’ strategy of leveraging Dodge’s drag-racing heritage through title sponsorship of the Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals and prominent exposure for the new Charger lineup. It extends a recent stream of marketing-driven news across Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler brands. Investors may watch how often such high-profile partnerships coincide with unit demand, pricing power and margin trends already outlined in recent regulatory filings, alongside Stellantis’ ongoing strategic reassessment for 2026 and beyond.

Key Figures

Hiatus length: 66 years Event dates: Sept. 18-20 Season events: 20 events +5 more
8 metrics
Hiatus length 66 years First full NHRA National event in Michigan since prior 1960 Detroit Dragway event
Event dates Sept. 18-20 Schedule for Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park
Season events 20 events Total number of events in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series campaign
NHRA anniversary 75th season NHRA’s milestone season during which the Michigan event debuts
Mission Foods reach 112 countries Global presence of Mission Foods MISSION-branded products
Youth ages 5 to 17 Age range for NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League participants
YES students 30,000 students Annual reach of NHRA Youth and Education Services program
Dodge brand age 112 years Length of time the Dodge brand has existed as of this release

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 13 (Positive)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
May 13 Dodge drag event Positive +2.7% Dodge and MotorTrend host Roadkill Nights street-legal drag racing event.
May 12 Jeep–Marvel campaign Positive -0.8% Jeep and Marvel launch Jeep Wrangler America250 marketing collaboration.
May 12 Wrangler special edition Positive -0.8% Jeep unveils Wrangler America250 special edition with patriotic styling package.
May 11 Patriotic brand ranking Positive -3.6% Jeep named America’s most patriotic brand for the 25th consecutive year.
May 08 Pacifica A250 launch Positive +3.5% Chrysler launches limited-run 2027 Pacifica America250 special edition minivan.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent product- and brand-focused announcements often see mixed alignment, with several positive marketing releases followed by negative price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Stellantis news has focused on brand-building and special editions across Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. Events include performance and drag-racing tie-ins, patriotic Jeep and Pacifica America250 editions, and recurring marketing collaborations. Price reactions have been mixed: some special edition launches produced gains, while other positive branding headlines coincided with declines. Today’s NHRA sponsorship and Dodge Charger exposure continues this marketing-driven narrative, extending Stellantis’ emphasis on performance heritage and U.S. event partnerships during 2026.

Key Terms

funny car, all-wheel drive
2 terms
funny car technical
"Pruett has impressed upon returning to the Top Fuel ranks in 2026, while Hagan is a four-time world champion who has spent his entire career in a Dodge Funny car"
A funny car is a purpose-built drag racing vehicle with a lightweight, stylized body and an extremely powerful engine designed solely for short, high-speed straight-line runs. Investors pay attention because manufacturers, teams, sponsors and event operators tied to these cars generate revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandising and technology development; think of it like a high-performance testbed and advertising vehicle that can boost sales and brand visibility for related businesses.
all-wheel drive technical
"SIXPACK-powered standard-output (S.O.) 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T with standard all-wheel drive"
All-wheel drive is a vehicle system that sends engine power to all four wheels automatically to improve traction and stability on varying road surfaces, like wearing shoes with better grip when walking on ice. Investors care because offering all-wheel drive can boost a model’s appeal, affect pricing and production costs, influence fuel efficiency and warranty/maintenance expenses, and therefore impact sales, margins and competitive positioning.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 

  • Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar at Martin, Michigan, represents first full NHRA National event in Michigan in 66 years
  • Tony Stewart Racing drivers Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett will carry the banner for Dodge and Mopar at the Michigan event in September
  • Dodge and Mopar will showcase popular interactive exhibit, new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger muscle car and more

NHRA National event racing returns to the great state of Michigan, courtesy of NHRA, Dodge and Mopar.

NHRA officials announce that the Dodge and Mopar brands will serve as title and presenting sponsors of the first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park. Racing takes place Sept. 18-20 during NHRA's 75th anniversary season. The event is the first of six playoff races during the 20-event 2026 campaign.

The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar makes its debut at the standout facility in Martin, Michigan, representing the first NHRA National event Michigan stop in 66 years and kicking off the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs in grand fashion.

"Having Dodge and Mopar step into the role of title and presenting sponsor for our debut event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is incredibly exciting," NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. "This race has huge importance as the first event in the Countdown to the Championship, and partnering with two iconic brands like Dodge and Mopar, which have a deep-rooted history in the area and in NHRA drag racing, elevates it even further. It's a great way to launch the playoffs at a new venue, and we're looking forward to delivering a standout weekend for everyone involved."

"Let the Countdown begin," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "We are thrilled to partner with Mopar to bring NHRA National event racing back to Michigan for the first time in 66 years, at the same time we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dodge Charger. Dodge performance is rooted in drag racing then and now, and it will be a great weekend to kick off the NHRA playoffs."

The last full NHRA National event in Michigan was at the now-defunct Detroit Dragway in 1960. The anticipation is already building for the first event at the popular Martin, Michigan, facility, and the addition of Dodge and Mopar as title and presenting sponsors adds to the excitement for the race.

Dodge and Mopar continue to be heavily involved in the NHRA ranks, serving as partners for the Tony Stewart Racing team's Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers, longtime Dodge and Mopar racers Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett. Racing legend and team owner Tony Stewart also competes in the Top Fuel class with Dodge HEMI® power.

Pruett has impressed upon returning to the Top Fuel ranks in 2026, while Hagan is a four-time world champion who has spent his entire career in a Dodge Funny car and expects to be in the title hunt yet again. Stewart, who won the regular-season championship in 2025, already posted an early-season win this year.

In Martin, Dodge and Mopar will have a strong presence at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park with a popular interactive exhibit and Dodge muscle cars on display, including the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger. Additional information on Dodge and Mopar activities planned around the NHRA's historic return to Michigan will be shared later this summer.

With championship dreams in mind, all the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle are set to debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, one of four new facilities during NHRA's milestone season. The special diamond Wally trophy celebrating NHRA's 75th season will be on the line for the winners of the new race in Martin. The event will also be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport's top drivers in Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown.

To purchase tickets to the inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals presented by Mopar on Sept. 18-20 at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, fans can visit www.nhra.com/tickets.

Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world's leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit www.missionfoods.com.

NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA's Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA's streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, visit www.NHRA.com or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Dodge
For 112 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Today, that legacy roars louder than ever in the next-generation lineup of Dodge, America's performance brand.

The next-gen Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup features:

  • the SIXPACK-powered standard-output (S.O.) 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T with standard all-wheel drive and the highest entry-level horsepower of any muscle car
  • the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK high-output (H.O.) engine - the most powerful Hurricane engine in production
  • the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car in the all-electric 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack

Every Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers two-door coupe or four-door sedan configurations - because with performance comes choice.

The Dodge lineup is also fueled by the fastest American gas-powered SUV ever, the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, powered by the legendary supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, now available in all 50 states. The new Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak breaks free from convention with the three-row SUV, unlocking more than 13 million potential customization combinations. The 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Durango GT HEMI AWD remains the most affordable AWD V-8 in the industry.

The purchase of a SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, Charger Daytona Scat Pack or Durango SRT Hellcat model includes one day of performance driving instruction at Radford Racing School, the official Dodge//SRT high-performance driving school.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge and company news and video on:
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: dodge.com
Direct Connection: DCPerformance.com
DodgeGarage: dodgegarage.com
Facebook: facebook.com/dodge
Instagram: @dodgeofficial
X: @dodge and @StellantisNA
YouTube: youtube.com/dodge, youtube.com/StellantisNA

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nhra-dodge-and-mopar-bring-national-event-racing-back-to-michigan-for-first-time-in-66-years-serve-as-title-and-presenting-sponsors-for-nhra-debut-at-us-131-motorsports-park-302772527.html

SOURCE Stellantis

FAQ

What is the Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park in 2026?

The Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals is a new NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series playoff event at US 131 Motorsports Park on September 18-20, 2026. According to NHRA, it is the first full NHRA National event in Michigan in 66 years.

How are Stellantis (STLA), Dodge and Mopar involved in NHRA’s 2026 Michigan event?

Dodge and Mopar will serve as title and presenting sponsors of the 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals. According to Stellantis, the brands will also host an interactive exhibit and display Dodge muscle cars, including the new SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger, at US 131 Motorsports Park.

When is NHRA National event racing returning to Michigan and where will it be held?

NHRA National event racing returns to Michigan on September 18-20, 2026, at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin. According to NHRA, this marks the first full NHRA National event in the state since Detroit Dragway hosted one in 1960.

Which drivers and classes will compete at the 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals?

Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle stars will compete, along with Lucas Oil Series categories. According to NHRA, Tony Stewart Racing drivers Matt Hagan, Leah Pruett and team owner Tony Stewart are expected to race with Dodge and Mopar backing.

Will the 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals in Michigan be televised?

Yes, the event will be broadcast on FS1, including Sunday eliminations on September 20, 2026. According to NHRA, fans can also stream national events via NHRA.tv, offering additional viewing access for followers of Stellantis (STLA), Dodge and Mopar.

Why is the 2026 Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals important for the NHRA Countdown to the Championship?

The Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals is the first of six playoff races in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. According to NHRA, it opens the Countdown to the Championship and awards a special diamond Wally trophy celebrating NHRA’s 75th season.