In its sixth and seventh decades, NHRA continued to grow through new formats, bold initiatives, and fresh leadership. Peter Clifford became NHRA’s fourth president in 2015, followed by Glen Cromwell in 2018. Both men prioritized safety, technology, and the expansion of Wally Parks’ original mission.
NHRA’s longtime Coca-Cola partnership continued with Mello Yello branding until 2020, when COVID-19 paused racing and Coke exited. Camping World stepped in as title sponsor, followed by Mission Foods in 2024, which had already introduced the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge.
In 2015, FOX Sports became NHRA’s new TV partner, and the series took production in-house, resulting in a 24% ratings bump in 2016. NHRA used campaigns like #BaptismByNitro and embraced live broadcasts to reach new fans.
Four-wide racing debuted at zMAX Dragway in 2010, expanded to Las Vegas in 2018, and added a playoff round in Charlotte by 2025. New venues like New England Dragway in 2013 further broadened the schedule.
Pro Mod became official in 2010, followed by Factory Stock Showdown (2018), Factory X (2022), and championship status for Mountain Motor Pro Stock and Top Fuel Motorcycle in 2024. Electrification arrived through EV (electric vehicle) exhibitions and a Summit Series class.
Performance milestones continued: Matt Hagan ran the first three-second Funny Car pass in 2011; Robert Hight broke into the 3.7s in 2017; Austin Prock topped 340 mph in 2024. Brittany Force hit 340 mph in Top Fuel in 2025. In Pro Stock, fuel injection replaced carbs in 2016, modernizing the class.
Stars like Erica Enders, Steve Torrence, Antron Brown, Matt Hagan, Brittany Force, Tony Stewart, and Matt Smith have become torchbearers for NHRA’s future — ensuring that, even 75 years in, the sport remains one of innovation, excitement, and unrelenting speed.