By the end of the 1970s, NHRA’s national schedule included 10 major events. Under Dallas Gardner’s presidency starting in 1984, this nearly doubled within a decade, signaling rapid growth. New markets like Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Memphis, Tenn., Houston, Minneapolis, Topeka, and Phoenix joined the tour. NHRA’s vision also included upgraded “stadium-style” venues such as the Texas Motorplex, which opened in 1986.
In 1981, the Southern Nationals launched at Atlanta Dragway, and the Golden Gate Nationals began in Fremont, Calif. The World Finals moved from Ontario Motor Speedway (1980) to Orange County International Raceway, then settled in Pomona in 1984, hosting season openers and finales for two decades. The NorthStar Nationals started in 1982 in Brainerd, Minn., known for exciting races and lively fan events. By 1985, Maple Grove Raceway (Philadelphia), Firebird International Raceway (Arizona), and Texas Motorplex reentered the Dallas market.
TV coverage expanded greatly, with all 14 national events televised by 1985 on network, cable, and syndicated broadcasts. Corporate sponsors broadened beyond automotive, including Budweiser, Pepsi, Wendy’s, and 7-Eleven. Budweiser’s 30-year partnership with Kenny Bernstein began in 1980, launching specialty events like the Big Bud Shootout and sparking the “beer wars” among competitors.
Shirley Muldowney’s continued success, including Top Fuel championships in 1980 and 1982 and the sport’s first all-female Top Fuel final in 1982, helped grow the female fanbase. Performance milestones included Don Prudhomme breaking 250 mph in 1982 and Gene Snow’s first four-second Top Fuel run in 1988.
Competition advanced with the 1982 Pro Stock 500-cid engine rule, new finish-line win lights, and timing system upgrades. Pro Stock Motorcycle became Professional in 1987, with Dave Schultz crowned as first champion. NHRA also introduced “Super” Sportsman classes and a world championship shootout for E.T. racers.
The decade closed with events returning to Seattle and Sonoma, the Western Swing tour, and NHRA’s first international event — the 1989 USA Drag Festival in Japan — showcasing the sport’s growing global reach.