zMAX Dragway, the birthplace of four–wide drag racing and a cornerstone for monumental NHRA history, is once again set to make headlines. This year’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide National, April 25-27, will mark the 1,000th Top Fuel race in NHRA history right at the Bellagio of drag strips.

From the first-ever NHRA event at zMAX Drawgay in 2008 to the debut of four-wide racing in 2010, the state-of-the-art facility has been home to countless iconic moments in NHRA Top Fuel history. Now, 15 years later, zMAX Dragway will yet again play host to another significant moment as the 1,000th Top Fuel race hits the strip April 27.

Here’s a look at some of the most memorable Top Fuel moments to happen at zMAX Dragway:

  • Spring 2010: Cory McClenathan wins the first Top Fuel title at zMAX Dragway in the inaugural 4-Wide Nationals. McClenathan then went on to win the 400th Top Fuel race and will be on-site April 26 to commemorate his title as the 400th Top Fuel winner.
  • Fall 2012: The then Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon scores his first Top Fuel win, kickstarting his decorated career that would include 17 more Top Fuel victories 
  • Fall 2015:  Reigning Top Fuel champion Antron Brown defeats J.R. Todd in the first-ever Top Fuel final to feature two Black drivers, also marking the 800th Top Fuel race
  • Spring 2016: Brittany Force makes history as the first female to win a four-wide race. Force will not only be competing for Top Fuel's 1,000th title but will also be on-site for the exclusive autograph session as the sport’s 900th Top Fuel winner. 
  • Fall 2023:  Mike Salinas becomes the first driver to top 300 mph to the ⅛-mile at zMAX. 
  • Fall 2024:  Antron Brown roars back into title contention, reclaiming the points lead for the first time since 2017, launching his run toward a fourth world title.

Now, all eyes turn to 2025. Will history repeat itself, or will names like Tony Stewart, Clay Millican or Jasmine Salinas rise to the occasion to earn not only the coveted Wally trophy but the special 1,000th race trophy as well?

Adding to the momentous occasion, NHRA icon Don Garlits – the inaugural NHRA Top Fuel winner – will join zMAX’s celebration by presenting the 1,000th race trophy to the winner as well as joining every 100th Top Fuel winner for a special autograph session featuring an event-exclusive hero card on Saturday, April 26. 

As always, every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans up-close access to the world’s most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction. Walk through the pits, see crews wrench on 11,000-horsepower machines, score autographs and take in the most electrifying spectacle in motorsports. 

TICKETS

Fans can purchase tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans unmatched access to their favorite cars and rivers before a festival of 44,000 horsepower ignites the excitement. 

MORE INFO
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.