Beyond the Burnout – Why the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals Are So Much More Than Racing

Think NHRA is just about watching cars rip down the quarter-mile? Think again.

When the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection return to Las Vegas, it’s not just about speed, it’s about experience. This is a full-throttle, all-access celebration of horsepower, heritage and human connection that pulls fans deeper into the world of Dodge than ever before.

This isn’t your average race weekend. This is a chance to get closer to the action, and the people behind it, than most sports ever allow. Fans at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway can walk the pits, interact with crews mid-tune and watch the beastly Direct Connection-powered machines get prepped to make record-breaking runs. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a rare backstage pass into America’s most visceral motorsport.

But the real engine of the weekend? The people.

Fans get to meet the stars of Tony Stewart Racing – Matt Hagan, Leah Pruett and the man himself, Tony Stewart. From autograph sessions to casual conversations, these aren’t just handshake-and-go moments. This is real face time with the drivers who live and breathe the Brotherhood of Muscle. You’ll hear stories. Snap selfies. Maybe even catch a pre-race ritual or two.

Adding even more fuel to the fire, several Dodge Badassadors will be onsite: Garrett Dobbs, Sal Cordova, Cody Espinoza and Rochelle Hunter. These high-horsepower content creators and die-hard enthusiasts don’t just show up, they bring the Dodge attitude to life. Whether it’s building, racing, wrenching or showcasing modern muscle, these Badassadors connect with fans through shared passion and unfiltered authenticity. Be on the lookout, you might end up in their next viral clip or get a behind-the-scenes look at their rides.

And speaking of connection – Direct Connection brings more than parts to the table. The brand transforms the midway into a high-horsepower haven where fans can explore Dodge’s heritage, learn about performance upgrades, check out crate engines like the 1,025-horsepower Hellephant C170 and grab exclusive gear that screams attitude.

Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or new to the sport, the Nevada Nationals deliver a multi-sensory ride. There’s vendor showcases, interactive exhibits, food trucks and photo ops around every corner. Think of it as a car culture festival where nitro just happens to be the soundtrack.

So yeah, it’s drag racing. But it’s also everything else.

The Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection is where the racing is just the beginning. It’s where you don’t just watch legends, you meet them. Where you don’t just hear horsepower, you feel it. And where the line between fan and family gets a little more blurred.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something louder, prouder and more personal.