The NHRA’s “Duel in the Desert” returns in spectacular fashion as Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix hosts the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals from March 21-23, 2025, at one of the sport’s most iconic early-season stops. This event promises high-octane excitement, featuring NHRA’s top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock.
For four decades, the NHRA Arizona Nationals has delivered record-breaking runs and unforgettable moments, earning its place as a must-see event for both die-hard fans and competitors alike. The 2025 edition brings even more excitement with the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of the season, adding another layer of competition to Saturday’s qualifying rounds.
One of the biggest storylines heading into Phoenix is the fresh slate of improvements at Firebird Motorsports Park, including a newly repaved dragstrip that will provide even faster and more competitive racing conditions. With the season heating up, drivers will push their machines to the limit in pursuit of the coveted Wally trophy.
Stacked Fields and Championship Contenders
Defending event winners Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) return to Phoenix looking to build on past successes. Prock and Anderson ended 2024 as world champions, and both are eager to keep their momentum rolling in the new season.
Langdon, a former Top Fuel world champion, scored his first win of 2024 in Phoenix by defeating Justin Ashley in the final. This year, he faces stiff competition, including four-time champion and reigning titleholder Antron Brown, three-time Phoenix winner Doug Kalitta, and rising stars like 2024 Rookie of the Year Tony Stewart.
Prock’s victory in Phoenix last season was a turning point in his championship run, as he secured his first career Funny Car win and went on to claim eight victories on the year. His John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, along with former champions Matt Hagan and Ron Capps, will be among those looking to stop his dominance.
In Pro Stock, Anderson aims to defend his Phoenix title after edging out KB Titan teammate Dallas Glenn in both last year’s Arizona Nationals and the 2024 NHRA Finals. With fierce competitors like Elite Motorsports’ Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, and Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the mix, the Pro Stock battle promises to be intense.
Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Debuts in Phoenix
Adding to the weekend’s racing card, the NHRA Arizona Nationals will host the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of 2025. This fan-favorite event brings bonus points, a bonus purse, and heightened competition to Saturday qualifying by featuring semifinalists from the season opener in Gainesville.
Chad Green, fresh off his second career Funny Car victory at the Gatornationals, enters the Phoenix event with momentum. Green will square off against four-time champion Matt Hagan, while Ron Capps takes on Alexis DeJoria in the Mission Challenge rematch format. The winners will battle it out at the end of Saturday’s qualifying, with championship points and a payday on the line.
“It’s so important to start the year strong,” Green said. “The momentum from Gainesville is huge. Every opportunity counts, and Phoenix is another big one for us.”
Green is also embarking on an exciting new chapter, launching a second Funny Car team for the 2025 season. Veteran driver Blake Alexander will run the majority of the season in the new entry, while Green’s son, Hunter, is set to make his Funny Car debut later in the year.
More Than Just Racing
The NHRA Arizona Nationals is more than just a competition—it’s an experience. Fans will be treated to additional categories such as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, and the Legends Nitro Series. Spectacular Jet Car performances from Team “Muy Caliente” and Curt White “Iceman” will further electrify the weekend.
Away from the track, the Nitro Alley Stage serves as the event’s entertainment hub, featuring Nitro School sessions, driver meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and live music. Fans can also take part in the fan-favorite SealMaster Track Walk before Sunday eliminations and celebrate with winners in the post-race winner’s circle.
With every ticket doubling as a pit pass, fans get an up-close look at teams working on their 11,000-horsepower machines, making NHRA Drag Racing one of the most interactive motorsports experiences in the world. NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway will also provide a variety of sponsor activations, merchandise, and food options to round out the experience.
Event Schedule and Broadcast Coverage
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, March 21, with two sessions at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT. Saturday, March 22, features two final qualifying rounds at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. PT, with the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge concluding the session.
Final eliminations take place at 11:00 a.m. PT on Sunday, March 23. Fans can catch all the action live on FS1, with qualifying coverage airing Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets and More Information
Tickets for the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park are available at www.nhra.com/tickets. For more information on the NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.nhra.com.
As the NHRA celebrates 40 years of unforgettable moments in Phoenix, the “Duel in the Desert” is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. With championship contenders, thrilling specialty races, and nonstop fan engagement, Firebird Motorsports Park is the place to be for drag racing’s ultimate desert showdown.
