NHRA seeking to launch betting on Drag Racing Series events

The National Hot Rod Association NHRA has announced the launch of PlayNHRA, an initiative that will provide opportunities to engage in fantasy games, gaming, and betting for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events.

The NHRA, which is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, says that through PlayNHRA it will establish partnerships with sportsbooks and fantasy sports providers to enable bettors to legally wager on national events and other outcomes in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Odds will be released and wagers will be accepted beginning with the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, which takes place June 7th-9th at Bristol Dragway. 

"PlayNHRA marks a huge and significant step forward for the NHRA and its fans," NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. "This initiative will provide a destination for fans to enjoy the safest and most regulated place to bet on NHRA drag racing, participate in fantasy games, and engage with our sport in so many new ways."

As part of the PlayNHRA initiative, NHRA has partnered with IC360 to educate employees, race teams and other stakeholders about sports betting and to maintain the integrity of the sport through data intelligence, fraud prevention and monitoring of wagering patterns. 

"NHRA is committed to maintaining the integrity of our sport. By partnering with IC360, as well as licensed and regulated sportsbooks and fantasy operators, NHRA will help ensure everyone who engages with PlayNHRA will enjoy a safe and well-regulated betting and gaming environment," NHRA Vice President and General Counsel Alen Cisija said. "This was a vital step in the creation and rollout of PlayNHRA."

In October 2023, the NHRA announced tortillas and wraps brand Mission Foods as the title sponsor of the association's premier professional series, leading to the racing series being called NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.