2025 HOT ROD Drag Week: Dates, Locations, and Everything You Need to Know
The highly anticipated HOT ROD Drag Week 2025 Presented by Gear Vendors is back, setting the stage for a grueling five-day showdown to determine the “Fastest Street Car in America.” This year, the event heads to the East Coast, featuring four premier tracks, including two exciting new additions. Mark your calendars and get ready for the ultimate drag-and-drive experience!
The Schedule: Where and When
HOT ROD Drag Week 2025 will kick off in the Mid-Atlantic region, a historic first for the competition. Here’s the full schedule:
- Sunday, Sept. 14: Tech Inspection, Registration, and Test ‘N’ Tune at Maryland International Raceway (Budds Creek, Maryland)
- Monday, Sept. 15: Day 1 Racing at Maryland International Raceway
- Tuesday, Sept. 16: Day 2 Racing at Numidia Dragway (Numidia, Pennsylvania)
- Wednesday, Sept. 17: Day 3 Racing at Maple Grove Raceway (Reading, Pennsylvania)
- Thursday, Sept. 18: Day 4 Racing at Cecil County Dragway (Rising Sun, Maryland)
- Friday, Sept. 19: Day 5 Finals at Maryland International Raceway
What’s New for 2025?
This year’s event welcomes Maryland International Raceway as the host facility, known for its outstanding racing surface and exceptional customer service. Also joining the schedule are Pennsylvania’s Numidia Dragway and the iconic Maple Grove Raceway. Cecil County Dragway, last visited in 2019, returns to round out this year’s quartet of tracks.
The Challenge: Are You Ready?
HOT ROD Drag Week is a grueling test of endurance, skill, and vehicle reliability. Competitors must drive their cars on a specified 1,000-mile route between tracks while striving for the lowest elapsed times.
“I have won class several times, but winning the Overall title at the 20th anniversary race was tops in my racing career,” shared Brian Goldstone, the 2024 Overall winner. Piloting a 3,000-hp 1973 AMC Javelin, Goldstone and co-driver Brian Robbins faced some of the most extreme challenges seen in Drag Week history.
Join the Action
- Drag Pack Tickets: Superfans can grab a Drag Pack ticket, which includes entry for one car, one driver, and one passenger for all venues. Perks include pit or premier parking, suite access with lunch at one location, and a gift item. Children 12 and under enter free with family.
- Spectator Tickets: Available at individual tracks for $20. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.
Follow the Event Online
Thanks to Mickey Thompson Tires, the entire event will be livestreamed on MotorTrend’s YouTube channel. Follow along on social media with #DragWeek2025 and #HOTRODDragWeek for updates and highlights.