The NHRA Midwest Nationals, the third of six Countdown to the Championship events, will get its fourth qualifying session back, returning it to pre-pandemic levels. 

This move now lowers the number of three-session events to five. The NHRA Carolina Nationals outside of Charlotte is now the only Countdown event with just one session on Friday. 

Official qualifying times for both Friday and Saturday will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
“We are delighted to host two rounds of NHRA professional qualifying under the lights on Friday, September 27,” said Chris Blair, World Wide Technology Executive Vice President and General Manager. “There’s nothing more electrifying than header flames and the thrill of 330 mph action. We have a great, fun-filled evening the entire family will enjoy on Friday, and we look forward to another spectacular weekend of NHRA racing.”

In addition to the extra session, Friday will host a special staging lane autograph session from 4-5 p.m. featuring select drivers in Top Fuel and Funny Car. The qualifying runs on Friday will take place under the lights.
 
Last year, Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up wins at World Wide Technology Raceway, with the top NHRA stars all looking forward to an extra qualifying session on Friday in 2024.

The NHRA Midwest Nationals has proven to be a stand-out event, drawing sellout crowds and creating a memorable atmosphere year after year. 
 
“It’s going to be great to have four qualifying sessions and to run at night,” said Hagan, the reigning Funny Car world champion for Tony Stewart Racing and current points leader. “Fans love seeing those huge header flames and to get four qualifying sessions, it really allows us to put on the best possible show. Everyone wants to see side-by-side racing in the Countdown, and four sessions gives us a great opportunity to get these cars dialed in.
 
“It’s going to be fast, it’s going to be loud, and the track conditions are going to be awesome. It’s a great facility with great fans who love drag racing, and we always look forward to coming to St. Louis. These Countdown races mean a lot, and we’re excited to have a huge crowd on hand on Friday to kick off the weekend.”
 
Ron Capps’ four wins lead the Funny Car category in St. Louis, while Pro Stock’s Erica Enders has an NHRA-best six victories at the track. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Matt Smith leads in the two-wheeled category with five event victories.
 
“Everyone at World Wide Technology Raceway has done an incredible job making this event a great one for more than a decade, and we’re excited to offer two qualifying sessions on Friday this year,” said Evan Jonat, NHRA Vice President of Live Events. “These night runs are always a huge thrill for our fans and race teams, and it’s a perfect way to kick off what will be another terrific weekend in St. Louis.”