The 55th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro Opener, presented by The Blower Shop, roars back to Firebird on May 14-17, 2026!
As the longest-running major drag race in the Northwest, the Ignitor is steeped in history and high-octane excitement. Since its inaugural event in 1971—won by the legendary Don “The Snake” Prudhomme in his iconic Hot Wheels Funny Car—the Ignitor has remained a cornerstone of Firebird’s racing legacy.
Kicking off Firebird’s first major event of the 2026 season, the Ignitor also serves as the second stop in the NHRA Heritage Series, following the Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet in Bakersfield.
Will defending champion Shane Westerfield with the “Northwest Hitter” Camaro hold on to the Funny Car crown? Or will a new contender seize victory?
Firebird will also play host to the opening stop in the Division 6 LODRS in May. The 2026 point’s meet will showcase racing in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Sportsman Motorcycle, Super Pro and Pro eliminators.
Tracing back in the history books, Firebird’s first NHRA World Championship Series meet was staged in 1969. The inagural winners included the likes of Dick Kalivoda (Top Fuel), Austin & Grassi (Top Gas), Bill Landon (Super Eliminator), Ringer & Souders (Comp), Bill Ireland (Super Stock), and Virgin & Taccogno (Stock).
Join us at Firebird Raceway and be part of the thrill, speed, and history of the Ignitor Nitro Opener!2026 Ignitor-Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Race Series
Schedule of Events:
Wed., May 13
Early Bird Pit Parking (open to pre-registered teams): 1 – 6 pm
Thurs., May 14
Event Parking: 8 am-7 pm
Test `n Tune starts at: 2 pm
Fri., May 15
Parking: 7 am
Time trials, qualifying: 9 am
AA/Nitro Funny Car qualifying (Q1): 3 pm
Racing continues until: 8 pm
Sat., May 16
Opens: 7 am
Time trials/Qualifying: 8:30 am
AA/Nitro Funny Car qualifying (Q2, Q3): 2 pm, 6 pm
Racing continues until: 8:30 pm
Sun., May 17
Opens: 8 am
LODRS eliminations: 8:30 am
AA/Nitro Funny Car eliminations: Noon, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
Concludes: 5 pm
Defending Ignitor – LODRS champions (2025) include:
- AA/Funny Car
Shane Westerfield - Comp
Jeff Lane - Super Stock
Jody Lang - Stock
Chris Hall - Top Sportsman
William Cook - Top Dragster
Casey Plazier - Super Comp
Dylan Hough - Super Gas
Brian Preszler - Super Street
Joshua Dalrymple - Sportsman Motorcycle
Jacob Wood - Super Pro
Duston Wurtz - Pro
Sean Clark
