The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has struck a new broadcast deal that could take drag racing to more viewers in the coming years.
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According to a Wednesday announcement, NHRA and the the free, over-the-air CW Network have signed a multi-year broadcast deal. Starting in September 2027, the CW Network will be the "exclusive multiplatform home for the final seven races of the season."
Fox Sports will still air 13 races during the 2027 regular season as part of an existing deal. However, the series will then move to CW for the NHRA US Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Sept. 6, 2027.
The six playoff races — The Countdown to the Championship — will air on the CW Network. All of the final seven races of the season will also be available on the ESPN app with an ESPN Unlimited subscription.
Photo credit: NHRA/CW Network
"The CW has quickly become a top-tier broadcast destination for motorsports fans, and we are thrilled to add NHRA events to our growing portfolio of CW Sports," said Mike Perman, Senior Vice President, CW Sports.
"Beginning next fall, these seven adrenaline-packed NHRA playoff races will pair perfectly with the action of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, making weekends on The CW the premier television home for all racing enthusiasts."
Adding NHRA to the lineup bolsters CW's sports portfolio. The network, which once aired DC Comics dramatic series, now provides coverage for numerous sports events throughout the year.
The lineup also includes the entire NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season; college football and men's and women's college basketball from the ACC, Mountain West, and Pac-12 conferences; WWE NXT; Professional Bull Riding Team Series; AVP professional beach volleyball; and Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) events.
The CW will also air the Arizona Bowl, Holiday Bowl, and Poinsettia Bowl this college football season as part of the broadcast rights agreement.
