NitrOlympX 2026 // Europe’s drag racing scene is back in full speed
- From 21 to 23 August, top international teams will face off at the Motodrom
- FIA and FIM European Championship rounds, along with nearly 20 racing classes, promise motor sport of the highest calibre
- Timo Habermann will celebrate his comeback in front of a home crowd, and ROCK FM will provide the stage entertainment in the paddock
Following last year’s record attendance of over 47,000 visitors, NitrOlympX returns to the Hockenheimring from 21 to 23 August 2026. Europe’s biggest drag racing event is entering its 39th edition and forms a highlight in the calendar of the FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championships. More than 250 teams from numerous European nations are expected to compete for victories and crucial championship points across nearly 20 racing classes on the Rico Anthes Quartermile.
The best European drivers will compete against one another in the FIA classes – Top Fuel, Top Methanol, Pro Modified and Pro Stock – as well as in the FIM categories: Top Fuel Bike, Super Twin Bike, Pro Stock Bike, Super Street Bike and Junior Drag Bike. This top-class field of competitors is complemented by numerous Sportsman classes, which showcase the technical diversity of drag racing and have been a mainstay of NitrOlympX for many years.
One of the standout sporting moments of this year’s event is Timo Habermann’s comeback. After a six-year break, the three-time FIA European Champion in the top methanol class is returning to competitive racing. Habermann had already celebrated a much-acclaimed comeback on the racetrack alongside his brother Dennis during show runs at NitrOlympX 2025. Now, the driver for Werner Habermann Racing is once again aiming for crucial championship points. He already made a striking impression at Santa Pod back in May, setting a new European record in the process.
Racing, entertainment and rock ’n’ roll promise three days of action
One of the NitrOlympX’s special attractions remains the proximity to the action. The freely accessible paddock allows visitors a glimpse into the work of the teams as they service, tune and prepare their vehicles for the next race between heats. Visitors can experience the racing machines up close – including Top Fuel dragsters with power outputs of over 10,000 PS, capable of accelerating from a standing start to over 500 km/h on the track. In addition, visitors can look forward to ‘Hot Seats’ right by the track, special guided tours, a merchants’ area, the popular US car meet and a wide range of food and drink options.
As always, the traditional Saturday evening night show transforms the Motodrom into a spectacular setting from 8.00 pm: jet dragsters, Top Fuelers, rocket bikes, stunts, lighting effects and show elements make for one of the highlights of the weekend.
New this year: on the show stage in the paddock, ROCK FM will be adding to the atmosphere on all three days with competitions, interviews and an entertainment programme. The official ROCK FM house band, DELTA ROCK, will provide the grand finale after Saturday’s night show. With powerful guitar riffs and pure rock sound, these professional musicians will bring the big hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s back to the stage, featuring classics by AC/DC, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen and many other rock greats.
Tickets
There are various ticket options available for visitors. Friday tickets are available from 39 euros, whilst a weekend ticket for three days of action starts at 75 euros. All tickets include access to the paddock and are available from the online ticket shop at https://tickets.hockenheimring.de.
Anyone wishing to experience that special adrenaline rush right at the starting line can register for one of the exclusive slots with a Hot Seat add-on ticket. Prices for these start at 100 euros and go up to 250 euros, depending on the day and session.
