10,000 PS and 500 km/h: 3 days of drag racing action at the Hockenheimring
More than 250 teams, nearly 20 racing classes and dragsters with over 10,000 PS: from 21 to 23 August 2026, the European drag racing elite will gather at the Hockenheimring for ‘NitrOlympX’.
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Following last year’s record attendance of more than 47,000 visitors, ‘NitrOlympX’ is returning to Hockenheim. Europe’s biggest drag racing event once again forms a highlight in the FIA and FIM European Drag Racing Championships calendars. Drivers from numerous European nations will be competing for victories and championship points 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.
The top-class field is complemented by numerous Sportsman classes. These have been an integral part of ‘NitrOlympX’ for many years and demonstrate the enormous technical and sporting diversity of drag racing.
Comeback of the three-time European champion
Timo Habermann is set to provide one of the event’s special sporting highlights. The three-time FIA European Champion in the Top Methanol class is returning to competitive racing after a six-year break. Habermann had already celebrated a much-acclaimed comeback on the track at the 2025 ‘NitrOlympX’, taking part in show runs alongside his brother Dennis.
Now it’s getting serious again: as a driver for the Werner Habermann Racing team, he is once more aiming for crucial championship points. Habermann already proved back in May at Santa Pod that he is a force to be reckoned with. There, he made an impressive statement and set a new European record.
Experience motorsport up close
However, ‘NitrOlympX’ is not just about the action on the quarter-mile. One of the event’s special attractions is the immediate 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.
The racing cars come closer to the fans here than at almost any other motorsport event. Among the most spectacular machines are Top Fuel dragsters with power outputs of over 10,000 PS. On the track, they can accelerate from a standing start to over 500 km/h. Visitors can also 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.
Light shows and rock music
Saturday evening is traditionally reserved for the night show. From 8 pm, the Motodrom is transformed into a spectacular setting. Jet dragsters, Top Fuelers, rocket bikes, stunts, light effects and other show elements make for one of the highlights of the weekend.
There’s also something new off the track in 2026: 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 Night Show is followed on Saturday by the musical finale.
The official ROCK FM house band, ‘DELTA ROCK’, will bring the big hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s back to the stage with powerful guitar riffs and pure rock sound. The set list features classics by AC/DC, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen and many other rock greats.
Tickets for three days of full-throttle action
Various ticket options are available for visitors. Friday tickets are available from 39 euros, whilst the weekend ticket for three days of action starts at 75 euros. All tickets include access to the paddock.
Tickets are available from
Anyone wanting to experience the adrenaline rush right at the starting line can also secure one of the exclusive slots with a Hot Seat add-on ticket. Prices start at 100 euros, depending on the day and session, and go up to 250 euros. Full details are available online
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