The first NHRA U.S. Nationals was held in 1955.
The inaugural event was staged as the NHRA Nationals at Great Bend Municipal Airport in Great Bend, Kansas. It was part of the NHRA’s early effort to turn informal hot-rod competition into a nationally organized championship event. The meeting later became known as the U.S. Nationals, or “The Big Go.”
The race moved several times in its early years: to Kansas City in 1956, Oklahoma City in 1957 and 1958, and Detroit in 1959 and 1960. In 1961, it settled at Indianapolis Raceway Park, now Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, where it remains. That venue change is a common source of confusion: 1955 is the event’s founding year, while 1961 marks its long-running Indianapolis era.
The U.S. Nationals is traditionally held over Labor Day weekend and is regarded as one of drag racing’s most prestigious events. Its history predates many modern NHRA professional classes and timing practices.