NHRA set to return to Topeka in 2016

The NHRA’s top series will return to Topeka in 2016.

NHRA officials announced Friday that it had reached an agreement with Heartland Park Topeka’s new ownership group, Heartland Park Topeka, LLC, led by Chris Payne and Todd Crossley. As a result, the 28th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals will be held during May 20-22 at Heartland Park Topeka.

“Heartland Park Topeka has such a great history with NHRA as the site of many performance milestones and record-setting achievements. We are looking forward to continuing that legacy with today’s announcement,” NHRA president Peter Clifford said in a statement.

“The fans in the Topeka and Kansas City area are some of the most passionate in the country and we are excited for them to be able to continue to enjoy the NHRA Mello Yello Series. And for NHRA Sportsman racers, the track is one of the busiest in that region, and it will continue to offer many racing opportunities for those hot rodding enthusiasts.”

The Kansas Nationals will be the eighth race of the NHRA season and willl be televised by Fox Sports 1.

“We’re honored and excited to work with NHRA and ensure drag racing will once again thrive in Topeka for years to come,” Payne said in a statement. “We’re grateful to be a part of such a great community who loves all forms of racing and look forward to revitalizing one of Topeka’s greatest assets.”

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 8:12 PM with the headline "NHRA set to return to Topeka in 2016."