The End of an Era: ProMedia Ceasing Operations of NMRA and NMCA Series

 

TGR Staff - 10/04/2024

The world of American drag racing is reeling after ProMedia LLC, the parent company of the NMRA Ford Nationals and the NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, announced it would be ending its motorsport event operations after 2024. The announcement marks the end of a historic chapter in racing history, as both series have been cornerstones of the drag racing community for decades.

For over 35 years, the NMCA has been a beacon for muscle car enthusiasts, bringing fans high-octane action and thrilling battles across tracks nationwide. The NMRA, launched in 1999, quickly became the go-to event for Ford lovers, offering a stage for racers to showcase their modified Mustangs, trucks, and classic Fords. Together, these two series grew to represent a significant portion of grassroots drag racing in the U.S., making their closure a staggering blow for racers, fans, and the venues that hosted their events.

In their official statement, ProMedia cited a perfect storm of financial and logistical challenges, including the loss of key revenue-generating events, reduced sponsorship and advertising support, and rising costs due to inflation. Adding to these woes, Hurricane Helene struck a critical blow when it ravaged the NMRA World Finals—ProMedia’s most profitable event. This combination of setbacks proved insurmountable, forcing the organization to decide to shut down.

“ProMedia and our entire team sincerely thank our racers and fans for many years of dedicated support and passion for muscle car performance. We appreciate our sponsors for their long-term friendship and loyalty, most especially our series sponsors, Holley and Red Line Oil. Our track partners are the best in the business and we’re proud to call them our friends. Finally, we have been truly blessed having the most dedicated and talented employees and event staff in the business, made up of true professionals and wonderful people.”

To honor the legacy of NMRA and NMCA, ProMedia will be sending custom recognition packages to all class champions, including the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree World Champion ring, a World Champion Victor award, and a custom-embroidered World Champion jacket. Though the company originally planned to present these awards in person at the upcoming Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene made attendance impossible.

Despite the end of these iconic series, the passion for grassroots drag racing is alive and well. ProMedia is urging racers and fans to continue supporting other events and series that embody the same spirit of competition and camaraderie. The NHRA, PDRA, Street Car Takeover, and No Prep Kings, as well as events like LS Fest, World Series of Pro Mod, and Snowbird Nationals, will be critical for keeping the drag racing community strong. Additionally, ProMedia is encouraging fans to support the tracks that have been vital partners over the years, including Summit Motorsports Park, Beech Bend Raceway, US 131 Motorsports Park, and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, to name a few.

Beyond the racetrack, ProMedia emphasized the importance of standing with the industry’s key trade associations, PRI and SEMA, which defend enthusiasts' rights to race and modify their vehicles. ProMedia also highlighted the role of media partners like Drag Illustrated and National Dragster, which have long covered the sport and helped bring its stories to life.

For the drag racing faithful, this isn’t just the end of a series; it’s the end of a tradition built on speed, passion, and community. While the NMRA and NMCA won’t race into the future, their legacy will live on in the memories of every racer, fan, and crew member who shared the lanes, the stands, and the pits.