There’s loud—and then there’s 4-Wide loud.
Each spring, the ZMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina, becomes the center of the drag racing universe when the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals rumble to life. Unlike anything else in motorsports, this event is a high-octane symphony of horsepower, precision, and raw spectacle, where four 11,000-horsepower machines launch side-by-side in perfect synchrony, turning quarter-mile chaos into pure adrenaline.
The Birth of 4-Wide Madness
When ZMAX Dragway opened in 2008—nicknamed “The Bellagio of Drag Strips” for its high-end amenities and pristine layout—it wasn’t long before Bruton Smith and the team at Speedway Motorsports envisioned something groundbreaking. In 2010, the first 4-Wide Nationals debuted, revolutionizing how fans experienced drag racing.
Four lanes. Four cars. One tree.
It was a concept met with equal parts excitement and skepticism. But when the first nitro-fueled quartet roared down the lanes in front of a stunned crowd, the 4-Wide Nationals proved it wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a new chapter in NHRA history.
A Format Like No Other
Unlike traditional two-lane events, the 4-Wide Nationals demand a unique blend of strategy and sensory management. Drivers must tune their reactions to the quad-lane Christmas Tree, which flashes four sets of lights simultaneously. Staging becomes a mental chess game, and even the smallest lapse in focus can cost a round—or a weekend.
Elimination rounds feature four drivers at a time, with the top two from each quad advancing until a four-car final determines the winner. It’s edge-of-your-seat intensity from start to finish, and it tests even the most seasoned pros in the sport.
Legendary Moments and Champions
Over the years, the 4-Wide has delivered countless highlights:
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John Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion, captured a 4-Wide win in 2010, proving that even legends can adapt to a new playing field.
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Steve Torrence, a multi-time Top Fuel world champion, has become a 4-Wide specialist with multiple wins under his belt.
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Erica Enders, one of Pro Stock’s fiercest competitors, has used the 4-Wide stage to show her poise and power, making her a crowd favorite at ZMAX.
These aren’t just wins—they’re statements, etched in tire smoke and thunder.
2025: Big Names, Bigger Stakes
This year’s edition didn’t disappoint. With packed grandstands, perfect spring weather, and a stacked field of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle stars, the 2025 4-Wide Nationals continued its legacy of next-level action.
New faces rose to the challenge, while veterans showed why Charlotte is where champions are made. Whether you were there to smell the nitro or watching from home with your heart pounding, one thing was clear:
When it comes to drag racing, four is more.
Why the 4-Wide Nationals Matter
The 4-Wide Nationals aren’t just a race—they’re a celebration of innovation, bravery, and the kind of thunder that shakes your soul. It’s a race born in the heart of North Carolina but felt by fans across the country. In a sport built on milliseconds, this event proves that sometimes, breaking the mold is the fastest way forward.
So if you’ve never witnessed it live, put it on your bucket list. And if you’ve been before? You already know.
There’s nothing on Earth like the 4-Wide Nationals.