National Trail Raceway

National Trail Raceway is based between the Ohio Cities of Kirkersville and Hebron. Here you can enjoy drag racing, hot rod racing, stock car racing, as well as motorcycle racing, and much more.

vertical image with a photo of hot rods racing and a photo of a shot from the Hill Billy Demolition Derby. A white area across the top contains the text National Trail Raceway

About National Trail Raceway

National Trail Raceway is owned by Big Ambitions, LLC. It is a quarter-mile dragstrip in Licking County, about 30 minutes east of Columbus.

Events throughout the year include:

King of Columbus | All Classes | April
Import Face Off (IFO) | Drag | April
Hill Billy Nationals | Demolition Drag | May
Power Tour | Hot Rods | June
Night of Thunder | Drag | June

The ground was broken back in 1963 by the Clark family. Construction was quite rapid and was completed within just 12 months. At this time, Route 40 was known as the National Road and this is why they decided to name it the National Trail Raceway. At the time of opening, it was the fifth largest facility within the entire United States.

The 1970s and 1980s

In 1972, Wally Parks decided to move the Springnationals event to this site. The major reason that he decided to do this is that drag racing has a popular following in Central Ohio. The event was really popular and it attracted over 600 cars and 40,000 spectators.

Shirley Muldowney became the first female athlete to win a national event in 1976 and 1982 she returned to take part in an all-female event in 1982.

Into the 21st Century

In 2010, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) still owns the facility and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series still takes place here. The Nightly Talladega Racing (NTR) also holds other events here such as the Mopar Nationals, Night of Thunder, and Buick Nationals. These events include vehicles like wheel standers and jet cars.

In November 2011, the NTR held the annual Ohio High School Athletic Association state cross-country running championships. The meet used to take place at the Scioto Downs racetrack, but it was decided that it had to be moved due to slot machine gaming starting up at Scioto Downs.

Shelby Development purchased the National Trail Raceway in 2017. They did not keep ownership of the site for too long as they decided to sell the site to Big Ambitions in 2019.

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

Hot Rods and Stock Cars are our favorite events at the National Trial Raceway. You can always be certain of a day full of great entertainment here! Be sure to bring ear protection if you are sensitive to too much noise!

horizontal photo of a close up of the front of a white hot rod racing car

National Trail Raceway is locally known as ‘National Trails’. It is a very popular venue for both spectators and drivers.

Video of the Hill Billy Nationals Demolition Derby

This video is quite long, move it on to around 20 minutes in if you want to see the complete demolition of some of these cars!

The Pro Shop offers National Trail Raceway clothing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, as well as souvenir items. Available to purchase online.

Where is the National Trail Raceway Located?

Address: 2650 National Road SW, Hebron, Ohio 43025
Phone: 740-928-5706 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for National Trail Raceway

Let’s Visit the National Trail Raceway!

Have you visited the National Trail Raceway? Did you love the thrill of the race? We would love to hear it! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you enjoy a bet – whether it is cars, horses, Poker, or slot machines, check out our Casinos In Ohio post!

If you are looking for more adventure, be sure to check out our posts about Urban Air Dublin and Scene75 Columbus!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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National Trail Raceway