MECHANICSVILLE, Md. The roar of 11,000-horsepower Nitro Top Fuel and Funny Cars will once again echo through Maryland Intl Raceway as the IHRA Presidents Cup Nationals makes its highly anticipated return on Aug. 8-9.

After a nine-year hiatus, one of the International Hot Rod Assns most celebrated events is back, bringing with it a legacy of unforgettable moments. First held from 1992 to 2010, and again from 2014 to 2016, the Presidents Cup Nationals has long been a staple of the drag racing community, showcasing some of the sports most thrilling performances.

The event has seen historic milestones, including the first-ever all 6-second Pro Stock qualified field in drag racing history on Sept. 24, 1994. It has also crowned champions across multiple classesScotty Cannons Pro Mod victory over Al Billes in the 1992 debut event, the introduction of Funny Car in 1993 when Mark Thomas took the title and the addition of Nitro Harleys in 1999 with Jay Turners win.

One of the most memorable moments came in 2002, when Jack Ostrander pulled off a stunning upset, ending Clay Millicans perfect season in the first round before defeating Paul Romine in the Top Fuel final. That years event also saw an overwhelming turnout of over 700 racers, so large that many had to park in a nearby farmers field and be towed to the track.

Maryland Intl Raceway owner Royce Miller expressed his enthusiasm for the events return:

We are beyond excited to welcome the IHRA Presidents Cup Nationals and Nitro Racing back to MIR. The nearly 20-year history of this event is filled with incredible moments for racers and fans alike. Thanks to the collaboration between IHRA and WDRA, we now have the opportunity to create even more unforgettable experiences. I hope everyone will join me in celebrating the return of this iconic event.

Maryland Intl Raceway, a premier drag racing venue in the Washington-Baltimore region, hosts more than100 events annually and has been thrilling fans since it opened in July 1966. From March through November, the track features nonstop action with professional and sportsman drag racing, car shows, and a variety of special events.