Stampede of Speed
FRANKIE TAYLOR TAKES TEXAS INVITATIONAL TITLE IN WILD FINAL
ENNIS, TX – In a final round battle for the ages Frankie “Mad Man” Taylor took the win at the 3rd annual Texas Invitational last night at the 
conclusion of the Stars of Texas Music Festival. Taylor and Pro Mod took the win when James Day, driving the Texas Motorplex Tribute Funny Car, red-lit before making a smooth pass. The win was redemption for Taylor who was the 2024 Texas Invitational runner-up.
“I’m pretty excited and this is pretty cool, right in my home state of Texas,” said Taylor. “The crowds were killer here. This is a Sunday night, the week before the Texas Fall Nationals, and there were close to 15-20,000 people already here. The stands were packed on the left side. They were packed so full you couldn’t hold any more, and across the fence and everything. When I’m in the race car, I feel like I’m a millionaire. I could not be more excited.”
On Saturday night Taylor defeated Michael Irwin in the semifinals while Day outran Keith Jackson. The Saturday night semifinals were contested in front of a full northside grandstand and was followed by Todd Stewart’s Hot Rod Diesel. Continue reading
James Day to Drive the Texas Motorplex 40th Anniversary Nitro Funny Car at the Texas Invitational
Ennis, TX – Saye It Loud Racing is proud to announce that veteran nitro driver James Day will pilot the team’s Nitro Funny Car at the highly 
anticipated Texas Invitational. The Funny Car is emblazoned with a throw-back look celebrating Texas Motorplex’s 40th anniversary. The Texas Invitational match race is a featured element of the Stampede of Speed opening weekend and the Stars of Texas Music Festival at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, on October 4-5. Known for his fearless style and proven success behind the wheel, Day is set to deliver an unforgettable performance for race fans.
Day, who first earned his NHRA Funny Car license in 2007, has competed in both big show and nostalgia nitro categories across the country. He has wheeled some of the most recognizable Funny Cars in the sport, including Cecil Matthews’ Camaro, where he set low ET and top speed at Firebird Raceway’s 52nd Nightfires with a 5.591-second run at 261.02 mph. His reputation for thrilling fans and delivering strong performances makes him a perfect fit for the Texas Invitational stage. Continue reading
Texas Motorplex Celebrates 40 Years with Family Fun and Values
ENNIS, TX – For 40 years Texas Motorplex has wowed fans from across the country with record setting speeds and memorable moments on 
and off the all-concrete ¼ mile track. To celebrate the 40th season of racing excellence and the fifth year of the Stampede of Speed, the ten-days of concerts, racing and special events, Texas Motorplex is offering fans a wide variety of free events or events with discounted tickets as well as special 40th celebration pricing. Details on all the events and promotions can be found at www.stampedeofspeed.com.
The track is offering tickets starting at just $40 with straight shooter pricing and free parking. Fans can camp for the full ten days of the Stampede of Speed for $40. Kids 12 and under are free and new for 2026 the track is offering a $40 meal deal that includes four entrées, four sides and four drinks, the perfect four-pack for a family or small group.
“We wanted to really celebrate our 40th anniversary with as many fans from across the country as possible and the best way to do that is to make it as affordable as possible,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “The $40 family meal plan along with $40 camping we think are two of the best values not just in motorsports but in entertainment. JEGS has stepped up to make our JEGS Friday Night Live qualifying session amazing and there will be all sorts of freebies throughout the night on Friday of the race. Having kids 12 and under free gives families the chance to come out and see the biggest names in drag racing.” Continue reading
Massive Group of NHRA Superstars Scheduled for Texas Fall Nationals Fan Fest
ENNIS, TX – For 40 years the biggest names in NHRA drag racing have descended on Texas Motorplex making historic runs and wowing fans 
in the grandstands. Once again, these stars will be out of their 12,000-horspowered Top Fuel dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, door-slamming Pro Stockers or two-wheel land rocket Pro Stock Motorcycles to mix and mingle with fans at the annual Texas Fall Nationals Prestage Fan Fest on Thursday, October 9, from 6 – 9 p.m. The Pre-Stage Fan Fest is a free, family-friendly event that will feature a driver autograph session from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with an epic line up of NHRA drivers and riders.
Over 50 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers and riders including fan favorites Brittany Force, Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Texans Steve Torrence and Erica Enders, Matt and Angie Smith and more are scheduled to sign autographs at this free event held for the fifth consecutive year at Railyard Park just south of the historic Waxahachie town square. The JEGS All-Star participants will once again join the festivities allowing fans to meet and greet some of the best sportsman racers from across the country.
“This is the largest free driver autograph session of the season, and we appreciate our competitors taking the time to visit with our amazing fans,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “Two years ago, we added the JEGS All-Star participants and now we have the future stars of the sports and the best sportsman racers signing autographs. The Fanfest has become one of the best fan friendly events in motorsports.” Continue reading
STAMPEDE OF SPEED BRINGS A TEXAS-SIZED SHOWDOWN TO PLAYOFFS WITH TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS
ENNIS, TX – As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs hit crunch time, NHRA’s brightest 
stars head to Texas for the fifth annual Stampede of Speed and the main event of the 10-day extravaganza, the 40th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 8-12 at the famed Texas Motorplex.
The NHRA FallNationals marks the 18th of 20 events and the fourth of six playoff races in 2025. This year will be a special one, as Texas fans will be treated to a celebration of 40 years of action at Texas Motorplex to finish off the Stampede of Speed, along with all the added intensity of the playoff race and the incredible thrills of the 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph nitro machines.
The race has long served as a pivotal race in the Countdown and that will continue through a can’t-miss weekend in Dallas. Throughout its 40 years, the NHRA FallNationals have been a must-see race, one loaded with historic moments and amazing performances, and the race continues to serve as the main event and conclusion of the spectacular 10-day “Stampede of Speed” festival. Continue reading
John Force, TJ Bailey and Joe Luebano Named Texas Motorplex Legends
ENNIS, TX – The Texas Motorplex today announced John Force, Hall of Fame Funny Car driver, TJ Bailey, Motorplex track specialist and 
Joe Luebano, long-time Motorplex creative artist have been named Texas Motorplex Legends in advance of the 2025 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. The trio have made significant impacts at Texas Motorplex and across the drag racing landscape both on and off the track for decades.
“Recognizing John, TJ and Joe as Texas Motorplex Legends almost doesn’t feel like enough to celebrate and recognize their impact on the track and our racing family” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “John has done it all when it comes to racing but his generosity with the fans and sponsors sets him apart even more. We lost Joe and TJ earlier this year and the hole they have left in our hearts is slowly healing. They are with us in spirit every day and this year’s Legends award is a true testament to their contributions to Texas Motorplex.”
John Force is the winningest driver in NHRA history and the winningest driver at the Texas Motorplex with seven Funny Car victories, including a sweep of both national events in 2000. The legendary driver from Yorba Linda, California, raced against Texas Motorplex founder Billy Meyer and was a major part in the success of Texas Motorplex in the 1990s as he dominated the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Continue reading
Texas Motorplex Partners with NEFT Vodka as a Featured Spirit of the Stampede of Speed and NHRA Texas Fall Nationals
DALLAS – Texas Motorplex is adding the premium Austrian vodka brand NEFT Vodka as the featured Vodka to its growing roster of 
marketing partners for the Stampede of Speed and NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, October 3-12, 2025. The ten-day multi-faceted event will showcase NEFT Vodka’s premium experience, highlighted by the exclusive two-story NEFT Vodka mobile bar and lounge with specially curated cocktails available throughout the event. NEFT Vodka will be at the heart of the concert and racing action, featuring multiple signature beverages for fans from across the country to enjoy.
“We are thrilled to have NEFT Vodka become an integral part of the Stampede of Speed and the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “The premium experience is something that we have been growing at the Stampede of Speed, from VIP access to preferred ticketing and parking. NEFT Vodka delivers those special moments for our guests who are looking for refreshing cocktails.”
NEFT Vodka is no stranger to motorsports, as the brand is currently involved in Formula 1 racing as well as the Formula Drift Series. This collaboration marks NEFT’s first foray into NHRA drag racing and a natural extension of the brand’s involvement in the sport. The vodka is packaged in a distinctive white or black lightweight metal barrel that helps keep the liquid cold for hours. Crafted with non-GMO rye and Alpine spring water, it delivers smooth, characterful flavor with no additives. Continue reading
JEGS EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO TEXAS MOTORPLEX
ENNIS, TX – JEGS, one of the largest automotive aftermarket suppliers in the U.S. that ships products daily throughout North America and 
around the world, has been an integral part of the Stampede of Speed since 2023, through their sponsorship of the JEGS Allstars event, at the Texas Motorplex. Today it was announced that the relationship is expanding beyond their presence at the 10-day Stampede of Speed to include a year-round marketing and sponsorship activation at the historic track located just south of Dallas. JEGS will interact with racers and fans all season through enhanced support of street nights, bracket races, feature shows, and highlighted activities during the 40th NHRA Texas Fall Nationals.
“JEGS has been a part of my life since before I built the Texas Motorplex,” said Billy Meyer, Texas Motorplex founder and co-owner. “When I started racing as a teenager, Jeg Coughlin Sr. would help me out by selling me his used funny car parts so I could afford to race. JEGS has always been about treating racers like family, and we are excited to expand our relationship with them. You’ll see a lot of exciting additions at every level of our racing program moving forward.” Continue reading
Motorplex Kicks Off Countdown to Stampede of Speed with Drivers, Burnouts and Logo Reveal
ENNIS, TX – Today at the Texas Motorplex track owners Billy Meyer and Christie Meyer Johnson welcomed media members, social media 
influencers, sponsors, along with city and county officials to a specialty event at the historic track located south of Dallas. The event featured Funny Car driver Buddy Hull executing a ceremonial race-opening burnout in a special 40th anniversary-themed Funny Car, the unveiling of the throwback Stampede of Speed event logo, the introduction of the specialty “Burnout Bun” signature dessert and thoughts and insight from six NHRA personalities including world champions and Texas-based drivers.
“The Stampede of Speed is official off the starting line,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, following Hull’s burnout and launch to start the event. “We are thrilled to have so many significant drivers join us to share their stories leading up to the 40th NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. We are excited for people to see the new-look Stampede of Speed logo as well as the special Funny Car which will go on tour across the Metroplex to promote the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals.” Continue reading
TEXAS MOTORPLEX ANNOUNCES MAJOR ELEMENTS OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT, UNVEILS 40TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO, ANNOUNCES 2025 LEGENDS
Ennis, TX – Stampede of Speed / Stars of Texas Media Day – Kicking off the 40th year of the Texas Motorplex, featuring the 10-day “Stampede 
of Speed” event, which includes the Stars of Texas country music festival and 40th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, October 9-12. Media will have the opportunity to witness a Funny Car burnout up close, drive down the iconic all-concrete track and interact with multiple former Texas Fall Nationals winners. They will also hear about many exciting announcements related to the 40th anniversary, including announcing the 2025 Texas Motorplex Legends: John Force, 16-time Funny Car world champion, Joe Luebano and TJ Bailey, two Texas Motorplex employee who tragically passed away earlier this year.
“The Texas Motorplex’s 40th anniversary is an exciting time not just for my family and the drag racing community, but for the state of Texas at large. Our Stampede of Speed event is packed with unforgettable moments for the whole family and celebrates everything that makes Texas,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. Continue reading
