Dragfest 2026

Lebanon, PA – Here in the Northeast, colder weather signals the end of the racing season. It’s always a bittersweet time, as those who race nearly every weekend are ready for a break. Yet, although they need the time to recharge, it doesn’t take very long to miss those weekends at the track, experiencing all the smells and sounds, and spending time with family and friends, be it blood relatives or racing family. In the Winter months, they look forward to the track banquets and spending time in their shops getting ready for the next season. An oasis in this cold, gray winter season exists in Dragfest, an event labeled as an “Indoor Drag Racing Showcase & Custom Car Show” by promoters Motorama Productions.

The show boasts displays of race cars in the hundreds along with top-shelf show cars mixed in. This event is more than just current cars, there are also examples of legendary cars there, too. Not to mention legendary people. One could not help but notice former world funny car champion, Bruce Larson as you entered, and not far away was another legend, Larry Lombardo, who gained fame in his “Buckshot” Corvette and grew his legend driving for Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins.

Outnumbering the cars, though, were smiles, hugs, and handshakes as this event is a reunion of sorts for the legends, current drivers, and fans of all of them. There are bigger shows, there are flashier shows, but I’ve never encountered any of this magnitude that have the same feeling of warmth and family. And speaking of families, it was nice seeing young families mixing in with the old-timers and the youngsters running around. All in all, a pretty good mix whether you’re talking about fans, racers, or even vendors. Some of the best tracks in the area had representatives on hand to tell you all you wanted to know about their tracks. If you haven’t been to a local track, get out there and support them while you can! Whichever one you choose is sure to give you a memorable experience, just like so many of the displays at this show.

I always go to the hall on the right as you enter first. There’s always some good drag cars there, most of which are still being raced. Rocky Pirrone was well-represented in this area, as several of his cars were there on display. Then you walk past some of the vendors to hit the hall on the right. Lots of current and former cars there as well, not to mention more vendors with wonderful products. Even a bit of land speed action in the corner! On to the next hall and more active drag cars along with some of the unique vintage racers. And just when you thought you saw it all…up the ramp and there were even more cars along with some mind-blowing customs to feast your eyes on. And to top it all off, the weather cooperated and a few of the cars were taken outside to be cackled. If you’ve never seen one of these old-school hot rods fired up, it’s a treat to watch. It’s really an eye (and ear) opening experience! So many of the cars here are still actively raced. You really need to get out there and see some in action when racing season returns. I could go on and on about so many cars there, but the best thing to do is actually go. Mark your calendars now, and when it rolls around next January, go to Dragfest. You won’t regret it.