Just when I think NHRA can’t outdo itself with things when it comes to the best thing they have going, that is exactly what they manage to do. This time it’s not the schedule, but the points structure for the 2020 season.

In what seems to be a common occurrence lately, NHRA decided in the “best interest” of the racers to drop three of the races in their 12 race schedule regarding points. Instead of all 12 races being for points, the NHRA, in their infinite wisdom has decided that Gainesville, Atlanta, and Indy (yes the U.S. Nationals), will not be points races for the class.

NHRA announced that instead of those three races being contested for points, there will be a larger purse involved, but did not clarify what that was going to be at the time of this writing. So, that means three of the most well attended and hotbed areas for all of Pro Mod will not be points races.

In addition to the points structure, NHRA announced that if there are more than 30 cars entered, then the class will get a third qualifier versus the two that are initially scheduled. They will also get three qualifiers at Denver and Indy (U.S. Nationals). Below is the 2020 schedule. In bold are the non-points races.

July 18-19 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing at Lucas Oil Raceway Indianapolis

Aug. 7-9 Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals Denver

Aug. 14-16 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Brainerd, Minn.

Aug. 21-23 Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals Topeka, Kan.

Aug. 28-30 NHRA Southern Nationals (NP) Atlanta

Sept. 3-6 Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals (NP) Indianapolis

Sept. 18-20 NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Charlotte

Sept. 25-27 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals (NP) Gainesville, Fla.

Oct. 2-4 AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals St. Louis

Oct. 9-11 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Bristol, Tenn.

Oct. 16-18 AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals Dallas

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Dodge NHRA Nationals Las Vegas