NHRA Approved BluePrint Engines Performance Blocks
The National Hot Rod Association has certified specific engine block platforms for sanctioned drag racing competitions.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Auto Parts
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has officially certified BluePrint Performance cast-iron engine blocks for use in sanctioned racing events. The approval covers platforms including small-block Chevy, big-block Chevy, LS, and small-block Ford designs.
Why it matters
This certification ensures that these specific aftermarket engine blocks meet the NHRA’s strict material and performance standards for competition. It expands the options available to professional engine builders and drag racers participating in Stock, Super Stock, and Competition Eliminator classes.
The NHRA-approved lineup includes small-block Chevy, big-block Chevy, LS, and small-block Ford engine platforms. These cast-iron components are manufactured using castings from a German foundry, with all precision machining handled in Kearney, Nebraska.
The players
National Hot Rod Association
The National Hot Rod Association is the primary governing body for drag racing in the United States.
BluePrint Engines
BluePrint Engines is a manufacturer specializing in crate engines and performance parts based in Kearney, Nebraska.
The details
The NHRA granted certification after a rigorous evaluation of the dimensional and material standards of the BluePrint Performance blocks. All machining operations for these certified components are carried out by BluePrint Engines at its facility in Kearney, Nebraska.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: BluePrint Engines announced the NHRA engine block approvals.
Roadmap
The approval of these cast-iron blocks marks a shift in how sanctioning bodies evaluate high-performance aftermarket parts. It aligns with the industry trend of allowing modern, high-quality manufacturing to support legacy drag racing categories like Super Stock.
Racers planning to build engines for NHRA-sanctioned events can now incorporate these specific cast-iron blocks into their designs for Stock or Super Stock classes. Competitors should consult the latest technical bulletins to ensure their build configuration complies with the new list of approved parts.
The takeaway
Builders looking for competitive advantages in drag racing should review the updated list of NHRA-certified parts to incorporate these blocks into their upcoming projects. Selecting certified components is critical for ensuring that any performance build meets the technical requirements for sanctioned track events.
Further reading
Learn more about the components used in professional drag racing in the United States Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
