In a major shift for endurance racing, the legendary 25 Hours of Thunderhill is moving to Ozarks International Raceway in 2025. Known as one of the most grueling endurance races in North America, the event’s relocation marks a new chapter in its storied history, bringing fresh challenges and excitement to teams, drivers, and fans alike.
The decision to move the race from its longtime home at Thunderhill Raceway Park in California to the rolling hills of Missouri’s Ozarks International Raceway was driven by a combination of factors, including evolving track needs, logistical considerations, and the opportunity to race at a state-of-the-art facility.
Why Ozarks International Raceway?
Located in Gravois Mills, Missouri, Ozarks International Raceway (OIR) has quickly gained recognition for its challenging 3.97-mile road course that features dramatic elevation changes, technical corners, and long straights. Since its opening in 2022, the track has hosted a variety of major motorsports events, earning praise for its world-class design and thrilling layout.
“NASA MidAmerica is honored to have a track the caliber of Ozarks available to not only our drivers but drivers across the US. Watching this track thrive and grow gives us all in the racing community a renewed energy for the future of racing in MidAmerica. The support of businesses and spectators in the Ozarks region is a driving force as to why we at NASA are investing and building a strong future there.” said Regional Director NASA MidAmerica, Donna Lane.
A New Challenge for Endurance Racers
The 25 Hours of Thunderhill is renowned for pushing drivers, teams, and cars to their limits with unpredictable weather, grueling overnight stints, and intense multi-class competition. Moving the race to OIR introduces new elements to the challenge, as competitors will have to navigate the track’s unique combination of high-speed sections and technical corners under demanding endurance conditions.
What Fans Can Expect
With the new location comes new opportunities for spectators and participants alike. Ozarks International Raceway offers expansive viewing areas, modern amenities, and a scenic backdrop that enhances the race weekend atmosphere. The move to Missouri also makes the event more accessible to a broader range of teams and fans from the central and eastern United States.
NASA has confirmed that the 2025 event will retain its signature 25-hour format, with multiple classes of sports cars, prototypes, and production-based vehicles battling it out for ultimate endurance glory. Teams will need to adapt their strategies to the nuances of OIR, making this year’s race one of the most unpredictable yet.
Looking Ahead
The relocation of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill to Ozarks International Raceway is a bold step forward, ushering in a new era for the iconic race. As the countdown to 2025 begins, teams and fans eagerly anticipate how this change will redefine endurance racing’s toughest test.
One thing is certain—when the green flag drops at OIR this season, history will be made.
For more information on Ozarks International Raceway visit their website here.
For more informaton on NASA visit their website here.
