yes, and like I said above, they're sanctioning their races, not merging...

"As part of the sanctioning agreement, NOPI drag racing events held at NHRA member tracks will be conducted under NHRA rules. Competition and technical matters onsite at these events will be overseen by NHRA representatives. NHRA will declare a winner at those events and keep points toward NOPI championships in each category.

At NOPI Drag Racing Series events held at non-NHRA member tracks, NHRA will not sanction nor will points be accumulated toward championships."

if NOPI and NHRA were "merging" as you put it, first off they wouldn't be racing at non NHRA sanctioned tracks...

you might want to re-read it yourself.