The 10th running of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals roars to life under the lights starting on Friday night at zMAX Dragway, as the first four-wide Night of Fire kicks off a three-day showcase of thundering, 44,000-horsepower excitement at the Bellagio of drag strips.
Before the cars are staged and the trees are lit, here's a look at some things fans can't miss when experiencing the thrill of the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals:
Catch a Drift
This weekend, fans can participate in tire-squealing, smoke-billowing activities of their own, as an extraordinary East10Drift exhibition offering spectacular drift shows and hair-raising ride-alongs takes over zMAX Dragway for what's expected to be one of the most memorable race weekends in the history of the world-class venue.
Friday Night Lights
For the first time, zMAX Dragway will host a four-wide Night of Fire on Friday night. Fans will see headers lighting up the night sky in the first two qualifying passes for Brittany Force, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, John Force and all the stars of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Mod categories. Don't miss an elaborate, new pre-race show featuring pyrotechnics, music and elaborate driver introductions.
Nitro Alley
Nitro Alley is every fan's one-stop shop for all things entertainment. Grab the latest souvenirs, meander through dozens of interactive vendor displays or tour the sprawling, 27-acre pit area and get up close and personal with hundreds of high-powered race cars; it's the place to be and it's FREE with every NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals ticket.
Kings of the Mountain (Motor)
This weekend's NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals will introduce the Mountain Motor Pro Stock division to zMAX Dragway, as the stars of one of drag racing's most remarkable divisions prepares to tackle America's Home for Racing for the first time. These colossal beasts earned their names in the 1970s, thanks to their engines being "as tall as a mountain." Mountain Motor Pro Stock machines - making one of just four appearances at NHRA races this year - feature throwback hood scoops and wheel stands that go on for 100 feet.
Walk A Quarter-Mile In Their Shoes
Fans with a Sunday ticket will have a rare chance to join drivers and drag racing personalities for the Mello Yello Track Walk on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Just minutes before drivers take to the lanes for the opening round of eliminations, fans can walk the Bellagio of drag strip where four-wide history will be mad, then be front and center for opening ceremonies on the start line just before the first quad fire their engines for eliminations.
The Ultimate Race Day Upgrade
Get closer to the action with the Top Eliminator Club, the ultimate race day experience. The Top Eliminator Club includes access to an exclusive tower viewing area, daily meal service, driver appearances, free VIP parking, event gifts and more. Join fan Q&As and autograph sessions with drag racing superstars throughout the weekend.
Party in the Pavilion
Campers from across the country will converge on zMAX Dragway for the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, and they'll kick off the festivities with a rocking camper appreciation party on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Located in the pavilion just inside Gate 1, the camper party will feature music, giveaways, yard games, and driver appearances as well as a live broadcast of Performance Racing Network's Nitro Notes presented by WIX Filters.
Fueled by Fun Foods
With all there is to see and do throughout the weekend, fans are sure to work up an appetite, and zMAX Dragway has them covered with a bevy of unique and fun food options. Located just behind the John Force grandstands, new vendors like Wild Bill's Soda Shop and Chan's are sure to join favorites including Portable Provisions - with its new Double Dog Dare Ya hot dog. If pizza is more your speed, try Hungry Howie's, which will have three on-site locations throughout the weekend.
A Taste of NASCAR
It may be all about drag racing at zMAX Dragway, but at America's Home for Racing, visitors can also immerse themselves in all things NASCAR with a tour of the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. One- and two-hour options mean race fans can experience the famed speedway from pit road to Victory Lane, take laps on the high-banked corners or get a sneak peek of the Performance Racing Network studios. Tours are available daily on Friday and Saturday for as little as $12. Fans can book by calling 704-455-3223 or at the Tours Desk on the second floor of Smith Tower.
Gates for this weekend's NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals will open at 12 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 8:30 a.m. for Sunday eliminations.
