One of the most spectacular weekly drag racing showcases in the Southeast returns to zMAX Dragway on Friday, June 14, to kick off the third season of Outlaw Drag Wars and get fans revved up at the Bellagio of drag strips.
But this year, there's more than just bragging rights on the line as racers will compete in the first-ever Outlaw Drag Wars Wally Race for the chance to earn a spot on the card when the NHRA Carolina Nationals return Oct. 11-13.
Named for NHRA founder Wally Parks, the Wally trophy is the most coveted in drag racing, and something professional drag racers dedicate their careers to earning. Outlaw Drag War racers will have the opportunity to take home the first of two Wallys during opening night festivities on June 14. The second will be awarded on Friday, Aug. 9. The two drivers who best the field in each of those contests will then face off on Saturday, Oct. 12, in front of a packed house at zMAX Dragway during the NHRA Carolina Nationals.
"Charlotte Motor Speedway is known as America's Home for Racing because of the wide variety of race events that we host year round," said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "With the introduction of Wally Races at this summer's Outlaw Drag Wars, we will once again shine the spotlight on up-and-coming racers and give them a chance to race head-to-head on drag racing's grandest stage."
The Wally Race is open to any four-wheeled vehicle that can pass NHRA technical inspection (no quads). The bracket race will be run on the eighth-mile with a 0.500-second sportsman tree. The maximum dial-in allowed is 8.35 seconds to the eighth-mile or 13 seconds to the quarter-mile. When the field is narrowed to the final eight drivers, the final elimination ladder will be created.
ABOUT OUTLAW DRAG WARS:
Hot rods, street rods and junior dragsters will take to zMAX Dragway's quarter-mile each Friday through Aug. 23 (excluding July 5) in an all-out battle for Bellagio supremacy. As an ode to the "run what you brung" philosophy of drag racing, fans can enter their personal cars - dubbed "grocery getters" - or motorcycles in competition.
Gates open nightly at 6:00 p.m. On-track action begins at 7:00 p.m.
Please note that all drivers must wear an SFI-approved helmet and vehicles must pass NHRA technical inspection.
