The biggest spectacle in drag racing and one of the most unique experiences in all of motorsports returns to the Bellagio of drag strips this weekend during the eighth annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.
The sixth of 24 events during the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and drivers alike, as a quartet of 10,000-horsepower, nitro-burning machines power down the dragstrip simultaneously for a thrill unlike anything in drag racing.
The sights and sounds of the weekend thrill ride give fans four times the fun and excitement as the best in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles will compete in the four-lane spectacle to hoist the coveted Wally trophies at zMAX Dragway. Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year's winners.
For the first time ever, the NHRA Pro Mods will join the fray, running four-wide in front of near sellout crowds with fans from all 50 states and 13 foreign countries on site to witness history in the making.
Last year, Force earned her second career Top Fuel win and first Four-Wide Nationals victory in a thrilling final round, edging past two-time defending world champion Antron Brown in a final foursome that also included Doug Kalitta and Clay Millican. Funny Car veteran Wilkerson won for the first time at zMAX Dragway, knocking off runner-up Cruz Pedregon and final round drivers Ron Capps and Matt Hagan.
Line's first Four-Wide Nationals victory came in the midst of a strong start to 2016 that concluded with eight wins, including a victory at the fall race at zMAX Dragway that annually kicks off the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, and his third world title. Hines is the defending event winner in Pro Stock Motorcycle. He beat teammate Eddie Krawiec, Chip Ellis and Matt Smith in the final foursome last year.
After Nitro qualifying on Friday, fans can watch the spectacular Muy Caliente Racing jet dragsters sponsored by Lucas Oil alongside Hanna Motorsports jet funny cars, and Douthit Motorsports Black Pearl Nostalgia Jet Funny Car as well. Jet cars are thrust-driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.
Along with the exciting on-track action, the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals will honor first responders with NHRA's "Salute to First Responders" celebration.
As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they're granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Fans will also want to visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, with the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday at 2 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday.
Tickets for children 13 and under are FREE with any paid adult ticket; to purchase general admission or reserved seats please visit www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com or call the ticket office at (800) 455-FANS (3267).
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