NHRA Story » ESPN2's Denver coverage kicks off Western Swing

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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ESPN2's Denver coverage kicks off Western Swing

Friday, July 20, 2012

Teams will experience multiple challenges in the next three weeks, traveling thousands of miles, beginning in Denver at Bandimere Speedway for the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. The track, on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, sits more than 5,800 feet above sea level and challenges even the best crew chiefs to deliver a winning combination.

You can catch all the action beginning with qualifying on ESPN2/ESPN2HD on Saturday, July 21, at 5 p.m. ET; the final round of qualifying is anticipated to be live from the track. The weekend concludes with Sunday’s two-hour broadcast in prime time on ESPN2/ESPN2HD starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Here’s what viewers can expect when they tune in this weekend:

Youth is being served in Pro Stock. The most recent winners, Erica Enders and Vincent Nobile, are in their 20s, and Nobile comes off a double-up in Norwalk, where he won the event and the K&N Horsepower Challenge. In all, Nobile and his team took home more than $100,000. Will Enders and/or Nobile make a serious run for a sweep of the Western Swing?

Spencer Massey is not only considered the best driver in Top Fuel, but he’s also the NHRA Full Throttle points leader. With his win in Norwalk, Massey passed teammate Tony Schumacher for the lead, continuing the dominance of Don Schumacher Racing in the class. Massey’s win came at the expense of Steve Torrence, who also is making an impact on the points race, and proved the importance of a good reaction time. How important is reaction time to winning in today’s NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series?

This week’s Prestone Ask the Expert question is for Allen Johnson, driver of the Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Avenger Pro Stocker. Johnson has been on the top of his game the last several races and has enjoyed tremendous success on Thunder Mountain for his sponsor’s race. He has won three of the past five titles at Denver’s mile-high dragstrip, and he will answer a fan's question on ESPN2’s telecast. Email your question to NHRA’s Facebook page, and it may be answered during Sunday’s telecast on ESPN2.

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