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.
All 23 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Paul Page and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. Sundays kick off with NHRA Race Day presented by Lucas Oil, a half-hour pre-race show that gets you up to speed for the day's activities. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
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 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the popular Auto Imagery Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
8018 Boydton Plank Road Petersburg, VA 23803 www.virginiamotorsports.com Elevation: 186 feet Tickets: 804-862-3174 Radio Frequency: 90.1 FM
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing returned to Virginia in 2006 with a race that shattered Professional performance barriers, and the two races held there since also produced eye-popping performances. The track’s reputation for being able to handle all that the teams can dish out makes it a perfect venue for the Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock teams to begin their crucial three-race run to the world titles.
How to Get There: From Interstate 85 southbound, use Exit 63-A and travel five miles; the track is on the right. From I-85 northbound, use Exit 53 and travel west to Route 1 north. Go seven miles, and the track is on the left.
Visitor Information: Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, 804-733-8131; Petersburg Visitor Center, 804-733-2400; Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce, 804-526-5872; Hopewell Visitor Center, 804-541-2461
“You’re absolutely blown away by the facility, just the size of the place is awe-inspiring and the quality is over the top. '' Tommy Johnson Jr., ion the Yas Marina facility
“Years ago when I first started out, I wanted to win here. To finally get a win here, I can’t be any more excited." -- Gainesville Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Eddie Krawiec
“We’ve had a lot of luck against John Force, and I don’t care what you say, that guy is still the man in nitro Funny Car.” -- Phoenix Funny Car winner Jack Beckman.
"Other than being a little sore, I’m OK. I just hate that we crashed a brand-new race car." -- Pro Stock racer Vinnie Deceglie, who crashed in qualifying in Phoenix
“I have to make something positive happen for this Summit Racing team." -- Greg Anderson
"Right now, I'm the last guy standing tonight and the happiest guy right now." -- Pro Stock winner Greg Anderson
"This is fun. If you’re not having fun now, you’re never going to have fun." -- Top Fuel leader Larry Dixon, on his tight points battle with Tony Schumacher
“To have a 105-point lead going into Pomona, it gives you a lot of confidence, but it’s still not over.” -- Las Vegas Funny Car winner and points leader Robert Hight
"All I need to do is stay consistent on my lights, and I should prevail.” -- Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Hector Arana
“Our lead isn’t very big — this is Pro Stock, and there’s no quit in these guys out here." -- Pro Stock front-runner Mike Edwards, who's on the verge of clinching his first Pro championship
