NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Menards, a leading chain of home improvement centers, has signed an agreement to become the title rights sponsor of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event at Heartland Park Topeka.

The 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties will be held May 19-21, 2017. Heartland Park Topeka is the fastest track in the country and during the 2016 event Matt Hagan set the national speed record with a blistering pass of 335.57 mph.

Tickets for this exciting race action will go on sale today, Dec. 15, to the public and can be purchased by calling 800-884-6472 or at www.NHRA.com/tickets.   

“The Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties is always an event that features some of the fastest racing on the NHRA 24 race circuit in front of full grandstands,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. “We welcome the involvement of Menards and Minties Pet Treats and look forward to the partnership leading up to and during the race.”

The popular mid-west retailer has expanded its presence in the geographic area surrounding Heartland Park Topeka by recently opening four new stores in the Kansas City market.   More than 30 Menards stores are located within easy driving distance to the track from Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa.  Many of the stores in those states will be selling discount event tickets in advance of the May event.  Menards will also be offering promotional pricing on Minties Pet Treats leading up to the race.

“This announcement is the beginning of what we believe will be an outstanding relationship. Menards and Minties are synonymous with great customer service and products and we are proud to welcome them as partners with this event” said Heartland Park Topeka President Scott Gardner.   “Now, thanks to Menards and PetIQ, so many fans will be able to visit their stores and pick up Minties and get advance discount tickets all in one spot.”

PetIQ is a leading manufacturer of vet recommended pet health products, such as its Minties Dental Treats sold in all Menards stores. 

“Over the past several years we have continued to develop a great relationship with Menards through Forward Sports Marketing, and we are excited to increase our presence by participating in the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties,” said Adam Fellers, SVP at PetIQ. “Minties Dental Treats are affordable vet recommended dental treats for dogs, and we look forward to promoting them along with our other vet recommended pet parent solutions in Menards throughout the year.”

The Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the recently added NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Series. 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.

A family-owned company started in 1958, Menards currently operates 304 home improvement stores located throughout the Midwest.  Menards is known in the home improvement industry as the low price leader, and offers a complete selection of high-quality, name brand merchandise, tools for any job and state-of-the-art computers to help guests design their special projects.  Menards carries the materials and supplies for all home improvement projects.   Menards also carries name brand appliances, pet products, lawn and garden supplies and even a line of convenience groceries as a one-stop shopping experience.