NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Following the announcement of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ return to Virginia, June 8-10 for the NHRA Virgiia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, a number of drivers shared their thoughts about NHRA’s return to the Richmond area.

“I’m very excited to go back to Virginia because after all, I’m a lover not a fighter; and Virginia is for lovers. It’s one of the racetracks I love going to, especially with the scenery like when you go to the top end and you’re right by all of the trees. And the fan appeal always made it a special place to go, so to be going back, it feels like we’ve got part of our NHRA Mello Yello drag racing history back. I’m really excited to go back, for sure.” -- Antron Brown
 
"We always enjoyed racing there before, and it has been a good track for our team. I think it's a real neat deal to be able to go back to the area, especially for the fans. It's great that the people at Virginia Motorsports Park have taken us on at the last minute, and hopefully it ends up being really good for them. I know we're excited." –- Tim Wilkerson

"It was a pleasant surprise to learn that we would be racing at Virginia Motorsports Park this year. I have some good memories there for sure, including the first time I was able to set the national records [2006] and then again in 2009 when Greg set the record there. Nothing will ever replace Englishtown, but this is a great addition to the schedule." –- Jason Line

"I've been to a lot of racetracks in my life but I've never been to Virginia Motorsports Park. I'm really excited to have some new scenery on the NHRA circuit!"
-- Chris McGaha 

"I was in the final round the last year they raced in Richmond in 1998 and that is one of the tracks I have yet to win at so now that I get a chance to change that stat, I'm really excited to get back to Virginia Motorsports Park! " -- Angelle Sampey

“I’m really looking forward to racing at VMP. Dave (Connolly) and his guys back in the day raced there and never lost. Dave has quite a bit of experience with that place and has had some pretty good luck, so hopefully I can continue on with that and make something happen. It would be really cool to win the first time back. I’m really thankful that Tom Franklin and his family stepped in to host the event. I’m looking forward to it.” –- Tanner Gray

“Losing Englishtown was not the way we wanted to gain a new event but I think Richmond is a great choice. The track has been known to be fast and both Pro Stock cars and Pro Stock Motorcycles love tracks like that. We are all about setting records and I believe the improvements the Franklin family is making to VMP will only help our chances. Any time we can hit a new market or return to an old I believe the fans are excited to have us.” –- Eddie Krawiec

 “First thing I think of about VMP is the great southern hospitality and friendliness of the fans. It’s awesome to be going back. We haven’t won there before so we have a goal already!” –- Erica Enders

“As one door closes another opens. Returning to VMP is very exciting. We always had great E.T.s, fans and times there. It may be a little different with a summer visit this time around, but we are looking forward to it.” –- Jeg Coughlin Jr.

“I’m ecstatic to be returning to VMP for the NHRA Virginia Nationals. We have tested up there many times and have a lot of good data for that track, which should really help. The facility and track surface are top of the line and I think the racers are going to put on a heck of a show for the fans out there!” –- Angie Smith