NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

More than $80,000 worth of door prizes and giveaways will be up for grabs during the second annual NHRA Sportsman Appreciation Dinner held on Tuesday, Aug. 27, ahead of the opening day of the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

The Sportsman Appreciation Dinner, which received an amazing reception during its 2023 debut, will recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the more than 800 Sportsman racers, crews, and guests who will be competing at the sport’s biggest and most prestigious event.

The dinner will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Top Eliminator Club building at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and will also be attended by NHRA staff and a host of sponsors. NHRA on FOX television commentator and announcer Brian Lohnes will once again be the emcee for the event.

Laris Motorsports Insurance will supply a drink voucher for the dinner. Competitors who are entered for the event can stop by the Laris Motorsports Insurance table to pick up the voucher for a beverage on the house.

Hoosier Tire is also treating all Toyota U.S. Nationals participants to a sweet frozen treat. Racers can stop by the Hoosier table for a coupon for a free Kona Ice or soft serve ice cream.

Some of the other companies that have thrown their generous support behind the event include Ai Power, AutoRod Corporation, Cordova Coolers, CP Carillo, Edelbrock, Fire Dept. Coffee, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, FTI Performance, H Sportgear, HANS, Harland Sharp, Holland Bar Stool Corp., Hoosier Tire, JW Performance, Jesel, Johnny Rockstar Clothing, Lucas Oil Products, Mark Williams, Moser, MSD, Ohio Crankshaft, Old World Industries, Port-A-Tree, Racequip, Racing Electronics, Simpson, T and D Machine Products, The Aeromotive Group, Legends NitroMall, Percision Shaft Technologies, Cornwell Tools, RaceQuip, Right Trailers, The Aeromotive Group, Speedmaster, and Summit Racing Equipment.

Last year’s inaugural Sportsman Appreciation Dinner was a huge hit, and more of the same is expected this year, but on an even grander scale. Attendees can also expect a few surprises, including a special presentation.

“It’s no secret to anyone who has been around NHRA Drag Racing that the strength of our sport lies in the dedication and commitment of our Sportsman racing community,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “The passion for their craft and their pursuit of excellence is evident every weekend from coast to coast, where thousands of these innovative and hard-working teams battle from the divisional level to the grand stage of our national events. I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and the chance to share a meal and good company with these talented members of our sport.”