The East Coast’s most prominent bracket racers convene on May 25 through May 28 at Rockingham Dragway to race not only for a cash purse but also for IHRA Ironman trophies in the annual Memorial Weekend Bracket Nationals and North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame Race.

 The Ironman trophies awarded during the weekend are identical to those presented at events in the IHRA’s Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Series.  One Ironman will be awarded to the winner of a special daily runoff between the Footbrake and Top Eliminator champions and one will be awarded in Jr. Dragster following a special Monday runoff involving all weekend winners and runners-up.

 As an added incentive, a special North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame trophy will be presented to the Top Eliminator or Footbrake driver who earns the most accumulative points over the course of the Memorial weekend, part of a year-long celebration of the sport’s rich drag racing heritage.

 The 2007 Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held this fall during the annual Drag Expo in Greensboro.  Last year’s inaugural inductees were the late Don Carlton, bike racer Danny Johnson, Alan Starr and the late Ronnie Sox and his long-time partner, Buddy Martin.

 “For a lot of these racers, this may be their only chance to win an Ironman,” said track owner Steve Earwood, “and the Hall of Fame trophy is just icing on the cake.  I think it’s a great thing that the IHRA would lend its prestige – and its signature trophy – to such an event.  We feel very fortunate.”

 Last year’s Ironman winners were Top Eliminator veteran Chuck Martin of Connelly Springs and Footbrakers Michael Beard of Seagrove and Steve Alford of Angier.  All three will be back this week along with Danny Waters Sr. of LaGrange, who earned last year’s biggest prize– $10,000. 

 Top Eliminator racers will compete for a $5,000 top prize on Saturday and Monday and for a $10,000 winner’s share on Sunday.  Footbrakers will race for $1,000 daily and Jr. Dragster drivers for a $200 daily winners’ share.

 Although racing doesn’t begin until Saturday, the track will be open Friday for testing from 3-10 p.m.  Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. with time trials at 9 and eliminations following the Run for the Money time trial at 12 noon.  On Monday, gates open at 8 a.m. with eliminations immediately following a special time trial for new entries only at 9 a.m.

 Weekend entry for Top Eliminator cars is $300.  Otherwise, daily entry is $100 Saturday or Monday; $200 on Sunday.  Entry is free in the Footbrake and Jr. Dragster classes.