BRISTOL DRAGWAY’S 2008 SCHEDULE FEATURES SEVERAL NEW EVENTS

With the addition of a number of thrilling new events and the return of many popular favorites, Bristol Dragway’s action-packed schedule will keep the strip rocking in 2008 from March through September.

Bristol Dragway’s signature event, the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q, brings the cars and stars of NHRA to town May 16-18 for one of the most anticipated races of the season.  Those in attendance will be treated to high-speed action in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock, as well as many exhibition and Sportsman classes.  Among the drivers fans can expect to see are five-time and defending Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, defending event champion Brandon Bernstein, and Funny Car star and 2007 Rookie-of-the-Year, Ashley Force. 

The Bristol Dragway Street Fights series returns for its eighth year and will feature 23 events.  The Street Fights schedule changes slightly with eight races slated for Saturdays, and the remaining events running on Thursday evenings.  Street Fights raises the curtain on the 2008 Bristol Dragway calendar with the season opener on Saturday, March 22.  The final Street Fights will take place Saturday, September 11.  During the warmer months, special summer hours at the Saturday events will give drivers the chance to race longer into the evening. 

Bristol Dragway’s 2008 schedule features many special events that will cater to every car fan no matter their manufacturer of choice.  Those looking for a Ford fix will look forward to attending the 17th Annual O’Reilly Thunder Valley Fun Ford Weekend Nationals held August 1-3.  The Ninth Annual Mopar Thunder will make the Valley rumble September 19-21.  Super Chevy Show officials will stick with a fall date after a successful 2007 September event as the 28th Annual O’Reilly Super Chevy Show roars into town September 26-28 to close out the 2008 season.

A number of new events planned for 2008 are sure to thrill.  The 10.5” Outlaws make their first appearance April 4-6.  Outlaws race with a heads-up format, and use 10.5” drag tires making for a wild ride down the strip.  All things Volkswagen will occupy the Valley when the inaugural event highlighting the nameplate takes place April 12-13.  Volkswagens of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome to compete on the drag strip or in the car show.  On April 26, Bristol Dragway becomes home of the ultimate high-school rivalry, the Inaugural High School Nationals.  High-school students will represent their schools as they race for bragging rights and scholarships.  To participate, students must be 16-19 years old and have a valid driver’s license.  Monsters invade Bristol Dragway on June 14 when high flyin,’ car-crushin’ monster trucks take center stage. 

Junior Dragsters will rule Bristol for an entire week when two big events heat up the track.  The Seventh Annual Mike Bos Chassis Craft Jr. Dragster Nationals kicks things off with action July 5-6.  Beginning on Monday, July 7, Bristol Dragway will be the home of the Fifth Annual NHRA O’Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals.  The race, which concludes on Saturday, July 12, attracts more than 700 racers, ages 8-17, from all states east of the Mississippi River.  Four other events are planned for Jr. Dragsters on April 13, April 20, April 27 and May 4.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Night of Fire, which makes its return in 2008.  Fans will see everything from jet cars and monster trucks to Nitro cars and a wheel stander.  Throw in a robotic dinosaur that likes to munch on vehicles and a spectacular fireworks show, and Night of Fire becomes an instant must-see event.

In 2008, Bristol Dragway hosts two events that will appeal to drag racing fans of the two-wheel variety.  The inaugural American Motorcycle Association Dragbike event takes place June 20-22 and features 11 classes of racing, including Top Fuel and Funnybike.  A motorcycle-themed Street Fights, scheduled for Thursday, June 19, coincides with the AMA event.  The rumble of Harleys will fill the air when the All Harley Drag Racing Association returns for the always-popular S & S Cycle Thunder in the Valley Nationals presented by Smith Brothers’ Harley-Davidson, August 8-10. 

Footbrakers from across the country will come to Thunder Valley May 23-25 with one thing on their mind…winning.  The World Foot Brake Challenge returns for its second season and offers bracket racers the chance to bank part of an incredible purse.  The 1/8-mile event will see one lucky driver take home an amazing $50,000 top prize.  Winners on Friday and Sunday will pocket $10,000 each.  In footbrake competition, drivers are not allowed to use electronic equipment to help them achieve a perfect start.

Bristol Dragway officials continue to work on additional exciting events that will be announced when details become available.  With such a wide variety of events, there is something for everyone in Thunder Valley during the 2008 season.  For more information about any of Bristol Dragway’s events, please visit www.bristoldragway.com or call (423) 989-6900.

2008 Bristol Dragway Schedule

Street Fights Opener                                                    March 22
Street Fights                                                           March 27
Street Fights                                                           March 29

10.5” Outlaws                                                           April 4-6
Street Fights                                                           April 10
Volkswagen Event                                                        April 12-13
Junior Dragster Event                                                   April 13
Street Fights                                                           April 17
Street Fights                                                           April 19
Junior Dragster Event                                                   April 20
Street Fights                                                           April 24
High School Nationals                                                   April 26
Junior Dragster Event                                                   April 27

Street Fights                                                           May 1
Junior Dragster Event                                                   May 4
Street Fights                                                           May 8
Eighth Annual O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals            May 16-18
presented by Q
World Footbrake Challenge                                               May 23-25
Street Fights                                                           May 29
Night of Fire                                                           May 30

Street Fights                                                           June 5
Street Fights                                                           June 12
Monster Truck Show                                                      June 14
Street Fights (Bike Night)                                              June 19
AMA Dragbike                                                            June 20-22
Street Fights                                                           June 26
Street Fights                                                           June 28

Street Fights                                                           July 3
Mike Bos Chassis Craft Jr. Dragster Nationals                   July 5-6
O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League                 July 7-12
Eastern Conference Finals
Street Fights                                                           July 17
Street Fights                                                           July 24

O’Reilly Thunder Valley Fun Ford Weekend Nationals              August 1-3
S & S Cycle Thunder in the Valley Nationals                             August 8-10
presented by Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson
Street Fights                                                           August 30

Street Fights                                                           September 11
Mopar Thunder                                                   September 19-21
Super Chevy Show                                                        September 26-28