A gas shortage is playing havoc in the southeastern part of the United States, especially in the areas surrounding zMAX Dragway, the site of stop No. 4 on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule.

According to NHRA VP of Communications Jeffrey Young, this weekend's NGK NTK Four-Wide Nationals will not be affected.

"The event will go on as planned," Young told CompetitionPlus.com.

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries not only gasoline but also diesel and jet fuel from Texas into New York, was hit by a cyberware attack. It is estimated that 45 percent of all fuel consumed on the East Coast travels through that pipeline.

According to the Charlotte Observer, 71% of gas stations around the city were reportedly out of fuel Wednesday morning.

Here is a tracking page for gasoline availability near zMAX Dragway. - GAS BUDDY

Officials have said the pipeline should resume function by the end of the week -- just in time for the beginning of competition Friday. Qualifying continues Saturday, with Sunday's pro eliminations set to kick off at noon.

UPDATE - Officials from Colonial have now said the pipeline is back open. 

The current fuel shortage is not the first time an energy crisis has affected drag racing. In 1974, many drag racers were affected when fuel shortages led to fuel purchase mandates.

RELATED STORY - THE ENERGY CRISIS OF THE MID-70S FORCED NHRA INTO ACTION

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