With several racing classes making their debut in Thunder Valley, the April 4-6 Southern Outlaw Tour ’08 will provide a lot of thrills, and possibly spills, while at Bristol Dragway.

The 10.5 Outlaws possess enormous horsepower, but because of the narrow 10.5” drag tires on which they compete, drivers must use all of their skill to guide the cars down the strip.

Classes scheduled to compete include Outlaw Pro Modified and Nitrous Pro Modified, Outlaw 10.5, Big Dog, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, Limited Street, Modified Street and EZ Street.

In addition, Pro and Footbrake bracket classes will give several local drivers an opportunity to race for the first time during the 2008 Bristol Dragway season.

Kingsport’s Van Greer, a highly-accomplished competitor, says everyone, from the drag racing novice to the seasoned veteran, will enjoy the show the racers will put on during the event.

“There will be something for everyone,” said Greer.  “There is bracket racing for all the locals, and some of the best heads-up racing anyone has ever seen.  They are bringing Outlaw Pro Mods that have no rules other than safety requirements, and the 10.5 Outlaws have never been here and they put on a great race.”

“I’ve been waiting for a long time to race in the bracket part of this event,” he continued.  “If fans come out, they’ll really enjoy it.  George [Howard, event promoter] puts on a really good event.”

Bill McClain and his son Glen compete at Bristol regularly and expect this event to be one-of-a-kind.

“We’re excited,” McClain said.  “I think it will be a record crowd, and there will be more bracket cars with this event.  I think they’ll do it again because it will be so good.  It was a smart move to bring it in.”

A low entry fee and a large purse, two of the requirements for a big race field, will help attract a large number of competitors from across the country.

“I hope I do well, but there will be a lot of cars here,” says Greer.  “With a cheap entry for big money, the competition will be bigger than ever.  I’ll do what I always do and try and win a few races.”

Gates open at 8 a.m. each morning.  Pro qualifying takes place Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.  First round of pro eliminations takes place at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for Friday’s action are $20.  Saturday and Sunday tickets cost $25, and a weekend pass is available for $55.  Children 12 and under are free. 

For more information on the Southern Outlaw Tour '08, please call George Howard at (205) 251-7311 or visit www.georgehowardracing.com.