The first-quarter segment of the NHRA Fantasy Drag Racing game presented by Checker Schuck's Kragen ends after this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, and almost 500 players are within 200 points of the leaders. Because a player's team of eight starting racers can theoretically earn more than 800 points this weekend, the first-quarter championship – including the official NHRA merchandise and CSK gift cards that go to the top three players --  is still wide open.

“When the Atlanta results are final we will reward and recognize our NHRA fantasy game champions,” said Jim Schoenberger, vice president of marketing for CSK Auto, Inc. “But then it's on to Madison for the O'Reilly Midwest Nationals, and the beginning of our second quarter game.  NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series fans who didn't register before now have three more quarterly games to win some pretty great championship prizes, and 12 more races to qualify for the big Chase for the Countdown game.”

The free game at www.nhrafantasygame.com follows the results of every Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle race at all 24 national events. Players select eight racers before each event to earn points toward weekly and championship prizes. Players who score in the top 10 in points for any national event through the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O'Reilly Raceway Park in September qualify for the Chase for the Countdown game, which runs concurrently with the fourth-quarter game.

“The grand prize for the Chase for the Countdown winner is four tickets to the NHRA POWERade event of their choice,” added Schoenberger. “That's a great reward for being better at picking the top drag racers than anyone else in the game.  And to qualify, you just have to score in the Top 10 for any national before the new NHRA Carolinas Nationals.”

CSK's game also allows players to form private leagues with family members, co-workers or friends to track each other's scores while still competing for the CSK –provided weekly and championship prizes.  Players only need a valid, unblocked e-mail address and a passion for showing off their knowledge and loyalty for NHRA drag racers. 

The deadline to select starters for the 2^nd quarter game is 9:00 AM Arizona on Friday, May 2. To register, log on to www.nhrafantasygame.com.