NHRA FanFest returns to Auburn, Wash., on Thursday, July 17, featuring an all-star lineup of drivers ahead of the 36th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways. The event, presented by Explore Auburn, runs from 5-7 p.m. PT at The Outlet Collection in front of Dave & Buster’s.
Autographs and meet-and-greet opportunities with NHRA standouts are scheduled from 6-7 p.m. PT. Fans can find the venue at 1101 Outlet Collection Drive SW in Auburn.
The lineup of drivers includes Top Fuel’s Ida Zetterstrom and Jasmine Salinas, along with Funny Car’s Chad Green, Hunter Green, Alexis DeJoria, Buddy Hull, and rookie Dylan Winefsky. Pro Stock competitors Cory Reed, Mason McGaha and Chris McGaha will also appear, joined by Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader Gaige Herrera, Richard Gadson, defending event winner Chase Van Sant and Chris Bostick.
FanFest will also feature a Drag & Drive Hot Rod Show, car displays, live music and door prizes. The event serves as the official kickoff to the Northwest Nationals, which begins Friday at Pacific Raceways.
The race weekend opens with nitro under the lights Friday and continues Saturday with three qualifying sessions and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Eliminations are set for Sunday, with television coverage on FOX beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.
On Thursday before FanFest, the weekend opens with the $15,000 Mission Foods Machine Tournament at 1 p.m. at Muckleshoot Casino Resort. Fans can register for free to participate in the tournament.
The Muckleshoot Casino Resort will also host the official NHRA after-party Saturday night following qualifying, featuring live music from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. PT.
Last year’s Northwest Nationals saw Steve Torrence win Top Fuel, Austin Prock take Funny Car, Jeg Coughlin Jr. claim Pro Stock and Chase Van Sant secure Pro Stock Motorcycle. Justin Ashley, Prock, Aaron Stanfield and Herrera also captured wins in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus rounds.
The Northwest Nationals marks the latest stop in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, continuing its summer schedule at Pacific Raceways. Fans are encouraged to attend FanFest to meet the drivers and experience the cars up close before racing begins.
