LAS VEGAS – Not one, but two free NHRA driver autograph sessions will take place in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 27 to kick off the Oct. 27-30 NHRA Big O Tires Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series national event is the next-to-last on the 2011 schedule and the Las Vegas meet is crucial for all championship contenders.
The Fremont Street Experience’s Third Street Stage will host the first session, from 5-7 p.m. More than 30 drivers and riders are scheduled to participate, including: Larry Dixon, T.J. Zizzo, Terry McMillen, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon, Del Worsham, David Grubnic, Dominick Lagana, Brandon Bernstein, Tim Wilkerson, Steve Torrence, Jack Beckman, Bob Tasca III, Bob Bode, Melanie Troxel, Jeff Arend, Terry Haddock, Johnny Gray, Allen Johnson, Erica Enders, Larry Morgan, Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Shane Gray, L.E. Tonglet, Hector Arana, Hector Arana Jr., Karen Stoffer, Katie Sullivan, Grace Howell, Jerry Savoie, Eddie Krawiec, Andrew Hines and Leah Pruitt
NHRA chief announcer Bob Frey will interview the drivers during the session and fans will have the opportunity to win free race tickets. Johnny Gray’s Funny Car will be on display.
The day’s second session will take place at the New York New York Hotel & Casino from 7-9 p.m. All Don Schumacher Racing drivers will participate, including Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Johnny Gray, Matt Hagan and Spencer Massey.
Tickets for the NHRA Nevada Nationals may be purchased at the LVMS Ticket Office, by calling (702) 644-4444 or online at www.LVMS.com. Follow LVMS on Facebook and Twitter.
NHRA Big O Tires Nationals Oct. 27-30 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
Wednesday, Oct. 26
8 a.m.-6 p.m. – Competitor parking, registration, tech inspection (all categories).
9 a.m.-6 p.m. – Sponsor midway parking.
Thursday, Oct. 27
7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open.
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – Registration, tech inspection (all categories).
8 a.m. – Sportsman qualifying.
5:30 p.m. – Track closed.
5-7 p.m. – Free NHRA driver autograph session at the Fremont Street Experience.
6-10 p.m. – Speedway Children’s Charities annual Cards for Kids Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower.
7-9 p.m. – Free Don Schumacher Racing driver autograph session at the New York New York Hotel & Casino.
Friday, Oct. 28 – Nevada Day (Kids 12 and under free – must be accompanied by an adult)
7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open; registration, tech inspection (pro and Top Alcohol teams only).
8 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations.
10:30 a.m. – Top Alcohol qualifying (Funny Car and Dragster).
11:45 a.m. – Pro Mod qualifying.
12:15 p.m. – Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
1 p.m. – Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster qualifying.
2 p.m. – Top Alcohol qualifying (Funny Car and Dragster).
3:15 p.m. – Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
4 p.m. – Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster qualifying.
5 p.m. – Pro Mod qualifying.
5:30 p.m. – Track closed.
Saturday, Oct. 29
7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open.
8 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations.
10:30 a.m. – Pro Mod qualifying.
11 a.m. – Pro Stock and pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
11:45 a.m. – Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying.
12:45 p.m. – Top Alcohol qualifying (Dragster and Funny Car).
1:45 p.m. – Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying.
2:30 p.m. – Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying.
3:30 p.m. – First round of Pro Mod eliminations.
4 p.m. – First round of Top Alcohol (Dragster and Funny Car) eliminations.
5:30 p.m. – Track closed.
Sunday, Oct. 30
7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open.
9 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations.
10 a.m. – Pre-race ceremonies.
11 a.m. – Final eliminations begin.
4:30 p.m. – Track closed.
Schedule subject to change
