The 31st annual NHRA Keystone Nationals will be a key race for drivers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series as they have only four races left to stake their claim for the world championship, Oct. 1-4 at Maple Grove Raceway.
The lucrative event, which is the third of six playoff races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, will feature drivers trying to continue their momentum from the opening two races of the Countdown, the NHRA Carolina Nationals and the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.
This year’s edition of the famed event will feature intense side-by-side racing as drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle compete for their share of the $1.2 million purse and the vital Mello Yello Series points. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Matt Hagan (Funny Car); Rodger Brogdon (Pro Stock); and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised on ESPN2.
The Countdown to the Championship has provided numerous highlights since its debut in 2007 and has created increase excitement for fans and media as championships are decided during the final events of the season. With the third race of the Countdown taking place at one of the fastest facilities on the circuit, plenty of drama is promised when the 10,000-horsepower nitro machines thrill the standing room only crowd by blasting off to 330 mph runs with the crisp fall weather of Pennsylvania in the equation.
Drivers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Series also will race hard in their quest to become winners of the thrilling event during the weekend.
As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
