It’s been said that everything is bigger in Texas.
To confirm that notion, NHRA is serving up Texas Motorplex fans a double-portion of the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Texas race fans will get to enjoy a rare doubleheader of action as the stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series rumble into the Texas Motorplex, Sept. 18-21, for the continuation of eliminations from round one of the Countdown playoffs, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, and Countdown round two, the 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.
The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals was postponed due to weather last weekend in Charlotte, N.C. Elimination rounds for that event will be run simultaneously during AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying. Top Fuel and Funny Car have three rounds of Charlotte racing to complete while Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle need to complete all four rounds of the Carolina Nationals.
Charlotte eliminations for the continuation of Pro Stock’s first round and the first round of Pro Stock Motorcycle will begin on Friday during the day’s second qualifying session, scheduled for 5:15 p.m.
NHRA Carolina Nationals eliminations for all categories will finish on Saturday, as quarterfinal rounds for all categories will be held during the day’s first qualifying session (11:15 a.m.) and the semifinals will be run during the final qualifying session (2:15 p.m.). Those drivers who advance to the Charlotte final rounds will get an extra run on Saturday that is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals. It is the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the second of a stretch that includes four straight race weekends to kick off the NHRA playoffs.
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 enjoy some cherished face time 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.
The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, with sessions at 2:15 and 5:15 p.m. (also Charlotte eliminations). The final two qualifying sessions, which will both include Charlotte eliminations, will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The Charlotte final rounds will be held Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.
