The heart-pounding excitement that only the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series can deliver returns to New England Dragway in Epping, just north of the Boston metro area, for the 2nd annual Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals, June 19-22.
The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals, the 11th event of the 24-race NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, exceeded all expectations during its inaugural event in 2013 with tremendous spectator attendance and support from the region. In 2014, the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals is anticipating a huge welcome back from the motorsports-crazy fans in the Northeast.
Once again this season, the top four categories in the NHRA Mello Yello Series will be headlining the competition: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock), and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were the inaugural winners of the event that will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Last season in Top Fuel, Massey earned his second Wally of the 2013 season. Now in 2014, the driver of the Battery Extender by Schumacher Electric dragster is picking up steam with his recent victories in Topeka and Atlanta. When the Mello Yello Series arrives in New Hampshire, Massey will try to defend his crown and celebrate in New England Dragway’s winner’s circle.
Antron Brown’s 2014 season bears a strong resemblance to his 2012 world championship glory. Brown has so far won three races and is second in the points standings. The Chesterfield, N.J., native hopes to continue his hot streak by gaining his first Epping win. Others to watch in Top Fuel include points leader Doug Kalitta, seven-time world champ Tony Schumacher, Steve Torrence, and 2013 Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award winner Brittany Force.
No Funny Car driver is more eager to get back to winning ways in Epping than Courtney Force. After a dramatic loss to her teammate Robert Hight in Atlanta and a huge victory in Topeka, the Traxxas Ford Mustang driver is ready to add another trophy to her collection.
Points leader Hight has four wins and has appeared in six finals in 10 races this season. The 2009 Funny Car world champion is looking to regain his winning streak and early-season momentum and earn his first Epping victory at the controls of his Auto Club Ford Mustang.
Standing ready to rain on Hight’s parade is Patrón XO Café Toyota Camry driver Alexis DeJoria, who opened 2014 in strong fashion by earning her first two victories, in Phoenix and Las Vegas. Sixteen-time world champion John Force, Jack Beckman, Ron Capps, and local favorite and Rhode Island native Bob Tasca III are a few of the other Funny Car competitors who are expected to challenge for the victory.
Johnson, the 2012 Pro Stock world champion, is third in the points standings with two event wins in 2014 and hopes to earn his second win of the season at the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals. But his title will be tough to defend with the likes of Enders-Stevens, who this season became the first female points leader in NHRA Pro Stock history. The Elite Motorsports Chevy Camaro driver has earned three wins this year. Other factory hot rod class hopefuls seeking a first win in Epping are New York native Vincent Nobile, the Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro duo of Greg Anderson and Jason Line, 2013 Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., V. Gaines, and Chris McGaha.
In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hall claimed his first win on his Buell last season at the inaugural event. This season, the Hamden, Conn., native is third in the points standings and would love to add another hometown win to his résumé. Another Northeastern fan favorite seeking a first Epping victory is the Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team of Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec, who sit first and second, respectively, in the points standings.
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 cherished face time with and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Families who are planning to attend the event will want to take advantage of the free tickets for kids ages 12 and younger. In addition to watching exciting racing on the track, spectators will want to experience 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.
Fans can take a walk on the actual racetrack when they participate in the popular SealMaster NHRA Track Walk, held in the morning hours prior to eliminations Sunday. The event is open to all Sunday ticket holders. During the SealMaster NHRA Track Walk, an NHRA driver or legend of the sport will lead spectators in a round-trip walk of the dragstrip, from the starting line to the finish line and back to the starting line – a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, June 20, with sessions at 4:15 and 6:45 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, June 21, at 12:15 and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, June 22.
