Dragway News

Bristol Dragway officials today announced the 2012 Thunder Valley season schedule, a stellar line-up that includes the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals and the debut of the American Drag Racing League.

Exciting new events, the return of many fan-favorites and the thrilling action of the NHRA highlight what may be considered as one of the most wide-ranging dragway schedules in the country.

Tickets now are on sale for one of the NHRA's crown jewel events, the June 15-17 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. The event, which once again returns to the popular Father’s Day weekend slot, has become one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar for both drivers and fans.

Race fans interested in seeing all the ground-pounding excitement of the NHRA should call the Bristol Dragway ticket office at (423) 989-6900 immediately to lock in the seats of their choice.

The 2012 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers once again return to the popular Father’s Day weekend slot on the schedule. Thunder Valley will welcome the stars of the NHRA June 15-17, 2012 in what has become one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar for both drivers and fans.

While it may have looked like a Ford ending the day in the Super Chevy Show Winner's Circle during Sunday’s Bracket I competition at Bristol Dragway, a Chevy engine sat under the hood of Van Greer’s Ford Escort.

That engine, which powered the blue Ford to the win, was all that was needed to make the car eligible for competition last weekend.

For the greatest thrill show around, head to Bristol Dragway Sept. 24 for Fas Mart Thunder Valley Mayhem presented by Beef O’ Brady’s Family Sports Restaurant. With flames, destruction and extreme speed, no other event in the region comes close to matching Thunder Valley Mayhem.  

Thunder Valley Mayhem, known for its thrill-a-minute action, will include some of racing’s craziest machines and outrageous personalities in an evening of edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Last season, Thunder Valley hosted one of the most successful and well-attended Super Chevy Shows of the year. In 2011, Bristol Dragway officials look to make the event even bigger.

To help streamline the registration process, Dragway and Super Chevy officials ask that all Keisler Engineering car show and Thompson metal swap meet and car corral participants use the South Entrance of Bristol Motor Speedway when arriving for the Super Chevy Show presented by GM Performance Division. The South Entrance is located on Highway 11E/Volunteer Parkway.

Ford power will be on display at the Fas Mart Street Fights Series Thursday, Sept. 15 as the company once again joins the popular street-legal drag racing series as sponsor of Ford Night. 

Street Fights is the perfect opportunity for everyone to put their vehicle to the test. From station wagons and mini-vans to high-power American muscle and import tuners, there is something for everyone. 

Sunday turned out to be a great day for anyone named Allen who also happened to be behind the wheel of a Mopar-powered machine during last weekend’s Mopar Thunder at Bristol Dragway.

Allen Walker of Reidsville, N.C. drove his 1965 Plymouth Satellite to the win in Super Pro action, defeating C.G. Buchanan of Marietta, S.C. in the process.

The 12th Annual Mopar Thunder takes place September 2-4 in Thunder Valley and will be the ultimate showcase for Mopar muscle.   

Everything kicks off on Friday evening with the always-exciting Mopar vs. The World.  This special event pits some of the fastest Mopars against all comers. Fans are invited to cheer on their favorites as they try to prove they own Thunder Valley.

Bristol Dragway officials have elected to postpone the Fas Mart Street Fights event originally scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18 until a later date due to the upcoming August NASCAR race weekend.

Joey Sternotti took home the Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel class during a thrilling weekend of AHDRA action at the Thunder in the Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Dan Patrick will unleash the brute force of Samson during the July 30 Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness presented by Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Restaurant.

Racers from across the country descended upon Thunder Valley last weekend for the Mike Bos Junior Dragster Nationals presented by Huddleston Performance, the kick off for a week full of Jr. Dragster action at Bristol Dragway.

In monster truck racing, no truck stands taller or flies higher than the mean, green wrecking machine itself, Grave Digger. On July 30, “Digger” makes its Bristol Motor Speedway debut.

Everyone loves monster trucks, but at this year’s event, fans will have something extra to cheer for when the metal-mashing begins. Fan-favorite Grave Digger®, known as the world’s most famous monster truck, will make its debut in what is sure to be a high-flying, car-crushing good time on July 30 at BMS.

Bristol Dragway’s Fas Mart Street Fights is known for attracting vehicles of all kinds to Thunder Valley, and at Tennessee National Guard Night on July 21, spectators will get to see another…Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 National Guard show car.  

Fans will be able to get up close and take a look at Earnhardt Jr.’s office and find out what makes it tick. Tennessee National Guard personnel also will be on hand at this exciting Street Fights event.

The World Footbrake Challenge celebrates its fifth season July 15-17 in Thunder Valley with its biggest event yet. The best footbrake racers in the country are set to slug it out for a few large checks in this big-money bracket race.

The race features a purse structure that will reward the winner of each race day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with a hefty $10,000 prize.

Thunder Valley will rumble with the sound of Ford horsepower during the July 9-10 Ford Blue Oval Bash at Bristol Dragway.

High-performance racing action, Ford’s sweetest street machines and extreme exhibition vehicles make this one of the most exciting Ford events around.

The Fourth of July weekend is over, but that doesn’t mean the excitement has to end as the Fas Mart Street Fights at Bristol Dragway continue July 7.

Gates open at 5 p.m Thursday evening, and races start at 6 p.m. Spectator admission is $5, and anyone with a street-legal car can challenge Thunder Valley for $10.

Each week the WCYB-5 sports team brings you THIS WEEK AT BRISTOL. A weekly video update of news and information from Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway.

Everyone knows that fans can see a wide range of cool cars and trucks take on the quarter-mile during Bristol Dragway’s Fas Mart Street Fights. On Thursday, June 30, however, one of the most unique vehicles in the world will seek to break a speed record during Tennessee National Guard Night.

Bristol’s Randy Moore will bring his Aaron’s Outdoors monster truck to Thunder Valley in a bid to become the first monster truck driver to break the 100 mph barrier. Moore who raced Pro Mods at Bristol Dragway earlier in his career will mix his knowledge of straight-line racing with the world of monster trucks in this exciting event.

Bristol Dragway officials today announced Nitrous Express as a sponsor for the inaugural Thunder Valley Dragbike Shootout. 

Nitrous Express lives and dreams Nitrous Oxide.  Customer service is taken very seriously and they work constantly to develop and improve their product lines. The company is comprised of experienced and passionate people who use their products every day. If you ever need advice or technical help, just call NX.  It is Nitrous Express’s commitment and mission to provide the best service, performance, quality and value.

Robert Hight raced to his fourth Funny Car victory of the season Sunday and in the process set the national speed record at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) also were winners at Bristol Dragway in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Bob Tasca raced to the No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car Saturday at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) also will lead their respective categories into Sunday’s noon eliminations as No. 1 qualifiers at the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Tasca set both ends of the Bristol Dragway track performance record with a powerful pass of 4.056 seconds at 314.31 mph in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang. It is Tasca’s second No. 1 qualifying position of his career and first since taking the top spot at the 2009 Gatornationals. He will face rookie Daniel Wilkerson in the opening round of eliminations.

Mike Neff started his Ford Thunder Valley Nationals weekend on a high note—taking the first trophy in Bristol by posting the low score in the Eighth Annual Bristol Dragway Celebrity Golf Benefit presented by Alpha Natural Resources Thursday at the Country Club of Bristol.

Neff and his team posted a 52 to win the tournament, which raised more than $28,000 to benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

As it turns out, driving an 8,000 horsepower Funny Car is just like riding a bicycle for NHRA driver Mike Neff. After a season out of the seat, Neff is back behind the wheel and at the top of his game as he prepares for the June 17-19 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

After a successful career as a crew chief, John Force Racing hired Neff to drive one of its Funny Cars in late 2007. Following two full-time seasons behind the wheel in 2008 and 2009, a loss of sponsorship forced Neff to pick up the wrenches once again, but this time, as crew chief for Force in 2010.

Brandon Bernstein has extra incentive to win during the Father’s Day weekend Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. He sits behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster owned by his father, and drag racing legend, Kenny.

While driving for drag racing royalty carries much scrutiny, sharing the same last name has pressures of its own. Bernstein, however, is able to shoulder the load and hopes to make his father proud each time he slides in to the cockpit.

The fastest event in Thunder Valley just became a little quicker as NHRA officials have announced the addition of Nitro Harley-Davidsons to the Father’s Day Weekend Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway.

Nitro Harleys, capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph, add another exciting element to an already thrilling weekend in Thunder Valley. These two-wheel missiles streak down the length of Bristol Dragway with a force that can only be appreciated in person.

Father’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone in a panic about the fleeting amount of time left to find the right gift, Bristol Dragway has the perfect solution for every picky dad—tickets to the Father’s Day weekend Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

With the June 17-19 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, there are several ticket options available to help make this a Father’s Day weekend dad will never forget. For drag racing fans, shopping will be as quick as a Top Fuel dragster.

Never has a dollar been worth as much as it will be during the June 17-19 Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers at Bristol Dragway.

During the race weekend, fans will be able to lock in their seats for all the nitro-burning, 300 mph excitement of the 2012 Thunder Valley Nationals by putting just $1 down toward the purchase. Next season, the event once again will take place on Father’s Day weekend, June 15-17.

Interested in picking up an autograph from one of NHRA’s 2010 champions during the June 17-19 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers? Bristol Dragway is offering a chance to grab one before you even go through the gate.

NHRA’s 2010 champs, Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock), each have signed 25 tickets for the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals to be given to fans who purchase advance tickets for the race.

For an unforgettable evening of racing, fans should check out night qualifying for the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, the highlight of the first day of action on Friday, June 17. The night qualifying round truly is one of the most unique happenings in the motorsports world.

Qualifying under the lights in Thunder Valley gives fans an unparalleled experience as the 8,000 horsepower, nitro-powered machines light up the evening and thunder through the valley at speeds in excess of 300 mph.

Sunday, June 19 at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers, race fans have the rare chance to walk the length of Bristol Dragway, something no die-hard fan will want to miss, while honoring the memory of Jeff Byrd, former track President and General Manager.

Legendary NHRA competitor Kenny Bernstein, one of Byrd’s closest friends, and NHRA announcer Bob Frey will lead the walk down the famed Thunder Valley track. Former Nitro pilot Whit Bazemore, who received his break in to the sport from Byrd, also will be out front for the walk. 

Life would be so much easier if money fell from the sky. On June 2, during the Fas Mart Street Fights event in Thunder Valley, life will become a little easier for a few fans, as cash will rain down from atop the control tower during the always-popular money drop. 

At the event, fans should visit the Bristol Dragway gaming trailer to enter for their chance to be selected to compete in the promotion. 

Nearly two-dozen NHRA competitors will sign autographs and meet with fans during Bristol Dragway’s Fan Fest, set to take place after the conclusion of Pro Qualifying at the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals on Saturday, June 18.

Fan Fest has become a favorite attraction in Thunder Valley, as it gives race fans even greater access to the biggest names in the sport. Among the drivers currently scheduled to appear are Larry Dixon, Del Worsham, Antron Brown, Spencer Massey, Bob Tasca, Melanie Troxel, Dave Grubnic, Greg Anderson, Jason Line and Allen Johnson.

Four different winners took home the big money during last weekend’s K&N Spring Fling 20’s at Bristol Dragway, which hosted bracket racers from across the country for the exciting event.

John Labbous, Jr., who won three of the four days last season, faced a tough opponent in the final round of Saturday’s competition, his father, Johnny Labbous, Sr. Labbous, Jr., of White House, earned the win as his father broke out on the final pass. The winning run had a .015 reaction time, combined with a 6.532 elapsed time (6.53 dial-in) at 149.58 mph. The losing run, by Goodlettsville’s Labbous, Sr., consisted of a .012 R.T., and a 6.470 E.T. (6.48 dial-in) at 158.58 mph. The win resulted in a $20,000 payday for Labbous, Jr.

Bristol Dragway officials today announced The FBR Shop as a sponsor for the inaugural Thunder Valley Dragbike Shootout. 

The FBR Shop has been well recognized for the innovations leading to the design and development of premier drag bikes and high horsepower street machines on both two and four wheels. Reasonably priced, our services are available to racers competing in the Bracket Classes and Heads Up Racing as well. We offer such packages as Pro-Stock/Pro-Mod Chassis Setups, Funny Bike Chassis, and the wheel/tire combo that put The FBR Shop on the fast track.

After a successful inaugural event in 2010, veteran bracket racers Peter Biondo and Kyle Seipel bring the second annual K&N Spring Fling 20’s to Thunder Valley May 19-22. The event includes an opening day $12,500-to-win race on Thursday and is highlighted by $20,000-to-win races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For bracket racers, there is great potential to win big, just as John Labbous Jr. was able to do last season. Labbous won Thursday, Friday and Saturday and took home more than $50,000 in prize money. Hundreds of racers will attempt to mirror Labbous’ feat this year.

Bristol Dragway and Don Schumacher Racing have teamed up to offer nitro-addicted NHRA fans the ultimate drag racing hospitality package for the June 17-19 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

Fans now have the opportunity to purchase access on Friday to the Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) hospitality areas in the pit area in Thunder Valley. Thanks to DSR, a limited number of Friday passes have been made available for race fans to take in the action from this area, normally restricted to sponsor and team guests.

While the Father’s Day Weekend Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers is an amazing experience from any vantage point, Bristol Dragway offers fans two different options to immerse themselves in during the thrilling, nitro-fueled excitement.

For those die-hard fans longing to stand just feet away from the earth-shaking machines as they rocket from the Bristol Dragway starting line, a ticket to the Thunder Valley Club is a must. Anyone wishing to have an “eye in the sky” view of Thunder Valley can watch from high atop the legendary strip in Bruton’s Suite.

There will be smoke on the mountain- and in the valley- during the Thursday, May 5 Fas Mart Street Fights event at Bristol Dragway thanks to the always-popular Burnout Competition.

Vehicles of all sizes will take part in this exciting contest to show which machine can produce the biggest and thickest cloud of tire-melting smoke in Thunder Valley. No one ever knows what may happen as cars are pushed to their limit.

VIDEO - John Battle High School students feature Fas Mart Street Fights in class project

When NHRA officials, as part of their planning for the upcoming 60^th anniversary season, conceptualized the “Track Walk with a Legend” program, the mission was to connect fans with the men and women who made significant and consequential contributions to the foundation of what NHRA is today.

The season opened in Pomona with Southern California icon Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and then it moved east to Gainesville where fans had the chance to re-connect with local-favorite “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, NHRA’s No. 1 all-time driver. All-time NHRA greats, like Shirley Muldowney and Kenny Bernstein, have also participated in the program that has been enormously successful in connecting fans with the “pillars of NHRA drag racing.”

While Father’s Day shopping sometimes can be a tough task, Bristol Dragway has the perfect solution for every picky dad—tickets to the Father’s Day weekend Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

With the June 17-19 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, there are several ticket options available to help make this a Father’s Day weekend dad will never forget. For drag racing fans, shopping for dad will be as quick as a Top Fuel dragster.

Each week the WCYB-5 sports team brings you THIS WEEK AT BRISTOL. A weekly video update of news and information from Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway.

It’s everybody’s dream – money falling from the sky – and on Thursday night, April 7, a few lucky fans at Fas Mart Street Fights will have the chance to keep everything they can catch as the money drop returns.

Fans can visit the Bristol Dragway gaming trailer and enter for their chance to be selected to compete in the money drop during the event. 

To reward loyal Fas Mart Street Fights racers and spectators, Bristol Dragway officials have developed a new season pass to help them save money all season in Thunder Valley.

Beginning now, interested racers can purchase a five race pass for only $35. The pass represents a $15 savings, as regular racer admission pricing is $10 per event. Competitors can purchase as many passes as they want for the 2011 season.

Bristol Dragway’s 2011 season schedule features an impressive lineup of events, including the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on Father’s Day weekend, that will satisfy every race fan no matter the type of drag racing they enjoy.

Thrilling NHRA action returns to Bristol June 17-19 for one of the most popular events on the calendar among both drivers and fans, the 11^th Annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Your Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers. The Father’s Day weekend event is the flagship event for Bristol Dragway and provides an experience unparalleled in motorsports.

To celebrate its partnership with Bristol Dragway, Ford is offering a special ticket promotion for Friday, June 17 action at the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Your Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers.

A family value package, the Ford Friday Four-Pack, consists of four admission tickets to Friday’s racing, four hot dogs and four bags of chips products for only $99.

Bristol Dragway’s 2011 season schedule features an impressive lineup of events, including the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on Father’s Day weekend, that will satisfy every race fan no matter the type of drag racing they enjoy.

Thrilling NHRA action returns to Bristol June 17-19 for one of the most popular events on the calendar among both drivers and fans, the 11^th Annual Thunder Valley Nationals. The Father’s Day weekend event is the flagship event for Bristol Dragway and provides an experience unparalleled in motorsports