With the addition of a number of thrilling new events and the return of many popular favorites, Bristol Dragway's action-packed schedule will keep the strip rocking in 2008 from March through September.
Bristol Dragway's signature event, the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q, brings the cars and stars of NHRA to town May 16-18 for one of the most anticipated races of the season. Those in attendance will be treated to high-speed action in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock, as well as many exhibition and Sportsman classes. Among the drivers fans can expect to see are five-time and defending Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, defending event champion Brandon Bernstein, and Funny Car star and 2007 Rookie-of-the-Year, Ashley Force.
The Bristol Dragway Street Fights series returns for its eighth year and will feature 20 events. The Street Fights schedule changes slightly with five races slated for Saturdays, and the remaining events running on Thursday evenings. Street Fights raises the curtain on the 2008 Bristol Dragway calendar with the season opener on Saturday, March 22. The final Street Fights will take place Saturday, September 11. During the warmer months, special summer hours at the Saturday events will give drivers the chance to race longer into the evening.
Bristol Dragway's 2008 schedule features many special events that will cater to every car fan no matter their manufacturer of choice. Those looking for a Ford fix will look forward to attending the 17th Annual O'Reilly Thunder Valley Fun Ford Weekend Nationals held August 1-3. The Ninth Annual Mopar Thunder will make the Valley rumble September 19-21. Super Chevy Show officials will stick with a fall date after a successful 2007 September event as the 28th Annual O'Reilly Super Chevy Show roars into town September 26-28 to close out the 2008 season.
A number of new events planned for 2008 are sure to thrill. The 10.5" Outlaws make their first appearance April 4-6. Outlaws race with a heads-up format, and use 10.5" drag tires making for a wild ride down the strip. All things Volkswagen will occupy the Valley when the inaugural event highlighting the nameplate takes place April 12-13. Volkswagens of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome to compete on the drag strip or in the car show. On April 26, Bristol Dragway becomes home of the ultimate high-school rivalry, the Inaugural High School Nationals. High-school students will represent their schools as they race for bragging rights and scholarships. To participate, students must be 16-19 years old and have a valid driver's license. Monsters invade Bristol Dragway on June 14 when high flyin,' car-crushin' monster trucks take center stage.
Junior Dragsters will rule Bristol for an entire week when two big events heat up the track. The Seventh Annual Mike Bos Chassis Craft Jr. Dragster Nationals kicks things off with action July 5-6. Beginning on Monday, July 7, Bristol Dragway will be the home of the Fifth Annual NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals. The race, which concludes on Saturday, July 12, attracts more than 700 racers, ages 8-17, from all states east of the Mississippi River. Four other events are planned for Jr. Dragsters on April 13, April 20, April 27 and May 4.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Night of Fire, which makes its return in 2008. Fans will see everything from jet cars and monster trucks to Nitro cars and a wheel stander. Throw in a robotic dinosaur that likes to munch on vehicles and a spectacular fireworks show, and Night of Fire becomes an instant must-see event.
In 2008, Bristol Dragway hosts two events that will appeal to drag racing fans of the two-wheel variety. The inaugural American Motorcycle Association Dragbike event takes place June 20-22 and features 11 classes of racing, including Top Fuel and Funnybike. A motorcycle-themed Street Fights, scheduled for Thursday, June 19, coincides with the AMA event. The rumble of Harleys will fill the air when the All Harley Drag Racing Association returns for the always-popular S & S Cycle Thunder in the Valley Nationals presented by Smith Brothers' Harley-Davidson, August 8-10.
Footbrakers from across the country will come to Thunder Valley May 23-25 with one thing on their mind...winning. The World Foot Brake Challenge returns for its second season and offers bracket racers the chance to bank part of an incredible purse. The 1/8-mile event will see one lucky driver take home an amazing $50,000 top prize. Winners on Friday and Sunday will pocket $10,000 each. In footbrake competition, drivers are not allowed to use electronic equipment to help them achieve a perfect start.
Bristol Dragway officials continue to work on additional exciting events that will be announced when details become available. With such a wide variety of events, there is something for everyone in Thunder Valley during the 2008 season. For more information about any of Bristol Dragway's events please call 423.989.6900 or 423.764.DRAG.
| Bristol Dragway Schedule | |||
| March | 22 | Saturday Street Fight Opener #1 | |
27 | Street Fight #2 | ||
29 | Saturday Street Fight #3 | ||
| April | 4-6 | 10.5 Outlaws | |
10 | Street Fight #4 | ||
12-13 | V.W. Event | ||
17 | Street Fights #5 | ||
19 | Saturday Street Fights #6 | ||
20 | Junior Dragster Event | ||
24 | Street Fight #7 | ||
26 | High School Nationals | ||
27 | Junior Dragster Event | ||
| May | 1 | Street Fight #8 | |
8 | Street Fight #9 | ||
16-18 | O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals presented by Q | ||
23-25 | World Foot Brake Challenge | ||
29 | Street Fights #10 | ||
30 | Night of Fire | ||
| June | 5 | Street Fights Nights #11 | |
12 | Street Fights Nights #12 | ||
14 | Monster Truck Show | ||
19 | Street Fight (Bike Night) #13 | ||
20-22 | AMA Dragbike Summer Nationals | ||
26 | Street Fights Nights #14 | ||
28 | Saturday Street Fights #15 | ||
| July | 3 | Street Fight #16 | |
5-6 | Mike Bos Chassis Craft Jr. Dragster Nationals | ||
7-12 | NHRA O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals | ||
17 | Street Fights #17 | ||
24 | Street Fight #18 | ||
| August | 1-3 | 16th Annual O'Reilly Thunder Valley Fun Ford Weekend Nationals | |
8-10 | S & S Cycle Thunder in Valley Nationals presented by Smith Brothers | ||
30 | Saturday Street Fights #19 | ||
| September | 11 | Street Fights Nights #20 | |
19-21 | Mopar Thunder | ||
26-28 | 28th Annual Super Chevy Show | ||