Even prehistoric times never saw the kind of monster that will be unleashed on Thunder Valley this spring.

Megasaurus, a transforming, fire-breathing, car eating, mechanical dinosaur that stands over three stories tall and weighs in excess of 50,000 pounds will play a big role in the Night of Fire at Bristol Dragway on May 30. With more than five tons of crushing force in each of his mammoth claws, Megasaurus can lift 30,000 pounds, and his massive jaws can attain 15,000 pounds of biting force.

The Night of Fire is just one of a number of exciting new events on the schedule at Bristol Dragway in 2008. While the mainstays, Street Fights and Bracket racing, the Super Chevy, Fun Ford, Mopar Thunder and AHDRA All-Harley shows and the marquee event, the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals return, these new events should keep the strip rocking this year.

Other newcomers to the schedule include the much-anticipated Sprint High School Nationals, the Thunder Valley Volks Rally, and a Monster Truck Show.

The Night of Fire is a can't miss event for the entire family and while Megasaurus gets top billing, the evening will boast plenty of other action, including 300-mph Nitro Funny Cars, monster trucks and jet cars.

Benny the Bomb also will be on hand for the Night of Fire. He'll strap himself into a car, blow the car up and walk away to cheers from the crowd. To cap the evening, a dazzling fireworks show is planned.

"The Night of Fire is going to be a fantastic event," said Bristol Dragway president Jeff Byrd. "We've got a lot of new things going on in Thunder Valley this year and I think there's something for everybody. Certainly, the Night of Fire is something kids will absolutely love because of the fast cars, Megasaurus and the fireworks. And by kids, I mean kids of all ages because this is the kind of event that everybody, no matter what their age, will really enjoy.

"We've got a lot of new things going on at the Dragway this year and what we feel are going to be some spectacular events for our fans. The Sprint High School Nationals will be phenomenal and you wouldn't believe the buzz around the Volkswagen race. The Monster Trucks, well, that's always a big hit with everybody. We feel like this will be our most exciting season ever in Thunder Valley."

Thunder Valley Volks Rally -- April 12-13

From Beetles to Buses to Ghias and Things, Volkswagens of all shapes and sizes will invade Thunder Valley for what is sure to be a wildly popular weekend.

The East Coast Pro Racing Association brings its exciting Quick Shootout and Pro Stock Volkswagens to Bristol Dragway, along with several divisions of bracket racing. A car show will feature every Volkswagen known to man, as all Volkswagens are welcome to compete.

Vendors and swap meet participants will give visitors the opportunity to purchase hard-to-find restoration parts, aftermarket performance accessories, and other items for VW fans of all ages. A VW cruise will take place after car show judging on Sunday afternoon and will let participants view a little of Bristol's scenery.

Sprint High School Nationals - April 26

At the inaugural Sprint High School Nationals students from across the region will race against each other for college scholarships, trophies and Sharpie supplies for their respective schools.

The top drivers will receive Bristol Dragway scholarships - at the winner's college of choice. During the day, a video game tournament will let gamers prove there talents and students also will face off in a burnout competition, an audio competition and a car show.

The school with the most participants also will receive $2,000 in Sharpie school supplies.

Competition on the track is open to all high school students ages 16-19 with a valid driver's license. Students 18 and under must have a parent or guardian sign a release form before they can participate. Only street legal cars that pass a Bristol Dragway safety inspection will be allowed to race.

Monster Trucks - June 14

Monsters invade Bristol Dragway on June 14 when high flyin,' car-crushin' monster trucks take center stage.

Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing these monster machines fly through the air with ease, crushing everything in their path. Among the trucks scheduled to appear are Predator, Prowler, Reptoid, Clydesdale, and Pounder.

And for anybody who might be looking to experience a Monster Truck ride up close and personal, the Predator also will be available for rides.