Jessica Barton, a former FHM model and host of NOPI and Hot Import Nights television shows, will bring her 10-second 1994 Supra to take on all comers in Thunder Valley on Thursday, March 27. Barton's competition, however, may have their hands full.
"Beating the boys is my favorite part of racing," she says jokingly. "I like what everyone else likes-the adrenaline rush and going to the track to see how much you can improve through the set-up and your driving skills. Every time I go a little faster. That is fun."
"My brother was into cars growing up, and then one day, out of boredom, I went with him to a meet and got hooked," Barton added.
Barton, who says she has heard of Bristol Dragway's reputation, is looking forward to racing in Thunder Valley.
"I've always heard good things about the track," notes Barton. "I look forward to coming to Street Fights because it is cool to meet fans in different places, and I know I have a lot of fans in that area."
In addition to Barton's appearance, Bristol Dragway will introduce the Charter Bandits as its newest class of competition in Thunder Valley. Two index classes (9 sec. and 10 sec.) will put the fastest drivers and cars on center stage with a heads-up, go-all-out format that will leave fans begging for more.
During the evening's activities, drivers will make qualifying runs to set the eight-car field. Officials will pair the drivers and send them screaming down the track. The winner advances to the next round and sends the competition back to the pits to try again the next week. The winner in each class wins $100, with runner-up taking home $50. Semifinalists collect $25.
On Saturday, March 29, the King of the Strip Challenge returns for an encore performance, while someone will have a chance to break the bank in the Practice Tree Nationals.
A practice tree, similar to the one used on the starting line, will be at the Bristol Dragway gaming trailer. For a $1 entry fee, participants can try their luck on the tree. The entrant with the quickest reaction time takes home the entire pot of entry fees.
On Thursday, gates open at 5 p.m., with racing scheduled for 6 p.m. Gates open at noon on Saturday, with racing at 1 p.m. Saturday's King of the Strip participants must be through tech inspection by 5 p.m. King of the Strip action begins at the conclusion of Street Fights.
Admission is $10 for racers and only $5 for spectators both Thursday and Saturday. Entry for King of the Strip participants is $20. A combo entry fee allows drivers to compete in King of the Strip and Street Fights for $25.
For more information about Bristol Dragway's Street Fights, please call (423) 764-DRAG.