Dreams Coming True

When the racers who built New England Dragway in 1966 they dreamed that someday the track would host an NHRA national event. Well that dream has come true as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series visits New England Dragway for the inaugural Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals, June 20-23.  And many of those original owners, along with a few new shareholders, will be there to see their dream become a reality.

NHRA fans in the New England region are well aware of what to expect come June 20^th when the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series comes to Epping, NH.  But what can the casual fans of motorsports in the area expect?

Well, in all of motorsports, there’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere produced when a pair of richly-tuned, nitro-burning Top Fuel dragsters cackle at the starting line, awaiting the green light to flash.  The explosive blast that thunders from two 8,000-horsepower dragsters marching side-by-side down the dragstrip is guaranteed to provide an extreme shot of adrenaline to even the most conservative attendees.

One blink and it’s over.

Triangles of fire dance from four sets of header pipes and glimmers of color deflect from all points as flashbulbs from a thousand cameras try to capture the surreal moment. Two dragsters streak off into the distance, leaving only a trail of vapor and thousands of jolted fans in their wake.

The Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals will feature competition in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, and is the 11^th of 24 races in the series and the second of four events in a row.  The teams will be heading to New England Dragway directly from Bristol, Tenn. and at the conclusion of the weekend’s event head straight to Chicago followed by Norwalk, Ohio.  A grueling four-race stretch that will have a tremendous impact on the points standings in all four categories.

But the day’s activities aren’t limited to the racing on the track.  At an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event every ticket includes access to NHRA’s world-famous open pits, where you can meet your favorite drivers, get autographs, or watch crew work on their race cars.  There is nothing like it in all of motorsports where fans get exclusive access “to the locker room” and an opportunity to meet the stars of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing: John and Courtney Force, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Shawn Langdon, Morgan Lucas, Greg Anderson and all the competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. 

Fans also can visit Nitro Alley, NHRA’s fan-interactive area, where sponsors like Mello Yello, Ford, the U.S. Army, and others have activities for fans of all ages to enjoy.  Or, fans can visit the NHRA Speed Shop, the manufacturers midway where the latest automotive technology is displayed and sold.

Fans, young and old, and from throughout the New England area will want to be a part of the inaugural Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals.  Tickets for the event are on sale now through NHRATix.com or by calling 800-884-NHRA (6472).  For group tickets and camping, call 603-679-8001.

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Championship Chase Begins

New England Dragway’s VP Race Fuels championship series is underway with some familiar names making their way to the winners circle.  Steven Knight kicked off his drive for the crown by capturing the win in Lucky’s Auto Repair Junior Dragster in his final round matchup with Mary Sparago.  Indy Auto Parts Super Eliminator found Debby DiGenova getting her first win of the season by defeating Scott Menard.  In A&B Tire Pro Eliminator Jeff Nunes was in winning form over Jim Choti.  Dieter Anger was out to prove snowmobiles will be strong this year when he took out Chris McCloud in the Snowmobile/Motorcycle finale.  Ron Childs squared off against reigning champion Jason Mazzotta in Tim’s Speed and Custom Street Eliminator to earn the day’s trophy.  

A&B Tire Is The New Sponsor of New England Dragway’s Pro Eliminator Series.

“We’re thrilled to have Phil, Heather and Jake Arsenault join our family of advertisers and sponsors,” said New England Dragway General Manager Joe Lombardo.  “For morethan 20 years Phil and his family have provided customers with an extraordinary level of customer service.  With Heather and Jake onboard it’s guaranteed that tradition will continue.” 

Conveniently located at 1183 Central Street, Route 12 in Leominster, Massachusetts the family business offers a wide range of automotive service needs.  They carry a full line of top quality tire brands including Firestone, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental, among others.  Plus their team of highly experienced technicians use state of the art equipment to ensure every job is done right at an extremely competitive price. 

Phil and his family are no strangers to the sport of drag racing, either.  They have campaigned everything from some of the best performing junior dragsters to Top Sportsman and Pro Mod entries.  

Harley Davidson Drag Racing Series Debuts in July

It’s one of the most anticipated events of the 2013 season and it’s coming to New England Dragway.  The NHRA Harley Davidson Drag Racing Series is now part of the NHRA Lucas Oil Regional event scheduled for July 19 – 21.  Racers will contest Top Fuel, Pro Dragster, Pro Gas, Draggin’ Bagger, Street Pro and Hot Street. 

“NHRA Harley Davidson Drag Racing Series greatly expands Harley-Davidson’s commitment to supporting grassroots drag racers with great Screamin’ Eagle performance products, more contingency payouts, and expanded opportunities to race on a national stage,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Kris Schoonover.  “We’re very excited to partner with NHRA’s strong divisional Sportsman series to raise the visibility of this exciting form of motorcycle racing at a wide range of great racing venues around the country.”

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser, and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise.

 Advance tickets for this year’s NHRA Lucas Oil Regional series featuring the New England Ford Dealers Night of Fire are on sale now.

NED Implements New Smoking Policy

In order to create a better environment for all of our guests New England Dragway’s grandstands are now smoke free.  “We received a significant amount of feedback about smoking in the grandstands and none of it was positive.  It’s time to make the change so all of our guests can enjoy a race without having to endure second hand smoke,” stated New England Dragway General Manager Joe Lombardo.  Smoking will be allowed in other areas of the facility providing it is away from the grandstands, and fence line viewing areas.  

Have a Question for the Tech Department ?

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