MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: NHRA'S PRESTIGIOUS CELEBRATION OF SPEED
AND HIGH PERFORMANCE RACES INTO 51ST YEAR AT IRP
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 22, 2005) -- As NHRA celebrates the 51st
anniversary of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world's most
prestigious drag race is set to provide its traditional offering of the
very best in speed and high performance for countless thousands of hot
rodding enthusiasts. More than 1,000 competitors in 12 different racing
categories will perform in front of the standing-room only crowd during
the much-anticipated Labor Day classic.
The Super Bowl of drag racing takes place at revered Indianapolis Raceway
Park, Aug. 31-Sept. 5. It is the 18th of 23 events in the $50 million
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series for 2005 and will be showcased
nationwide on ESPN2, which will air more than 10 hours of coverage of
drag racing's marquee spectacle.
Throughout the years fans at IRP have cheered on drag racing immortals
like "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Tom
"The Mongoose" McEwen, Bob Glidden, Kenny Bernstein and Don
"The Snake" Prudhomme as they raced to the winner's
circle at more than 300 mph to etch their names into the NHRA record
book. Today's stars -- such as four-time Mac Tools U.S.
Nationals winners John Force and Tony Schumacher -- will be racing
hard to solidify their status as modern-day legends. For many of the
competitors, the race has evolved into much more than an annual contest
of speed. For those who seek to become a part of its mystique, winning
the event has become a must-do to complete any great driver's
resume.
This year's follow-up to the historic and memorable 50th
anniversary showcase last year will feature the same intense side-by-side
racing as drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock
Motorcycle chase their share of the $2.6 million purse, and more
importantly, a spot in history. Teams will be working hard to earn
coveted points in their quest to win NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
world championship titles. Teams in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series and the
NHRA Xplod Sport Compact Racing Series also will compete during the
weekend.
In addition to the thrilling racing on the track, many activities are
planned around the event that will make the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S.
Nationals one to remember.
With the support of Hod Rod Magazine, NHRA will present an exceptional
display of impressive hot rods titled "NHRA Salutes the Finest
51." The exclusive hot rod exhibit, which represents 13 states and
involves eight different body styles and customs, will commemorate the
51st running of the world's most prestigious drag race.
"The cars in this exhibit are must-see, the genuine article for any
hot rodding enthusiast," said Finest 51 coordinator Bob Daniels.
"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see all of these cars
together in one place. Hot Rod Magazine is taking advantage of the
opportunity to join NHRA to pay tribute to hot rodding and those who
built and own these spectacular machines. As such, the vehicles reflect
the highest quality in fit and finish, and are classic examples of the
best the sport of hot rodding and customizing has to offer."
A sample of the Finest 51 includes Garlits' 1936 Ford Coupe, which
the eight-time U. S. Nationals Top Fuel winner says he rebuilt during his
spare time in 1953. Dennis Eppers' 1932 Ford Roadster features a
paint design identical to the famed Blue Angels air squadron. One of the
most historic hot rods from the East Coast, Frank Spittle's 1933
Hudson Essex Terraplane, and noted NHRA multi-time Division champion Al
Bergler's 1932 Ford Roadster, also will be included in the Finest
51 collection.
A parade of these vintage hot rods will take place during pre-final
ceremonies on Monday, Sept. 5. Otherwise, the cars will be available all
weekend for race attendees to view in the Mac Tools Concourse.
The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals is annually a hot spot for celebrities who
are into watching cars go fast, and this year is no exception. Among
those attending this year's event include two stars from George
Lucas' popular cult-classic American Graffiti -- Paul Le Mat, who
played John Milner, and Cindy Williams, who played Laurie Henderson. Both
will be available in the Mac Tools Concourse around the Finest 51
collection to meet with fans, talk about hot rods and sign autographs.
Autograph sessions also will be available to fans at designated times
during the event featuring NHRA heroes of the past and present. Two
spectacular nights of fireworks (Sept. 2 and 3) will add to the drama as
well as several gravity-defying skydiving performances throughout the
weekend.
There will be two lucrative bonus events guaranteed to increase the level
of excitement for fans during the weekend. The world's eight best
Funny Car drivers will compete for the $100,000 winner's share in
the Skoal Showdown on Sept. 4, and the eight-best Pro Stock Motorcycle
riders will race for their share of the top prize in the Ringers Gloves
Pro Bike Battle on Sept. 3.
Prior to the start of official racing at IRP, fans can get a taste of the
excitement on Wednesday, Aug. 31st at the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Fan Fest, which will feature a display of race cars, interactive displays
and team transporters at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The
Fan Fest, which starts at noon (CT), also will feature a premier
autograph session with many of the top professional drivers in the NHRA
POWERade Drag Racing Series.
SCHEDULE: The first of five pro qualifying sessions is scheduled for 6:15
p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2. Qualifying continues at 1:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
on Saturday, Sept. 3 and concludes at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.
4. Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle eliminations are at 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and
7:25 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. Skoal Showdown eliminations are at 12:30
p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. Final eliminations begin
at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.
TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 51st annual Mac Tools U.S.
Nationals. Call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) for ticket information, or check
online at ticketmaster.com, nhra.com and irponline.com.
ON TV: ESPN2 will televise more than 10 hours of coverage of the Mac
Tools U.S. Nationals beginning with a one-hour qualifying show on
Saturday, Sept. 3 at 1:30 a.m. (ET). A two-hour qualifying show will be
telecast by ESPN2 at noon (ET) on Sunday, Sept. 4, along with a three
hour qualifying show at 10:30 p.m. (ET). On Monday, Sept. 5, ESPN2 will
telecast two shows, with one hour of early eliminations coverage at noon
(ET) and a three-hour final eliminations show at 8 p.m. (ET). NHRA 2Day,
ESPN2's popular magazine show that covers the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series, will feature two shows live from IRP during the event. The
regularly scheduled NHRA 2Day show will air at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Sunday,
Sept. 4; a special presentation of NHRA 2Day will air on Monday, Sept. 5
at 11:30 a.m. (ET).
-nhra-
