NHRA
RACING AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE FOR E3 SPARK PLUGS NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES ROOKIE J.R. GRAY
MORRISON, CO – Every race during the 2021 season in the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series has been a first-time 
experience for standout rookie J.R. Gray. But this weekend will present an entirely new level of challenges for Gray.
The series will race at Bandimere Speedway in Denver for the first time in NHRA Pro Mod history as part of this weekend’s Dodge//SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil, which means a number of new and unique circumstances for every driver.
Racing at an elevation of more than 5,800 feet presents challenges not seen anywhere else, making for some of the most difficult conditions for any driver.
BONFIELD EVENT PARK BECOMES EIGHTH NHRA MEMBER TRACK IN CANADA
GLENDORA, CA – Our neighbors to the north are going drag racing as Bonfield Event Park in Canada becomes the eighth NHRA member 
track in the great white north.
Located in Ontario, Bonfield Event Park sees racing competition from cars, trucks and sleds. Owned and operated by Lisa Groves, the Bonfield Event Park staff looks forward to joining the NHRA member track lineup.
“Our family is very excited and proud to become part of the NHRA family,” said Groves. “If you ever find yourself in beautiful northern Ontario, please stop by to say hello.”
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE’S ANDREW HINES AFTER MORE SUCCESS AT DODGE//SRT MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY PENNZOIL AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY
MORRISON, CO – Not many racers are as eager to test their abilities at challenging Bandimere Speedway more than six-time world champion Andrew Hines. It’s brought out the best in the Pro Stock Motorcycle star and he’ll look to pick up his sixth career victory in Denver at this weekend’s Dodge//SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil.
The victory would also be the first of the season for Hines on his Vance & Hines Buell, and would mark a great moment in the career for the rider who class the most wins in class history. Racing at more than 5,800 feet isn’t easy and makes for one of the most difficult tracks to navigate in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. But if there’s going to be a breakthrough anywhere in 2021 on a brand-new bike, Hines figures it might as well be in Denver, where he’s racked up more victories than anyone in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
History-making Houston Raceway Park to end 35-year legacy after ’22 NHRA national event
BAYTOWN, TX – When the final pair of Top Fuel dragsters roar down Houston Raceway Park Powered by Pennzoil at the conclusion of the 
2022 NHRA national event, the echoing thunder of their combined 22,000-plus horsepower will signal the end of an era in Texas motorsports history.
Immediately following the event, the new property owners will repurpose the drag racing complex into an industrial business park.
“Our family is extremely proud to have showcased the top level of professional drag racing for 35 wonderful years,” track operator Seth Angel said. “It’s been a dream come true to meet and work with all the incredible drivers, team owners and NHRA executives who come together each year to entertain the millions of racing fans in our area.
“From preseason tests, to years where we had two national events, to the scores of legends who have raced here, on to the championships decided on our grounds, it’s been an incredible high-speed ride. Our family is forever indebted to the sport of NHRA drag racing and will cherish the amazing memories we’ve made when this chapter closes next spring.”
SURGING FUNNY CAR STAR CRUZ PEDREGON LOOKS TO KEEP ROLLING AT DODGE//SRT MILE-HIGH NHRA NATIONALS PRESENTED BY PENNZOIL AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY
MORRISON, CO – Coming off his first victory in more than three years, Cruz Pedregon is headed to one of his favorite tracks in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series feeling as good as he has in a long time. The two-time Funny Car world champ won the most recent race in Norwalk, giving Pedregon considerable momentum heading into this weekend’s Dodge//SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil at Bandimere Speedway.
The track has been a longtime favorite of the veteran, unique challenges and all. Racing at an elevation of more than 5,800 feet forces changes and a level of difficulty not seen anywhere else on the NHRA tour. That’s part of the reason Pedregon, a two-time winner in Denver, loves racing on Thunder Mountain to kick off the NHRA’s famed three-race Western Swing. He also gets to race in front of a passionate crowd, one well aware of the success Pedregon has enjoyed in 2021.
VIRGINIA NHRA NATIONALS RETURNS TO RICHMOND IN 2022
GLENDORA, CA – NHRA and Virginia Motorsports Park have teamed up to announce May 13-15, 2022, as the triumphant return of the 
Virginia NHRA Nationals to Richmond. Furthermore, due to a full second-half schedule and travel logistics, the 2021 Virginia NHRA Nationals have been canceled.
“Virginia Motorsports Park is saddened to miss the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series for the second year in a row,” said Tommy Franklin, VMP President and owner.
“Since our last national event in 2019, the facility has seen numerous upgrades, and we will continue to improve and expand to give our guests the best experience possible when the world’s quickest and fastest motorsport returns to Virginia Motorsports Park in May.”
“The NHRA is disappointed to miss our stop at Virginia Motorsports Park in 2021,” said Glen Cromwell, NHRA President. “We look forward to 2022 when we can again return to Virginia and greet our unbelievable fans with the racing action they expect. NHRA and Virginia Motorsports Park will continue to work together to provide the fans a much-needed 2022 event.”
UNIQUE LOCATION OF CALVERTON EXECUTIVE AIRPARK BECOMES NEWEST NHRA MEMBER TRACK
GLENDORA, CA – Long Island residents have become accustomed to hearing airplanes depart and arrive at Calverton Executive Airpark but 
soon the sounds of race cars will be joining the airpark as Calverton Executive Airpark becomes the newest NHRA Member Track.
The unique location will see NHRA racing action five weeks of the year beginning in August. The Long Island airpark will play host to racers in the area and will give them a safe space to race their vehicles.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back drag racing to Long Island after a 17-year hiatus,” said Calverton Executive Airpark Track Promoter, Peter Scalzo. “I first believe that the mention of these events being sanctioned by the NHRA was a major factor for the Town of Riverhead approving our Racetrack Not Street Series.”
NHRA CAMPING WORLD DRAG RACING SERIES BEGINS FAMED WESTERN SWING WITH TRADITIONAL OPENER AT BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY
MORRISON, CO – With 330-mph fire-breathing machines under the lights and the first nitro action in two years at Bandimere Speedway due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dodge//SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil on July 16-18 is sure to deliver a weekend full of unforgettable moments.
The race is the eighth event of the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season and serves as the challenging and traditional starting point of the NHRA’s famed three-race Western Swing. This year, the Western Swing includes stops at scenic Bandimere Speedway, Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The event in Denver poses as one of the most thrilling and unique races in drag racing, as competitors compete at an elevation of more than 5,800 feet. That affects a multitude of items, including engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, as teams try and solve racing in the Rocky Mountains.
REIGNING NHRA PRO STOCK CHAMPION ERICA ENDERS NOMINATED FOR ESPYS BEST DRIVER AWARD
GLENDORA, CA – NHRA’s four-time and reigning Pro Stock champion, Erica Enders, has been nominated for the 2020 ESPYS Best Driver 
Award.
Enders claimed the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series championship last season to deem her the winningest NHRA female champion, with four world titles to her name.
With her previous ESPYS Best Driver Award nomination in 2015, Enders joins NHRA greats of John Force (2000-2003, 2011 and 2014), Tony Schumacher (2007-2010) and Greg Anderson (2005 and 2011) with multiple nominations for the prestigious award.
“Being nominated for an ESPYS award is a testament to all of my team’s hard work,” said Enders of her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro team. “Last year was a battle to the end and I was so proud of everything we went through. I’m just so thankful to be able to drive this car and work with these guys who make it all possible.”
NHRA ANNOUNCES 70th ANNIVERSARY SWEEPSTAKES
GLENDORA, CA – NHRA continues its anniversary celebration with the announcement of the 2021 NHRA 70th Anniversary Sweepstakes. NHRA partners Camping World, Battery Tender, K&N Performance, Summit Racing Equipment and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company have stepped in to provide nearly $21,000 worth of prize winnings to lucky NHRA fans.
One lucky NHRA fan will take home the grand prize of a 2021 Coleman 17B travel trailer courtesy of Camping World.
Five first-prize winners will each be awarded $1,000 Batterytender.com gift card. The gift card is only valid on batterytender.com and subject to the terms and conditions of Battery Tender.
Six second-prize winners will each be awarded a K&N Performance Cold Air Intake System.
