Thu, 05 Jan 2017, 12:52 PM Bristol Dragway Set For Thrilling 2017 Season

Courtesy of BMS Communications

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Highlighted by the 17th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on Father's Day weekend and a new Fitzgerald Peterbilt truck show and fireworks in June, the 2017 Bristol Dragway schedule has something for every type of drag racing fan.

>From grassroots racing to the 330-mph machines of the NHRA, Thunder Valley will again host events offering a range of appeal, whether guests are looking for a fun family experience or the need for speed. Bristol Dragway welcomes new converts to the sport of drag racing and avid, die-hard fans of nitro-fueled competition.

"The Dragway had a great year in 2016 and we are ready for next year's exciting events," said Jerry Caldwell, general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. "Our schedule for 2017 shows our commitment to both continuing our popular events such as the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Monster Trucks and Super Chevy Show, while adding new options to the mix including the Fitzgerald Peterbilt truck show and fireworks. It's always exciting at Thunder Valley and we invite our guests to check out all the action."

Thunder Valley will open for its 52nd season on Saturday, April 1 with Street Fights. The popular series allows racing enthusiasts to tackle the famed quarter-mile in street legal rides. It's a great way to test a street car, race some friends or do a burnout in grandma's minivan, all for just $5 to watch or $10 to participate. The 2017 season is comprised of 14 events, scheduled for Thursday nights and select Saturdays.

In addition to Street Fights, regional racers have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the DER Bracket Racing Series, hosting its ninth season. Slated for 10 weekends of racing in 2017, the popular grassroots racing series features competition in categories ranging from Super Pro to Junior Dragsters.

There is nothing like the sights and sounds of 10,000 horsepower cars rocketing down the strip at Thunder Valley. The stars and cars of the NHRA roar into Thunder Valley Father's Day weekend, June 16-18, for the always popular NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The thunderous engines and extreme speeds of Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Nitro Harley and Pro Mods classes fuel a unique experience for Dad and promise thrills for the whole family. Every ticket is a pit pass, giving guests unparalleled access to drivers and teams throughout the weekend. Single day tickets start at just $25.

The newest event on the calendar is the Fitzgerald Peterbilt truck show and fireworks, running June 30-July 1. The new auto show promises to be an extravaganza that trucking enthusiasts will love. Full details on the event will be released at a later date. One of the largest footbrake bracket races in the country comes to town on July 7-9. The World Footbrake Challenge has been a favorite of drivers who want to race on the legendary dragstrip of Thunder Valley.

The future stars (ranging in age from five to 17) of the NHRA take to the strip in July. The fun begins with the Huddleston Performance Jr. Drag Nationals presented by Mike Bos Chassis Craft on July 14-16. As more than 500 young racers and their families arrive, Thunder Valley will hold the Huddleston Performance Fun Races on July 18-19. The week culminates with the official NHRA Eastern Conference Finals on July 20-22.

A family favorite, the Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness presented by Beef 'O' Brady's returns Saturday, July, 15. Featuring some of the most bad-to-the-bone vehicles on Earth, fans will be in awe as some of the world's best monster trucks faceoff in both racing competition and the fan-favorite freestyle competition. In addition to the monster trucks, the event features high-flying stunts including top-notch, extreme drifting exhibitions, an acrobatic motocross demonstration and much more.

Once again, Bristol will be the host of one of the largest Super Chevy Shows in the country Sept. 8-10. The popular Super Chevy Show is known for some of the best classic and modern Chevrolets on display along with the most exciting bracket and exhibition racing in the region. Add the Beef 'O' Brady's Thunder Valley Mayhem presented by Thompson Metal Services on Saturday, Sept. 9, which features jet cars, wheelstanders, Pro Mods and more, and this show is a can't-miss event.

Finishing up the season is the ever popular Fall Fling. Formerly the Spring Fling, the Fall Fling is one of the premier bracket race weekends in the country with one of the largest payouts in drag racing. The event will run Sept. 28- Oct. 1.

For more information on events at Bristol Dragway and to purchase tickets, please visit BristolDragway.com or call 423-BRISTOL.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus, the world's largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system. The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 70 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit BristolDragway.com.

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