Wed, 10 Sep 2008, 07:44 AM Doug Kalitta to Run Special Edition Stanley Top Fueler in Charlotte

Courtesy of Todd Myers

CONCORD, N.C. -- This weekend, Sept. 11-14, the 8,000-horsepower, 300-mph, Nitro-fueled Stanley Top Fuel dragster will take center stage at the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals, marking the grand opening of the all new, state-of-the-art zMax Dragway @ Concord, with 30-time NHRA national event winner Doug Kalitta at the wheel.

Kalitta typically races under the banner of Mac Tools, but will have the black and yellow branding of Stanley on his race car for this weekend's historic christening in Concord.

Kalitta and his Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel teammates Hillary Will and Dave Grubnic also begin the Countdown to 1 "playoffs" this weekend as three of the ten drivers in the six-race postseason to determine the 2008 NHRA Top Fuel POWERade champion.

All four professional NHRA categories-Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle-will be in competition this weekend. The race will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN2HD.

Qualifying for the NHRA Carolinas Nationals begins Friday for the Nitro-fueled classes with two qualifying sessions at 3:30 p.m. (ET) and 6:30 p.m. Two more qualifying sessions take place Saturday at noon and 6:30 p.m. The top 16 qualified cars will race Sunday in final eliminations beginning at noon.

All times and dates subject to change.