Friday, February 19, 2010

IHRA Mardi Gras Nitro Jam Preview

'Laissez les bons temps rouler': Baton Rouge readying for world's largest nitro party


Louisiana race fans ready to 'let the good times roll'

NORWALK, Ohio (February 19, 2010) – Louisiana has always been known for its laid back lifestyle.

From the "Big Easy" to Mardi Gras and everything in between, the people of Louisiana are known for their lavish parties and generally positive outlook on life. So when it comes to taking on a slogan, it should come as no surprise that the French saying "laissez les bons temps rouler" would take on new life as the official phrase of choice for the people of Louisiana

Translated to mean "let the good times roll", the French phrase is often used in conjunction with Mardi Gras and other Louisiana celebrations, but in just a few short weeks that phrase will take on new meaning when the International Hot Rod Association's highly popular Nitro Jam series travels to Baton Rouge for what is being touted as the world's largest nitro party March 6-7 at State Capitol Raceway.

"Mardi Gras Nitro Jam is the perfect place for good food, good times and great racing," said IHRA President Aaron  Polburn. "With our new fan-friendly format Baton Rouge is in for quite a treat as we bring in more exciting classes  and a more entertaining show all wrapped in a Mardi Gras package that is sure to capture the spirit of Louisiana like never before."

Thousands of spectators packed State Capitol's 140-acre facility last year to witness the return of nitro racing to Louisiana and even more fans are expected to take part in the festivities this season.

Nearly two dozen nitro-fueled dragsters and funny cars making up Top Fuel, Pro Fuel and Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car will fill the lanes alongside eight of the country's wildest Outlaw Pro Mods, Ken Nelson's wheelstanding "Cool Bus," the 25,000 horsepower Super Shockwave jet truck, hundreds of Louisiana's best sportsman racers and a huge fireworks display all of which will be featured twice each night.

Fans will also be treated to a wild pit party where they can see the cars and stars of Nitro Jam up close and personal and meet the drivers during Fan Fest, a designated time prior to the race where fans can get autographs, interact with the series and witness the awesome spectacle that is Nitro Thunder as all 20 nitro cars warm up at the same time.

"From racers to fans, everyone had a great time at this race last year," said Polburn. "We are calling this a party for a reason. All weekend long there will be great racing on the track in addition to a ton of fun stuff to see and do in the pits. This event has become one of the most anticipated stops on the Nitro Jam tour."

Coming off of a highly successful debut in south Florida last month that saw two-straight sold out crowds, IHRA officials are working hard to make next month's Mardi Gras Nitro Jam even better.

"We had an incredible debut last month, but that was just the beginning. We hope to continue to refine the product as the season progresses with the goal of creating one the most entertaining motorsports events in the world," said Polburn.

IHRA's fastest and most exciting class will once again return to the grounds of State Capitol Raceway as defending series champion Del Cox Jr. and last year's Mardi Gras Nitro Jam winner Bruce Litton battle fan-favorite Bobby Lagana Jr. and Mitch King on the Louisiana quarter-mile in a showdown of 320-mph Top Fuel dragsters.

State Capitol Raceway will also see two brand new classes when the event gets under way in early March including Pro Fuel Dragsters and Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car. Both categories made a huge splash at the season opener as the two nitro-fueled classes push the limits of man and machine.

Also returning to IHRA competition will be many of the world's best Outlaw Pro Modifieds competing for the title of  Louisiana's top doorslammer.

Nitro Jam will also feature the area's best sportsman racers competing throughout the day in each of IHRA's seven sportsman classes. Sportsman racers will have the entire day to themselves before the main event later that night. Sportsman racing will also be featured during the Nitro Jam portion of the schedule as the IHRA's quickest and fastest classes compete in heads-up eliminations during the Harland Sharp Elite 8 shootout.

Bringing the event to a close will be Ken Nelson's "Cool Bus" wheelstanding school bus and the awesome 25,000 horsepower Super Shockwave jet semi.

In between all of the on-track excitement will be floats, parades, Fan Fest and plenty of beads as the IHRA celebrates Mardi Gras Baton Rouge style at the legendary State Capitol Raceway.

Tickets range from just $10 to $25 and all tickets include free parking, a free pit pass and admission to Fan Fest. For more information visit www.nitrojam.com, www.statecapitolraceway.com or call 225-627-4575.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the world's largest nitro party March 6-7 at State Capitol Raceway!


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