GLENDORA, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2010) – NHRA announced that the 2011 NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals and Eastern Conference Finals will once again return to Bandimere Speedway in Denver and Bristol Dragway in Tennessee, respectively.
The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals will be held July 7-9 at Bandimere Speedway, while the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Finals will take place three weeks later, July 28-30 at Bristol Dragway.
In addition to the racing competition on the track, both tracks also will be hosting additional activities and events on and off the track, making for a fun-filled weekend for everyone participating.
“We are exited the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern and Western Conference Finals are returning to two such great drag racing facilities,” said Eric Lotz, NHRA director of Field Marketing and Contingency Programs. “Every year these two facilities find new ways to improve and make these two great events even better for the racers and their families. The Jr. Drag Racing League and all of NHRA Drag Racing is truly a family sport and we look forward to returning to both Bandimere Speedway and Bristol Dragway.”
The Western Conference Finals have been at Bandimere Speedway since NHRA adopted the Eastern/Western format in 2000 and Bristol Dragway first hosted the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004. Nearly 1,000 kids compete for individual and team honors at the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern and Western Conference Finals, and nearly $100,000 in savings bonds are given away at each event.
“Bandimere Speedway is again proud to have the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals anchor the center of our 2011 season,” said Bandimere Speedway vice president and general manager, John Bandimere III. “The growth and success of Jr. Racing is monumental to growing our sport on all levels and we are continually amazed to see these young men and women take the sport to new levels. Aside from the competition, the friendship and camaraderie that develops from this event is something that money can’t buy and will be carried by these racers for years to come.”
“We are excited about the return of the Jr. Drag Racing League Eastern Conference Finals to Thunder Valley,” said Julie Bennett, vice president, Bristol Dragway. “We know these drivers are the future of our sport and being able to provide them and their families with our famous Bristol hospitality is an honor. We know Jr. Dragsters have launched the careers of many drivers and we are proud to help continue that tradition. You never know, the next Larry Dixon or Ashley Force Hood may win the first Wally of his or her career here in Thunder Valley.”
Created in 1992, the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League allows kids between the ages of 8 and 17 to experience the thrill of motorsports competition in a controlled environment at tracks in each of NHRA’s seven geographic divisions. The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League creates family involvement in drag racing at an affordable level. Many of the league’s former participants have gone on to compete in other NHRA classes. Top Fuel racers Del Cox Jr., Shawn Langdon (a two-time Super Comp national champion), Morgan Lucas, and Spencer Massey; Pro Stock drivers Erica Enders, Danny Gruninger, Rickie Jones, and Richie Stevens Jr.; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Katie Sullivan; eight-time national event winner Brad Plourd; and three-time Division 3 Top Alcohol Funny Car champion Mick Snyder are among the league’s graduates.
