NHRA Full-Throttle Drag Racing Series to Visit zMAX Dragway Twice in 2010

(August 25, 2009) – Concord, NC – Drag racing fans will get a double shot of nitro at zMAX Dragway in 2010 as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series returns for two dates at the Bellagio of drag strips.

Speedway Motorsports, Inc. officials announced today that the premier drag racing facility will host two NHRA events next year. The first will be held March 25-28 and the third annual NHRA Carolinas Nationals is scheduled for Sept. 16-19. The addition of a second date makes zMAX Dragway one of only three drag strips to host two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events.

“Bringing the NHRA back in March will be a terrific boost to the area economy and an incredible kickoff to the 2010 event season for Lowe’s Motor Speedway,” said Bruton Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. “This will give hungry race fans a double shot of the world’s best drag racing at the world’s finest drag racing facility.”

The inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals produced standing-room-only crowds that packed zMAX Dragway and according to local tourism officials, pumped more than $12 million into the local economy. With the addition of a second NHRA event, zMAX Dragway’s projected economic impact for both weekends is more than $25 million.

“Charlotte is quickly becoming a motorsports capital in the United States, rivaled only by Indianapolis, and the reception we have received from the fans and the number of major sponsors and teams that use the area as a base lead us to believe that it will provide the market foundation for those two races to evolve into one of the two biggest events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. “The inaugural race in September last year featured special guests, packed stands and significant corporate hospitality opportunities.”

The newest venue on the NHRA schedule received acclaim from both fans and competitors during the inaugural NHRA weekend in September of 2008.

zMAX Dragway is the only facility in the world with four, all-concrete lanes and two pedestrian tunnels which enhance fan mobility. The Bellagio of drag strips also boasts 40 luxury suites and an enormous 34,000 square-foot starting-line tower.

“Bruton has invested big money in drag racing and I thank him for that,” said John Force, 14-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Funny Car champion. “He’s built a stadium that’s the Taj Mahal of our sport and it deserves two races. The facility is unbelievable. The fans love it, the teams love it, it’s well deserved and I’m glad it’s getting a second date.”

Tickets for the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event on March 25-28 and the third annual NHRA Carolinas Nationals on Sept. 16-19 can be purchased only by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Release
CONTACT: Scott Cooper
Adrian Parker
(704) 455-3209