The popular and exotic Crower Pro Mod class returns to the IHRA at Bradenton and also will be contested at Palm Beach.
Topping the stellar list of 260-mile-per-hour AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car entries is former champion Paul Romine and defending champion and current points leader Jason Rupert of Yorba Linda, Calif. Rupert, driver of the Black Plague 1969 Camaro Funny Car, finished runner-up to Mike McIntire at the Nitro Jam season-opener in Tucson in February. McIntire returns to the tour after sitting out the recent Baton Rouge event last month due to family illness. McIntire set a new national record en route to victory in Tucson in February.
Drag racing also includes the Nitro Harley class and Jet Dragsters. The nitromethane-burning Harley-Davidson drag bikes easily reach 200 miles per hour while the 5,000-horsepower jet-powered dragsters are capable of reaching 300 miles per hour in the quarter mile.
Speed records are expected to be shattered thanks to the Florida tracks’ close proximity to sea level.
The shows also will include spectacular, flame-belching runs by the U.S. Fire Force jet-powered fire truck. The antique 1940 Ford fire truck is powered by not one, but two jet engines and its top speed of 407 miles per hour was recorded recently on an old WW II airstrip.
The IHRA pit experience allows fans to tour the pit area, meet the drivers and take part in a number of fun family activities. A special attraction this year is the renowned Hollywood Cars of the Stars collection from the Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection. The exhibit will include famous television and motion picture cars including the TV Batmobile from 1966, the General Lee Dodge Charger from the Dukes of Hazzard TV series and the DeLorean time machine from the 1985 cinema hit, Back to the Future.
Fans may save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Kids (ages 6-12) tickets are only $10.
SCHEDULE:
IHRA NITRO JAM SOUTHERN NATIONALS – Bradenton, Florida
Friday, April 17
Pre-race ceremonies – 6:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 7 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 18:
Third round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 2 p.m.
Pre-race ceremonies – 4:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 5 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 7 p.m.
Final round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 8:30 p.m.
IHRA Nitro Jam Palm Beach Nationals Presented By Sunoco Race Fuels -- Palm Beach International Raceway
Friday, April 24
Pre-race ceremonies – 6:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 7 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
Third round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 2 p.m.
Pre-race ceremonies – 4:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 5 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 7 p.m.
Final round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 8:30 p.m.
Schedules subject to change.
TICKETS: AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – KIDS TICKETS ARE ONLY $10.
ADVANCE TICKET PRICES
Friday Adult -- $20.
Friday Child (ages 6-12) -- $10.
Saturday Adult -- $25.
Saturday Child (ages 6-12) -- $10.
All tickets include a free pit pass.
Bradenton Motorsports Park is located at 21000 SR 64 in Bradenton, Florida. For more information, please call (941) 748-1320 or visit www.bradentonmotorsports.com.
Palm Beach International Raceway is located at 17133 Beeline Highway in Jupiter, Florida. For more information, please call (561) 622-1400 or visit www.racepbir.com.