By LEWIS SPEARMAN
MONT BELVIEU Houston Raceway Park is kicking off the quarter mile season this weekend in segway for the NHRA O’Rielly Spring Nationals to come March 21.
As a complete aside, when one considers what businesses bring in extra business to the area, consider that the O’Rielly Spring Nationals, as of two weeks ago, had booked all area lodging as far as Channelview for the event.
Drag Illustrated Dragpalooza IV, the first of nine national events this year for the Flowmaster American Drag Racing League (ADRL) includes four eighth-mile drag racing classes: Pro Extreme Motorcycle, Extreme 10.5, Pro Nitrous and Pro Extreme, the quickest and fastest doorslammer class in the world. The event is presented by the National Guard.
On Friday, March 7, pit gates open 8 a.m. Spectator gates open 9 a.m. Pre-Qualifying Ceremonies at 7:45 p.m. Pro Qualifying Round 1 at 8 p.m. Jet Car one run at 10:15 p.m.
Tickets are free at Highlands Tractor Kawasaki while they last and more than 70 Houston area Discount Tire locations, or HRP box office until Mar. 6; Friday at track: Adults $10, Children 6-12 $5; Saturday at track: Adults $25, Children 6-12 $5; Two-day pass at track: Adults $30, Children 6-12 $10; All children under 6 free; General parking $5; All tickets include pit access and free copy of Adrenaline magazine, official publication of the ADRL (while supplies last).
Pit gates open 8 a.m. on Saturday for event parking. Spectator gates open 9 a.m. Pro Qualifying Round 2 starts at noon. Pro Qualifying Round 3 at 2 p.m. Pro Eliminations Round 1 at 4 p.m. Pre-Race Ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. Pro Eliminations continue at 7 p.m. Jet Car runs at 8:15 p.m. Pro Eliminations continue at 9 p.m. Jet Car runs at 10:15 p.m. Winners Circle Party from 10:25 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets are free at Highlands Tractor Kawasaki while they last and more than 70 Houston area Discount Tire locations, or HRP box office until Mar. 6; Friday at track: Adults $10, Children 6-12 $5; Saturday at track: Adults $25, Children 6-12 $5; Two-day pass at track: Adults $30, Children 6-12 $10; All children under 6 free; General parking $5; All tickets include pit access and free copy of Adrenaline magazine, official publication of the ADRL (while supplies last).
Call Houston Raceway Park (281) 383-7223 for more information.