The NHRA heads east to Gainesville, Florida for the third event on the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, the historic Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals, taking place Thursday through Sunday, March 14th through 17th at Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville. The Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock categories will be joined for the first time this season by the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, as well as the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mods.
Defending race winners Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all return to Gainesville to defend their titles. While some drivers, like Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Ron Capps (Funny Car) look to continue their early season momentum, others, like 2012 Funny Car champ Jack Beckman, look to get a jumpstart on what has so far been a rough season.
The NHRA will host another Nitro Pit Party and Press Conference on Friday, March 15th at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Nitro Pits. Throughout the weekend, fans can check out the Hot Rod Junction display, featuring nostalgia race cars and hot rods; there will also be two Legends of Drag Racing autograph sessions on Friday and Saturday, at 1:30 p.m. ET both days.
There is a special Track Walk on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. ET – visit the Darrell Gwynn Foundation display in the midway to make a donation and participate in the Track Walk.
Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series qualifying gets underway Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, continuing at 8 a.m. ET on Friday. Pro qualifying gets underway Friday at noon and 2:15 p.m. ET, followed by Pro Mod qualifying at 1:45 and 4 p.m. ET. The Sportsman classes take to the track again on Saturday at 8 a.m. ET, followed by Pro Mod qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET and round one of eliminations at 1:45 p.m. ET; pro qualifying continues at noon and 2:15 p.m. ET. Eliminations begin Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
Tickets are still available for the NHRA Gatornationals – find out more at www.autoplusraceway.com. Stay up-to-date with the NHRA at www.nhra.com.
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