NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The intoxicating nitromethane-infused aroma of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will gust through the air of the Windy City as the world’s fastest motorsport returns to Route 66 Raceway for the K&N Filters Route 66 NHRA Nationals, July 7-10. The fan-favorite event will mark the official start of the second half of the 2016 season as the 13th of 24 events on the circuit.

 

The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will go head-to-head in pursuit of the coveted Wally trophy at the state-of-the-art motorsports facility located just south of Chicago. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Tommy Johnson Jr. (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will for the first time be televised nationally on FOX Sports 1.

 

Since Route 66 Raceway opened in 1998, Chicagoans have piled into the multipurpose facility to witness firsthand the 10,000-horsepower nitro-burning racecars power down the dragstrip in the world’s fastest motorsport. The race proves to be a show for the fans, but a test of strength and endurance for both NHRA teams and drivers, as it is the seventh race over a nine week span in the heart and heat of summer.

 

Chicago native Schumacher raced his U.S. Army dragster to victory in Top Fuel last season. Schumacher, a five-time Chicago winner and longtime resident of the city, defeated Larry Dixon in the final round to claim his third win of the year. The eight-time world champion and winningest Top Fuel driver in history capped 2015 off with three wins, four runner-up marks and a second place points finish. Schumacher, who has raced to just one final round this season, is currently fifth in points and will be determined to defend his event title in his hometown.

 

In Funny Car, Tommy Johnson Jr. sprinted to victory in Chicago by outlasting Matt Hagan in last year’s final at Route 66. The win was Johnson Jr.’s first of 2015 and helped jumpstart a stellar season for the driver of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Dodge Charger R/T. He finished the year third in the points standings after tallying two wins in a career-high eight final rounds. Johnson Jr. is currently fifth in points and will hope to spark another hot streak in the Windy City.

 

Pro Stock racer Allen Johnson raced to his first victory of the 2015 season in Chicago by sprinting past Larry Morgan. Johnson, driver of the Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart, raced to a runner-up finish in Epping and is currently fourth in points. He will have the chance to shake things up in the Pro Stock class by defending his Chicago title, but that will be quite the challenge in the new look Pro Stock class, which features fuel injected engines, 10,500 RPM rev-limiters, flat hoods and shortened wheelie bars.

 

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. raced to first victory of the season and second consecutive Route 66 Raceway victory by defeating Matt Smith in the final round at the track last year. Arana Jr. rode his Lucas Oil Buell to a fifth place points finish in 2015 with two victories and one runner-up finish. He will hope to make it a three-peat this year as he pursues his sixth straight Mello Yello Countdown to Championship appearance.

 

The K&N Filters Route 66 NHRA Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, including the popular and highly-competitive JEGS Allstars bonus event.

 

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand how the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

 

As part of NHRA’s ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Funny Car class, one legendary Funny Car driver will be honored during pre-race ceremonies.

 

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

 

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. on Friday, July 8, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 9, at 3:15 and 6 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 10.

 

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 888-629-RACE (7223) or 815-722-5500. Tickets also are available online at www.route66raceway.com. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.