FORD THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS RETURN TO BRISTOL DRAGWAY ON FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND IN 2012
BRISTOL, Tenn. (Thursday, September 08, 2011) –NHRA officials today announced the 2012 Ford Thunder Valley Nationals presented by the Tri-Cities Area Ford Dealers once again return to the popular Father’s Day weekend slot on the schedule. Thunder Valley will welcome the stars of the NHRA June 15-17, 2012 in what has become one of the most anticipated stops on the calendar for both drivers and fans.
Bristol Dragway first hosted the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals on Father’s Day weekend in 2010, and the holiday proved to be the perfect time for NHRA to visit Thunder Valley.
Because of the special day, Dragway officials are able to plan several unique Father’s Day-themed events to coincide with the race. Additionally, the summer date provides families the chance to plan a vacation to include all the excitement of the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.
Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Dragway Executive Vice-President and General Manager, said the date provides families an even greater Thunder Valley experience.
“We are excited to continue our Father’s Day traditions here in Thunder Valley,” Caldwell said. “I don’t think there is any better way to spend the holiday than by bringing dad to Bristol Dragway to see 8,000-horsepower machines roaring through the valley.
“The drivers and crews are some of the most fan-oriented athletes in any sport, so Father’s Day weekend is the ideal date to bring the whole family out as we host all of our friends from NHRA.”
The 2012 edition of the Ford Thunder Valley Nationals marks the 12th annual event in Bristol.
ESPN2 and ESPN2HD, a part of the ESPN network, the worldwide leader in sports, will again provide exclusive television coverage, on a same-day basis, of all NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events featuring action from qualifying rounds on Saturday and Sunday’s race.
Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011. As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 22 national events featuring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.
For more information about Bristol Dragway events, please call (423) 764-DRAG or visit www.bristoldragway.com.
