National Dragster: Special features added to season closer

POMONA - In celebration of the landmark 40th anniversary of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway Nov. 11-14, several bonus features and fan-friendly attractions will highlight the season-ending event of the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

In addition to exciting side-by-side quarter-mile action on the dragstrip by more than 500 race cars, NHRA fans will be treated to a blast from the past when four legendary Fuel Altereds and four Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters' race down the strip in thrilling exhibition runs. The Marcellus & Borsch Winged Express, Rat Trap, Nanook, and Bradford's Fiat Fuel Altereds will run Friday and Saturday. Nitro Thunder, Runnin' Wild, the Plaza Hotel & Casino Special, and the Tedford & McGee Special Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters will run Saturday and Sunday.

In the Car Corral will be a variety of restored hot rods and vintage automobiles, including some of the memorable race cars that helped establish NHRA Championship Drag Racing. NHRA fans also can get up close and personal with their quarter-mile heroes; many of drag racing's pioneers and NHRA's biggest stars from the past will be participating in special autograph sessions scheduled throughout the event.

A new feature, sure to be a hit with NHRA fans, will be showcased on Sunday. In what's called the Line of Fire, a special assembly of front-engine nostalgia dragsters will line the track and be started simultaneously. The thunderous roar of engines revving together and the flames they produce will illuminate the Southern California sky.

The special features and attractions will add to the many interactive opportunities that NHRA fans can enjoy during the Finals. NHRA's popular Nitro Alley offers a variety of interactive displays, including fan-favorite attractions offered by POWERade and the U.S. Army. NHRA fans enjoy unprecedented access to race team pit areas and can watch as race mechanics rebuild and service their race cars between rounds. Fans also can meet current drivers, team owners, and team members and get autographs throughout the weekend. Spectacular fireworks displays will be showcased following each day of racing. The NHRA Manufacturers Midway offers hot rod enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase the latest high-performance parts and racing souvenirs.

NHRA fans can take Southern California's regional commuter rail service Metrolink to and from the racetrack each day. For train schedules and directions to the nearest Metrolink station, log on to www.metrolinktrains.com or call (800) 371-LINK.

For Finals tickets, call (800) 884-NHRA. For event information, log on to NHRA.com.