SEATTLE, WA – June 15, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – For the first time at Pacific Raceways, fans will be treated to night racing from the nitro-burning machines of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals, July 19-21.
The NHRA Northwest Nationals marks the 11th event of the 2024 season and will feature night qualifying for the first time to kick off an incredible weekend. Fans will see nitro cars like never before with huge header flames under the lights in their 330-mph, 11,000-horsepower machines, as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle and the return of Pro Stock. Combined, it’s the first time all four NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series classes will race at Pacific Raceway during the same weekend in NHRA history.
The weekend kicks off with a fan fest at Auburn Outlets Collection on Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. PT, where fans can meet their drag racing heroes. On Friday between qualifying sessions, fans can take part in a special SealMaster Track Walk and an autograph power hour in the pro pits, while the nitro at night qualifying session will give fans an opportunity to win a unique wristwatch from Ben Bridge Jewelers TAG Heuer.
Add in the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday, and it marks one of the biggest NHRA race weekends in Pacific Raceways history.
Last season, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Seattle and this year’s race will be shown on FS1 and the FOX, including eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 21.
Torrence, a four-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, powered to a win when he defeated Doug Kalitta in the finals last year. Torrence will be on the hunt for his third Seattle win and to do so, he’ll need to get past the tough field of competitors including Kalitta, the reigning world champion, Justin Ashley and Shawn Langdon, both with two wins on the season, Bristol winner Tony Schumacher and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.
Wilkerson stepped out of his Funny Car and handed driving responsibilities to his son Daniel, who has a runner-up finish this season from Charlotte. If he wants to defend the Wilkerson win in Seattle, he’ll have to get by points leader Austin Prock, who also joined the Funny Car ranks this season, as well as 16-time world champ John Force, J.R. Todd and reigning champion Matt Hagan, Ron Capps and Bob Tasca III.
Herrera has dominated the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motor Sports NewsWire…