zMAX Dragway is gearing up for its biggest, most action-packed season to date, hosting the world's best racers on two wheels and four, and bringing the unique spectacle of NHRA and MXGP racing to Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2016.
The high-octane excitement will be highlighted by the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals April 22-24, the NHRA Carolina Nationals Sept. 16-18 and the newly announced Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas Motocross race Sept. 2-4.
zMAX Dragway is the only four-lane, concrete drag strip on the planet, and the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is the only event where more than 40,000 horsepower (eclipsing the entire field at the Coca Cola 600) rumble through the fan-filled stadium. Last spring, drivers set three national records at zMAX Dragway that still stand, including the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle top speed of 199.88 mph by Hector Arana Jr.
"Bruton Smith has done a fantastic job at zMAX by introducing the only four-lane drag strip in NHRA history," 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force said during the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour presented by Technocom. "Like a kid going from a small baseball park to the Dodger's stadium, it makes you look around and say wow, this is what it's all about."
The Four-Wide Nationals is the perfect tune up for the Carolina Nationals, the first race in the NHRA Countdown, a six-race playoff to determine the season championships in all four pro categories (Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock, Funny Car and Top Fuel). Last year, the four Carolina Nationals winners went on to claim NHRA titles in their respective divisions, proving that a fast start in the Countdown is crucial for drivers competing for a world title.
"In 2015, we were able to come here to zMAX Dragway and win the battle royale of drag races," said NHRA Top Fuel driver Antron Brown, who swept both national events in 2015. "It's like winning in the Roman Coliseum. The stands are sky-high while the fans are looking down on you and the pressure is on."
This year the Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas will make its debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sept. 2-4.
The MXGP World Championship is the premier Motocross Championship in the world, where the series is run on 18 top race tracks in Europe, USA, Qatar, Thailand, Argentina and Mexico from February through September.
"Speedway Motorsports is committed to delivering fantastic, world-class events and over delivering for our fans," said Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager Marcus Smith. "The Monster Energy MXGP event is going to go down as the biggest Motocross event of 2016. This will be the ticket to have if you are a Motocross fan like myself."
The unique Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas course will be built across all four lanes of zMAX Dragway, and will feature 15 jumps that will send riders soaring 25 to 30 feet in the air, 12 tight turns and seven switchbacks that can deliver spills and lead changes, and straightaways where riders' speeds will top 55 mph.
To purchase tickets, camping and race-day upgrades, fans can call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
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