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New Tree, Legends, Pancakes, 32,000 HP Highlight NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

CONCORD, N.C. (April 12, 2011) – Fans will get to witness the
fastest accelerating machines on the planet compete four-wide at the
Bellagio of drag strips when the second annual VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA
Four-Wide Nationals return to zMAX Dragway this weekend.

In addition to the one-of-a-kind racing action on the world’s
only four-lane, all-concrete drag strip, zMAX Dragway will have plenty
of activities for fans to enjoy throughout the high-octane weekend.

NHRA Debuts New Tree for Four-Wide Nationals
In a change from the inaugural event, the NHRA will debut a new
Christmas Tree during the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.
Instead of the usual separate pre-staging and staging bulbs, the new
Tree will include one row of four large circles of LED lights to
indicate the pre-staging and staging of the cars in all four lanes. When
a car pre-stages, the top half of each circle will light up and once the
car stages the entire circle of LED lights will illuminate. This will
take place in each respective lane with the Tree reading left to right
to coincide with the lanes on the track.

Legends Walk Features Four Legends in Four Lanes
Die-hard drag racing fans’ dreams will come true when they have
the opportunity to walk alongside drag racing legends Shirley Muldowney,
Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta on the world’s only
four-lane concrete drag strip, at 10:30 a.m. prior to eliminations on
Sunday.

While fans are sure to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity, the legends walk is something the current NHRA stars look
forward to as well.

“I can’t wait for this legends walk because I am going to be out
there, cheering with the fans,” said 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion
John Force. “This is a rare moment in history when we get to see all
four of these legends together and it’s a moment to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of the NHRA and those four are the sport’s biggest stars
ever.”

“Those are the legends that built the sport for us and we truly
appreciate that,” added seven-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher.
“I’m going to be there getting my autographs too because they are great
people and great drivers and we all enjoy following in their footsteps.”

The track walk will be hosted by NHRA announcer and journalist
Bob Frey. Fans that purchase a $45 or $55 Sunday grandstand ticket can
share a walk down the Bellagio of drag strips with some of the biggest
names in drag racing history. Check-in will be at 10 a.m. in the staging
lanes in front of the John Force Grandstand.

Autograph Sessions Feature the Four NHRA Legends
All four NHRA legends will be on hand throughout the weekend for
meet-and-greets and autograph sessions as part of the NHRA’s 60th
anniversary celebration.

Autograph sessions with the legends will be located in the
pavilion behind the John Force Grandstand and adjacent to the staging
lanes. Kenny Bernstein and Connie Kalitta will sign autographs from 11
a.m. to noon on Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Shirley
Muldowney and Don Garlits will sign from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday and 11
a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Nostalgia Display Gives a Tour of NHRA History
Fans who attend the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide
Nationals will be treated to a special nostalgic hot rod display that
celebrates NHRA’s 60th anniversary.

The display will consist of 15 nostalgia drag cars from Top Fuel
through Super Stock plus 15 show cars. Headlining the cars are the
AA/Fuel Dragster of 2009 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion honoree
Jerry Baltes, the Bill Klein/Bob Billbow AA/D Dragster and Dave Huber’s
1960 Dragmaster A/Dragster.

In addition to the display, the event will also feature a
vintage car corral and a parade of classic cars.

Second Annual Hot Rods and Hot Cakes
B.R.A.K.E.S. and Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) will
partner again to hold the Second Annual Hot Rods and Hot Cakes Breakfast
on Saturday at zMAX Dragway during the VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA
Four-Wide Nationals.

The pancake breakfast fundraiser will be in Don Schumacher
Racing’s hospitality tent from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. NHRA drivers, owners
and crew chiefs will join fans for the breakfast, which will raise funds
to benefit B.R.A.K.E.S and SCC.

“Last year we weren’t sure what to expect with the pancake
breakfast but we had such a great turnout. The fans really came out to
support us,” said Doug Herbert, founder of B.R.A.K.E.S. “We had about
15 drivers there to eat breakfast and hang out with the fans; we even
had Shirley Muldowney serving pancakes!”

Tickets for the event may be purchased in advance for $10 at
www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org or the day of for $15 at the door.
Sponsorships are available. For more information contact Sara Fensterer
at B.R.A.K.E.S. at (704) 732-8950.

Tickets for this weekend’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide
Nationals are still available at www.zmaxdragway.com or by phone at
1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can buy three tickets and get one free for
any day or buy two tickets, two Coca-Colas and two hotdogs for just $60.

Connect with zMAX Dragway and stay up to speed with all the
happenings at the Bellagio of drag strips on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/zmaxdragway and on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/zmaxdragway.

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