Racing

Dixon looks to maintain his points lead in Top Fuel heading into St. Louis; Gateway International Raceway and NHRA are providing a 15% discount to active-duty and retired service members for this weekend’s AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals; NHRA has rescheduled the conclusion of the NHRA Arizona Nationals for most competitors in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to Monday, July 19, following the 23rd annual Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, scheduled for July 16–18; and more news from the NHRA.

Seventy-eight cars comprise the 40 entries filed for the 2010 Indianapolis 500, including four past winners and four women.

Indianapolis 500 adopts new “shootout-style” qualifying format this year; Kasey Kahn to join Hendrick Motorsports for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driving the No. 5 Chevrolet; Adams-Hansen Inc. purchased Rice Lake Speedway from former owners Smith-Bisonette Inc.; and more racing news.

John Force takes win in Vegas snapping his spring curse on the strip; NHRA will go four-wide in Charlotte in all four Full Throttle categories for 2011; and more news from the NHRA.

NHRA’s Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) says it will not participate in another four-wide competition for points; North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue creates the Governor’s Motorsports Advisory Council designed to protect and expand the motorsports industry in North Carolina;  the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium received a $32,000 grant to conduct a study and plan for preservation of the stadium in Paterson, New Jersey; and more racing news.

Funny Car driver and sophomore sensation Matt Hagan powered his DieHard Dodge Charger to his first career win while Top Fuel veteran Larry Dixon became only the eighth driver in NHRA history to earn 50 career wins with his victory over Antron Brown at Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park.

Kevin Harvick (Nationwide) and Kyle Busch (Trucks) sweep two major NASCAR events last weekend; the SFI Foundation Inc. gives all clear for teams and drivers to use Impact Racing gear purchased in 2009 and 2010; bad weather and track conditions spoil Eldora Speedway’s opening weekend; John Andretti and Bruno Junqueira land rides for the Indianapolis 500; and more racing news. 

Capt. Mark Kelly, NASA Astronaut, is the grand marshal at the 23rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals this weekend at Houston Raceway Park; NHRA drivers are ready for the 23rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park; preferred seating offered for advanced ticket purchases at NHRA Unleashed events; and more news from the NHRA.