Pro Stock Motorcycles Ready to Kick off Western Swing

Boasting one of the most unique challenges in motorsports, legendary Bandimere Speedway once again plays host to the upcoming 42nd annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals as the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series returns to Thunder Mountain on July 15-17.

 

It is the 11th of 22 races during the 2022 season, as the NHRA reaches the halfway mark of the year and kicks off the famed three-race NHRA Western Swing that also includes stops at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and Pacific Raceways in Seattle.

 

The race at Bandimere Speedway has been considered a special event for more than four decades, with competitors racing at an elevation of nearly 6,000-feet in front of a packed house in Denver. The elevation affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, posing one of the biggest challenges of the year, but racing in the Rocky Mountains also provides some of the biggest thrills of the racing season. This year, fans will get to enjoy the excitement of 330-mph racing under the lights on Thunder Mountain, four rounds of qualifying and then final eliminations on Sunday.

 

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won the 2021 event, and this year’s race be broadcast on both the FOX broadcast network and Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including live eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 17 on FOX.

 

Smith went 13 years between Denver wins, but the defending world champ in Pro Stock Motorcycle impressed last year with his victory. He’ll look to keep rolling on Thunder Mountain and pick up his second win of 2022. But Smith will have his hands full against a loaded lineup that includes rival and points leader Steve Johnson, who has never won in Denver, Norwalk winner Angelle Sampey, Angie Smith, four-time race winner Eddie Krawiec, Joey Gladstone, Jerry Savoie, and Gainesville winner Karen Stoffer.

 

Race fans at Bandimere Speedway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals event winners.

 

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Denver. This unique opportunity gives fans a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. The new Pep Boys midway display will include tire change challenges, oil change challenges, a slot car track and much more, adding even more excitement to the midway.

 

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. MT on Friday, July 15 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 16 at 2:30 and 6 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. MT on Sunday, July 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday, 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET Sunday.

 

To purchase tickets to the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals, fans can visit www.bandimere.com or call 800-664-8946. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.