Texas Motorplex sure knows how to do its singular NHRA race Texas large. While the official start of the 18th Mission Foods Drag Racing Series 2024 contest begins on the dragstrip October 11, there will be plenty to occupy fans of straight-line racing prior to the first car’s entry to the Motorplex’s pair of water boxes.
The action begins this weekend as the Stampede of Speed’s Stars of Texas music festival takes flight Friday through Sunday, October 4-6 at the track, with iconic music performances of Texas chart-toppers, together with unofficial Top Fuel and Funny Car races, Jr. bull riding, a barbecue contest, beer expo and night lantern releases all three evenings.
Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional sportsman races commence on Monday, October 7th, together with the Stampede Shootout, a best-of-the-best bracket race, continuing through Tuesday. On Wednesday, qualifying for the JEGS Allstar race, setting the stage for this 39th annual NHRA Texas FallNationals, and Wednesday night’s third annual Champion’s Dinner honors 2023 NHRA Texas winners Leah Pruett, Matt Hagan, Texas native Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera, with their gathering at the upscale Champions Club.
Thursday, October 10th offers a bevy of activities, both at the track – as Lucas Oil sportsman qualifying begins, showcasing JEGS All-Star talent. and in nearby Waxahachie, where the Pre-Stage Fan Fest takes place. Current and former World Champions in all four Mission Foods classes, as well as nearly two dozen former Texas FallNationals professional winners will meet with fans in town before going to work on Friday.
“Every year the Pre-Stage Fan Fest gets bigger and bigger,” Texas Motorplex co-owner Christie Meyer Johnson stated. “We love having so many drivers spend time with the fans before the race starts. Last year we added the JEGS All-Stars participants and now we have one of the largest autograph sessions in all motorsports. This year we have added Andy Ross to the main stage to rock out for all our fans in attendance.”
More than 50 NHRA stars have agreed to participate in the Fan Fest in Waxahachie, including many participants in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Texas Motorplex is the site of the fourth – of six – races in this battle for championships.
The accent is on local Texans Buddy Hull, Kebin Kinsley, Austin residents Alexis DeJoria and eight-time World Champion Top Fuel standout Tony Schumacher, who won last weekend’s race at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC. Temple, Texas’ Terry Haddock will also represent the Lone Star State, which he normally does with graphics on his Funny Car.
Some of the biggest names in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle are joining this Texas contingent, including championship contenders Austin Prock, Dallas Glenn, Aaron Stanfield, Tony Stewart, Shawn Langdon, J.R. Todd and Josh Hart. They’ll all be signing autographs for at least an hour and a half, starting at 7PM and lasting until 8:30PM CT. The free event takes place from 6-9PM and offers food trucks, live music and activities for the entire family.
By Anne Proffit
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