Rockingham II: Finale preview

Drag Racing's $2.1 Million Dollar Weekend; A total of $2,186,425.00 on the line at Rockingham Dragway for the IHRA World Finals

Norwalk, Ohio (Sept. 22, 2008) -- Rockingham Dragway is among the most historic, revered venues in American motor sports. It seems fitting that one of the most hotly-contested seasons in IHRA history will come to a conclusion at Steve Earwood's quarter-mile strip in south-central North Carolina. It's also fitting that this season's final race will be one of the richest in drag racing history as over $2 million will be up for grabs at the World Finals.

The Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car, Pro Modified and Pro Stock world championships all remain very much up for grabs heading into Rockingham. As an added bonus the final of the $100,000 Torco Pro Stock Showdown will be run off, along with the final run-off of the Summit SuperSeries sportsman world championship.

"We're gearing up for one of the most exciting weekends in the history of this sanctioning body," IHRA president Aaron Polburn said. "And I can't think of a more suitable venue than Rockingham Dragway. It's right smack in the middle of the 'cradle of motor sports' and you will not find more passionate fans anywhere. I am so proud of what our drivers have done this season, they have worked so hard to make this a great racing year. I'll be on the edge of my seat in Rockingham as these points chases shake out."

When the professional rounds start, both qualifying and eliminations, those in attendance will not want to miss any of the action. As tight as the points chases are each session will be critical, starting with the first evening qualifying session Friday evening. Five "Last Man Standing" bonus points are up for grabs in each evening qualifying session this season, points that could go a long way towards determining who will take home world championships.

Rookie Spencer Massey will head to Rockingham Dragway as the Top Fuel points leader. Massey, who has won three national events this season, will look to make his 65-point lead over defending world champion Bruce Litton stand up. Terry Haddock is looking for his first career Nitro Funny Car world championship and leads Matt Hagan by 65 points heading into the season finale.

The Pro Modified and Pro Stock points races are tight as well. Kenny Lang holds a 21-point lead over Mike Castellana in the Pro Mod points chase while Pete Berner leads Jeff Dobbins by 25 points and John Montecalvo by 101 points in the Pro Stock class.

"We look forward to watching these points races unfold," Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood said. "These drivers have worked their tails off all season, wanting to put themselves in position to go after a world championship at the World Finals. One thing's for sure, they're going to throw everything they have at the track and aren't going to leave anything in the tank. There's no holding back and worrying about the next race anymore...this is it, where it's all going to be settled."

Not only will the world championships be settled, Pete Berner and John Montecalvo will be going head-to-head in the final round of the $100,000 Torco Pro Stock Showdown. The winner will take home a $50,000 check while the runner-up will pocket $20,000.

The sportsmen will get into the game as well as the run-off of the $250,000 Summit SuperSeries sportsman world championship will take place during the World Finals. When the total purses are broken down and contingency figured in there will be over $2.1 million out there for the taking between the professional and sportsman racers.

"That's quite a bit of money and yet another reason I expect our drivers to really lay it on the line at the World Finals," Polburn said. "There's a lot of prestige involved in winning a world championship, and those who have won championships will tell you it was something you could never put a dollar amount on. But over $2 million is a nice chunk of change for them to shoot for."

The 2008 IHRA World Finals will take place at Rockingham Dragway Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19. To purchase tickets please visit the World Finals event page on www.nitrojam.com. You can also get coupons for $10 off your Friday or Sunday ticket at 170 Wendy's restaurants in North Carolina and in the Columbia, South Carolina area. For more information about the World Finals or Rockingham Dragway please visit www.rockinghamdragway.com.

-credit: ihra