North American Nationals Added to 1998 IHRA Schedule
28 January 1998
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The North American Nationals are back.After a four-year hiatus, New England Dragway will return to the International Hot Rod Association Snap-on Tools Championship Drag Racing Series schedule, sanctioning body officials announced Monday.
The quarter-mile track, located in the southeastern New Hampshire town of Epping, will host the North American Nationals Sept. 11-13, increasing IHRA's 1998 national event schedule to 10 races. In 1992 and 1993 IHRA held two events at the facility during each season, featuring the North American Nationals and the Northeast Nitrous Nationals. Those races were some of the largest attended events in IHRA history.
New England Dragway General Manager Larry Bean said he and his staff had been patiently waiting for the right time to align with IHRA again. When new IHRA President Bill Bader telephoned him over a week ago, he knew that was the call he had been waiting for.
"We believe strongly in the new direction of IHRA with Bill Bader leading the way," Bean said. "We're thrilled to be a part of the IHRA Snap-on Tools Championship Drag Racing Series for 1998 and beyond."
One of the first priorities on Bader's agenda once he assumed control of IHRA on Jan. 9 was acquiring additional facilities. New England Dragway was at the top of his list.
"IHRA is extremely pleased to be able to sanction a quality facility like New England Dragway and at the same time add it to our 1998 national event schedule," Bader said. "We're also excited about returning to the Northeast and bringing our entertainment package to the many IHRA fans in that area."
New England Dragway is located on Route 27 at exit 8 off Route 101 (two miles east of Route 125) in Epping, N.H. For additional track information call (603) 679-8001.
