Officials from Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) have announced the addition of a new sportsman drag racing event to be held at The Strip at LVMS. The new event, known as the Las Vegas NHRA Sportsman Open, will be contested on Saturday, June 17.

"We are extremely excited to host another major drag-racing event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway," said Chris Blair, LVMS' senior director of drag racing operations. "This event will provide the traditional sportsman racer with another chance to earn a valuable NHRA 'Wally' trophy while also offering a first-time opportunity for racers who regularly compete in nostalgia, bracket and Pro Street categories. This event is based solely on everyone having a great time at the drag races."

In addition to the sportsman event on Saturday, the track also will host The Las Vegas NHRA Bracket Open on Sunday, June 18. The Father's Day event will offer competition in traditional bracket classes as well as provide an opportunity for drag racing associations to compete at The Strip.

"The complete class schedule and purse payout structure will be released in early March once we finalize details with the various associations interested in the race," said NHRA Pacific Division Director Mike Rice. "We hope this unique opportunity will open the door for a wider range of participation from non-traditional NHRA racers."

Event Schedule (Subject to change)
Friday, June 16

4-10 p.m. -- Test 'n' Tune.

10 p.m.-2 a.m. - BFGoodrich Midnight Mayhem Summer Kick-off Party.

Saturday, June 17

9 a.m.-5 p.m. -- Las Vegas NHRA Sportsman Open time trials.

6 p.m. - Eliminations.

Sunday, June 18

9 a.m.-Noon - Las Vegas NHRA Bracket Open time trials.