Since Larry Carrier envisioned cutting a drag strip through the middle of an eastern Tennessee valley in the 1960s, the drag strip formerly known as Thunder Valley has provided entertainment and significant marketing value to attract drag racing fans. 

For the next few drag racing seasons, Super Grip, a Piney Flats, Tenn. corporation that is a worldwide leader in creating high-quality tires for the industrial tire market, intends to take advantage of this value. 

On Tuesday, officials from Bristol Dragway, NHRA, and Super Grip announced today a multi-year partnership agreement that names Super Grip the entitlement sponsor for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, June 7-9, 2024.

Weather.com and local forecasters apparently aren’t doing the job for NHRA.

NHRA announced on Tuesday that it will employ BAM Weather (BAMWX.com) to provide weather data and forecasts. BAM Weather will provide weather data, forecasting, and support through its platform, Clarity, for NHRA operations.

“We’re excited to add BAM Weather as a partner for the NHRA,” NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration Josh Peterson said. “The weather is a huge factor in our sport, and their experts and standout technology ensure we will have the proper tools to make the most accurate weather assessments possible. Working with BAM Weather will allow us to make proactive weather-related decisions when it comes to our events as well.”

A longstanding attribute of Jim Dunn Racing has been its ability to leverage national and local partnerships on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. At the upcoming NHRA Vegas Four Wide Nationals, the long-running team and its new driver, Buddy Hull, will be rolling local. 

Jim Dunn Racing plans to kill them with Kindness. 

Competition Plus’ Water-Cooler Topics From The NHRA Arizona Nationals from Phoenix, AZ.

Peer pressure can be a mother. 

And when you’re the minority motorsports representative in a world of oval track racing. When they win, you have no choice but to win. 

Anderson, at 62, thought he was done with peer pressure. But it’s really no big deal when the pressure is to win and you’re the winningest driver in the class. 

By beating teammate Dallas Glenn in the final round, Anderson gave Hendrick Motorsports a two-series sweep Sunday. After watching snippets of the Martinsville race, the now 104-time winner said he felt the pressure to perform. His Hendrick Motorsports brothers William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott posted a 1-2-3 finish as the team was marking its 40th anniversary in the Cup Series.

Kevin Rivenbark has his place in drag racing history. 

Rivenbark, of Wallace, NC, made his trip to Phoenix, AZ., a monumental one as he claimed the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod title at Firebird Motorsports Park by not only scoring his first career victory but also winning the first event featuring the volatile doorslammers at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. 

Going into the NHRA Arizona Nationals, finishing one race, and then concluding the original was going to be a challenge of logistical proportions. In the end, it was Austin Prock delivering a veteran-style display of domination as a rookie. 

Prock stopped last Arizona Nationals champion Alexis DeJoria for his monumental victory. 

Joining Prock in the winner’s circle was Top Fuel racer Shawn Langdon picking up his second win of the season and Pro Stock icon Greg Anderson broke through for his first win of the season, and No. 104 for the season. 

Prock won from the No. 1 qualifying position, running 3.952 seconds at 320.74 mph to get past DeJoria in his second final round this season. He made his way to the final round after beating Buddy Hull, Daniel Wilkerson, and points leader J.R. Todd to reach the finals.