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NHRA: Keystone Nationals contract extended

11 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
MOHNTON, Pa. - The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and Maple Grove Raceway have reached a multi-year agreement to extend the popular NHRA Keystone Nationals into the 21st century, NHRA President Tom Compton announced.

The NHRA Keystone Nationals has been held annually at the picturesque facility located south of Reading, Pa., since 1985. The 16th annual NHRA Keystone Nationals, the 18th of 23 events in the $45 million NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series, is scheduled for Sept. 14-17, 2000.

"The NHRA Keystone Nationals is an important event in our 23-race NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series," said Compton. "We're proud to have the opportunity to continue to provide the loyal fans of the Pennsylvania region with exciting side-by-side competition for many years to come. We're certain that Maple Grove Raceway will continue to build on its great legacy as one of the historic events on our national event tour."

Several milestone performances have taken place during the NHRA Keystone Nationals, including the first 4.70-second Top Fuel run; the first side-by-side four-second Top Fuel race; and the first side-by-side 300 mph race in Top Fuel.

An event record crowd of more than 116,000 watched hometown favorite Joe Amato, from nearby Exeter, Pa., earn his first Top Fuel victory at the historic track (50th win overall) last season. Other '99 winners included Tommy Johnson Jr. in Funny Car; Jeg Coughlin in Pro Stock; and Matt Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

"Over the years Maple Grove Raceway has developed a rich tradition with the NHRA," said George Case, vice president and general manager of Maple Grove Raceway. "We're thrilled with the extension of the NHRA Keystone Nationals during this exciting time of growth for the sport of drag racing. We're looking forward to maintaining our reputation as one of the premier events on the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series."

Maple Grove Raceway officials are already planning for future modifications for the 38-year-old facility. The multi-year plan calls for improvements to the grandstands and track towers, among others.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 85,000 racers and members nationwide and 142 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages eight to 17.

Text provided by NHRA

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.