The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to central Indiana for the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and an iconic Indianapolis landmark will pay homage to the event.
The Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) building, located on Monument Circle, will come alive with one of the most notable images of NHRA drag racing, the Christmas Tree, featured on the building.
Beginning at 4 a.m. on Aug. 27 the nine-story facade will feature animation of the stages of an NHRA Christmas Tree: pre-stage, stage, amber lights and the flash of green lights will be shown on both sides of the building. After the animation displays, ‘NHRA’ will scroll across the full building. The animation will run each night from dusk through dawn until Sept. 1.
The IPL building has featured animated displays during major events in central Indiana, holidays and other special occasions. IPL provides retail electric service to more than 470,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis and other central Indiana communities. The company and its people continue the tradition of supporting not-for-profits, community organizations and civic initiatives. As one of the area’s leading employers, IPL has sponsored major local events, led the way on economic development initiatives and supported city beautification and environmental efforts.
The most historic and tradition-rich event in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals has been contested annually since 1955 and in 2014 the fabled event will celebrate an important milestone anniversary.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebration, there will be very special tributes designed to recognize six of the most memorable moments in Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals history. In addition, the event will feature fan-favorite Cacklefests, vintage racecars on display in the Hot Rod Junction, autograph sessions with many of the legends of the sport, a Monday edition of the SealMaster NHRA Track Walk, fireworks displays, special social media contests and much more.
On the racetrack, the 60th anniversary Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals will feature intense side-by-side racing at more than 320 mph, as drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle compete for their share of the $2 million purse and battle for important world championship points. The race is the final regular season stop for the circuit and will establish the top 10 fields for the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Perhaps more importantly, drivers will compete to earn a permanent spot in NHRA history, as a Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals winner.
The race will also showcase the Traxxas Nitro Shootout, where the top drivers in Top Fuel and Funny Car will race for $100,000 bonuses, as well as the annual Mopar HEMI Challenge for Super Stock cars and thrilling competition in both the Lucas Oil Series and Pro Mod Series.
To purchase tickets for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, fans can contact NHRA’s Ticket Sales Center at (800) 884-NHRA (6472), or get their tickets online at www.NHRATIX.com.