Making its first appearance at the track since 2009, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series had a memorable return to Virginia Motorsports Park in 2018 and will power back to the fan-favorite track in 2019 for the second annual NHRA Virginia Nationals, May 17-19.

It is the eighth of 24 events during the 2019 NHRA season and will be one to remember, as evidenced by a 2018 race that drew sold-out crowds, incredible action and remarkable performances on the brand new racing surface at the track. It led to one of the most exciting weekends of the NHRA regular season and more pulsating 10,000-horsepower, 330-mph action will return in 2019 to provide more of the same thrilling sights, sounds and adrenaline-fueled action.

The top stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will all compete for the coveted Wally trophy at a facility highly-regarded for its fast conditions. Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Courtney Force (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and LE Tonglet (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are last year’s winners of a race that will be televised on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) in 2019, including final eliminations coverage on Sunday, May 19.

Steve Torrence’s incredible Top Fuel season in 2018 included a world championship and also his first career victory at Virginia Motorsports Park. He beat Doug Kalitta, a former winner at the track, in the final round, setting up his dominant run through the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship where Torrence won the first five races. The Texan will look for a repeat in 2019 against Tony Schumacher, who also has a Virginia win, Clay Millican, Leah Pritchett, three-time world champ Antron Brown, Terry McMillen, Brittany Force, Mike Salinas and Richie Crampton.

In Funny Car, fans were treated to a thrilling Force verse Force duel in the final round, as Courtney Force knocked off her father, 16-time world champion John Force, to pick up her first win at the track. It was one of four wins in 2018 for Courtney, and she’ll look for a repeat victory in the loaded class. She also joined her father, Del Worsham and Cruz Pedregon as the only current drivers to win at Richmond, though a number of stars will look to change that in 2019, including J.R. Todd, 2017 world champ Robert Hight, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and Tommy Johnson Jr.

Pro Stock veterans Jason Line and Jeg Coughlin Jr. remain the only current winners in the class at Virginia Motorsports Park, and both enjoyed another solid season in 2018. Both will have championship aspirations in 2019 and a win at Richmond would help that

cause. Trying to prevent that will be a host of standout drivers, including two-time world champion Erica Enders, who was the runner-up at the race in 2018, Greg Anderson, a four-time world champ, Deric Kramer, who won two races in 2018, Chris McGaha, Matt Hartford, Vincent Nobile and Alex Laughlin.

Making its first appearance at the track since 1998, the talented riders in Pro Stock Motorcycle put on an entertaining show, as LE Tonglet ended up with the victory in 2018. It was another banner season for the former world champ Tonglet, who remained in championship contention throughout the Countdown to the Championship. Looking for their first victory in Richmond include a number of talented competitors, including 2017 world champ Eddie Krawiec, Matt Smith, three-time world champ Angelle Sampey, five-time champ Andrew Hines, Hector Arana Jr. and Jerry Savoie.

The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service makes the fifth of 12 stops in 2019 at Virginia Motorsports Park. Defending world champion Mike Janis is the also defending Pro Mod winner at the race. The event also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, showcasing the future stars of the sport.

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds on Friday, May 17, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, May 18. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 19.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also are available online at www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. All students can save 50 percent on general admission at the gate with a student ID. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more info about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.