NHRA a big hit in Las Vegas

Very big crowds

The estimated crowd of 15,000 on Friday for the Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the biggest Friday crowd of the NHRA season, according to one NHRA official’s recollection.

While most tracks have suffered at least a 10-15 percent drop from last year, the crowd at the speedway seemed about the same as a year ago.

Saturday’s crowd was even bigger, likely to approach last year’s 18,000.

Some time today it’s expected the 18,000 reserved seats will be sold for Sunday’s championship elimination rounds. But general admission tickets that include pit access will be available through race day.

Happy Halloween

Costumes and trick-or-treating are special features today at the drags.

The best outfit I’ve seen so far is a guy dressed as NHRA’s “Wally” trophy, which is a gold-plated likeness of a racer in an old-style firesuit with hand resting on a drag racing slick. This guy had it all.

I’ll try to find out his name. When I saw him he was surrounded by folks taking a picture or being photographed with him.

Fighting at the drags

Drag racing history includes some fights in the pits, but it will be taken to a new level this weekend.

Boxing icon and current welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley and junior welterweight contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz will be on the midway today to meet fans before a Golden Boy Promotions boxing exhibition in the pit area with fighters Luis Ramos Jr., Charles Huerta, Ronny Rios and David Rodela.

It’s good to see another sport paying for the right to reach drag racing fans.

Also on hand Saturday was Frank Trigg of the UFC, and former wrestler — do they ever retire? — Ric Flair who was on the starting line Friday afternoon.

2010: Not cheaper but nice perks

The speedway has created unique incentives to get you to begin buying tickets for next year’s two NHRA pro tour events at Las Vegas.

The 2010 Season Ticket Power Package is being sold for the same price as this season but you also get the following: first choice in seating in 2011 and beyond; VIP parking with a designated exit route; members-only customer drag race during the fall NHRA Las Vegas Nationals; free commemorative poker chip at the spring and fall events; and free ticket to your choice of five of seven 2010 speedway events (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NHRA Heritage Series/Rockabilly Rod Reunion, the Dirt Track’s Duel in the Desert, Back-to-School Monster Truck Showdown, Bullring short-track events, the NHRA Div. 7 Lucas Oil Nationals and the NHRA Pro Stock Showdown.

The package is available for $274 for adult reserved seats and $650 for Platinum reserved. Ticket packages also are available for juniors (ages 6-12) and children (age 5 and under).

To purchase tickets or obtain additional information, call (702) 644-4444 or visit LVMS.com.