The traditional three-week NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Western Swing kicks off at the scenic Bandimere Speedway with the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 20-22. The 13th of 23 events in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series marks the middle of the season and one of the final regular season races where NHRA teams can race hard to qualify for the FUll Throttle Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s playoffs. Drivers in all four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – will race on the Top of the Mountain.

Last year at Bandimere, Karen Stoffer ended a four-year winless drought in Pro Stock Motorcycle by speeding to her sixth career victory on her GEICO Suzuki.

This year, fans will get to cheer for some of this season’s top contenders including the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson dynamic duo of Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines are trying to keep their stronghold on the competition as the two have won all six bike races this season and have three wins apiece.

The Full Throttle teams travel high and deep into the Rocky Mountains to more than 5,800 feet, where the altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics, to kick off the traditional three-week Western Swing. Crews must adapt their setups to power-making combinations and battle the lack of down force to tackle the unique racing environment. The event is a testament to the skill and adaptability of the racers and teams.

In addition to the racing action, there are a host of activities in celebration of the 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. On Thursday, July 19, fans are invited to attend the tradition-rich MOPAR Block Party in Downtown Golden from 6-11 p.m., featuring a live band, car displays, and a driver autograph session. There’s also the “Go Red for Women Track Walk” on Saturday morning prior to racing at 8:30 a.m. to bring awareness to heart disease(www.goredforwomen.org). This memorable experience gives fans the chance to walk the same track where NHRA drivers race at speeds of 300 mph and are joined by some of NHRA’s favorite drivers. The experience is free for all Saturday ticket holders.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to 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.

SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Friday, July 20 and will continue at 12:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 21. Final professional eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 22.

2011 EVENT WINNER: Karen Stoffer

TRACK RECORDS: PS Motorcycle – 7.238 seconds by Michael Phillips, July ’10; 186.54 mph by Ryan Schnitz, July ’05.

NATIONAL RECORDS: PS Motorcycle - 6.750 sec. by Eddie Krawiec, March ’12, Gainesville, Fla.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.

www.nhra.com