Winternational Drag Racing Returns to Phoenix  

Phoenix , AZ – The American Racing Hot Rod Association will hold its Inaugural Event January 9-12, 2003 at Speedworld Motorplex in Phoenix AZ. ARHRA spokesman, Gary Sprinzl announced that after more than  thirty years, a Winternational Drag Racing event will be held in the Valley of the Sun. The event will be the first major drag racing event in the country for 2003.  Sprinzl added  “Due to the great weather and the mid January timing of the event, we expect a large turn out of racers from all over”. 

Primarily a Nostalgia Drag Racing Event, the ARHRA will host over 800 race cars that will feature nitro burning 250 MPH front engine Top Fuel Dragsters, Fuel Altereds, Nostalgia Funny Cars, Gassers, Factory Experimental and Nostalgia Super Stockers. “These are the same types of cars, and in some cases the very same cars and drivers that competed in the AHRA Winternationals that were held annually at Beeline Dragway in the 1960’s and early 70’s” Sprinzl said.  

In addition to the Nostalgia Race Cars, “We have invited many of the nations top Pro Modified teams, and Pro Street teams and a host of modern Alcohol Funny Cars” said Don Nance, Executive Vice President of the ARHRA. Nance, a former competitor and one time race announcer at Mel Larsen’s Phoenix Dragway, (now Speedworld Motorplex). According to Nance, the Speedworld facility dates back to 1961 where many NHRA and AHRA events took place. ARHRA choose Speedworld as the location its inaugural event in part because of the “great hospitality of owner Joe Coletti and his staff”. This facility is known as a fast, smooth quarter mile with great traction, it also has a friendly atmosphere and a very nostalgic sense about it.  

The ARHRA Winternational Drag Race will be a four day event, January 9th through the12th and will be held at Speedworld Motorplex, Grand Avenue at Jomax Road , just a few miles northwest of Phoenix , Arizona . Local racers are encouraged to participate at this event that will offer a host of ET Bracket classes 
 
For more information regarding the Speedworld Motorplex event or the American Racing Hot Rod Association you can find it on the web at arhra.com or call 602 549-2023,