New Asphalt, Improvements Await IHRA Nitro Jam Stars And Fans At Cordova International Raceway’s May 29-30 Summer Nationals

NORWALK, OHIO (May 12, 2015) – The next event on the 2015 IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series schedule is the May 29-30 Summer Nationals at Cordova International Raceway in Cordova, Illinois. The historic drag strip has been a powerful Midwest player in the sport’s history since it was constructed in 1956. Cordova Dragway’s (as it was known then) radio commercials and its signature event – the 62-year-old World Series of Drag Racing – are the stuff of legends.

Major improvements are under way at CIR as the facility prepares for the Summer Nationals.

First and foremost is the quarter-mile drag strip itself. Milling has begun and paving, orchestrated by General Asphalt Construction of Davenport, Iowa, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. The shutdown area and return road also are scheduled for resurfacing.

"It’s been a number of years since the track has been repaved and the new surface is likely to provide the opportunity for record-breaking runs," said CIR General Manager Bobbi Jo Cox. "We’re also doing cosmetic work and painting to many of our buildings."

For fan comfort, old wooden bleachers are giving way to a new, 2,000-seat aluminum grandstand.

"It’s nice to see tracks reinvesting in themselves and making our runs safer," said Canada’s Tim Boychuk, driver of the famed Hawaiian Nitro Funny Car. "My first visit to Cordova was last year and we had a blast. Great fans and great times. I know Russell and his team will have a tremendously prepped track for us. We’re ready to rock!"

"A facility that is well maintained always makes for better racing," explained Nitro Harley rider Jay Turner. "A well maintained asphalt track makes teams and racers happy. Happy teams and racers makes for happy fans. Happy fans makes for happy IHRA. That’s a three-way win!"

"The Larsen Motorsports teams are ready to hit the road for our next race at Cordova International Raceway," said Jet Dragster driver and team leader Elaine Larsen. "We are excited about the new track surface and starting line. Even though jet cars do not require the same preparation as the other classes, it is great to see the improvements made by the IHRA to ensure some of drag racing’s best competition."

Tickets now are on sale for the May 29-30 IHRA Nitro Jam Summer Nationals. Fans may save money by purchasing in advance at www.nitrojam.com. Children’s tickets are only $10.

IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series

Nitro Jam is "heads-up" drag racing entertainment – first racer to the finish line wins – in all five pro categories. The exciting show includes qualifying and eliminations for: Crower Pro Mod, AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car Presented By Aeromotive, U.S. Bounty Hunters Pro Stock, Nitro Harley and Jet Dragster classes.

Nitro Jam also includes spectacular, flame-belching runs by the U.S. Fire Department jet-powered fire truck. The antique 1940 Ford fire truck is powered by not one, but two jet engines and its top speed of 407 miles per hour was recorded recently on a decommissioned WW II airstrip.

Fans may save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Kids (ages 6-12) tickets are only $10.

IHRA NITRO JAM SUMMER NATIONALS SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Pre-race ceremonies – 6:45 p.m.

First round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 7 p.m.

Second round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Third round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 2 p.m.

Pre-race ceremonies — 4:45 p.m.

First round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 5 p.m.

Second round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 7 p.m.

Final round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 8:30 p.m.

Schedule subject to change.

TICKETS: AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – KIDS TICKETS ARE ONLY $10.

www.nitrojam.com

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES

Friday Adult — $20.

Friday Child (ages 6-12) — $10.

Saturday Adult — $25.

Saturday Child (ages 6-12) — $10.

All tickets include a free pit pass.

Cordova International Raceway is located at 19425 IL Rt. 84 N, Cordova, Illinois. For more information, please call (309) 654-2110 or visit www.racecir.com.