By Mike Haag | Raceday San Antonio
ENNIS, Texas – NHRA stars, including Texas racers Billy Torrence and Spencer Massey, will meet fans during the Texas Fall Nationals Pre-Stage FanFest on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie.
More than 50 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers and riders are scheduled to participate in the free event, presented by Red Line Synthetic Oil, from 6-9 p.m.
The family-friendly FanFest will feature live music, food trucks, race cars, interactive displays and one of the largest driver autograph sessions on the NHRA tour. The autograph session portion of the event is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. and will include competitors from Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Among the big-name drivers scheduled to appear are Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley, Shawn Langdon, Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd, Greg Anderson, Dallas Glenn, Richard Gadson, Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Maddi Gordon.
Torrence and Massey, both Texas racers, are also scheduled to attend.
“We appreciate so many of our drivers and riders taking the time to spend time with the fans before the race. This is the largest free driver autograph session of the season,” Texas Motorplex co-owner Christie Meyer Johnson said. “When we added the JEGS Allstars participants three years ago, that really made the event even more massive, and we are highlighting the future stars of the sport and the best sportsman racers.”
This year’s event will once again include participants from the JEGS Allstars competition, giving fans an opportunity to meet some of the country’s top Sportsman racers in addition to stars from NHRA’s four professional categories.
photo credit Auto Imagery
The FanFest has become one of the signature off-track attractions during the Stampede of Speed and will be held at Railyard Park for the sixth consecutive year. Located just south of Waxahachie’s historic downtown square, the event has grown into a major gathering for race fans and the local community.
“The downtown Waxahachie businesses have also really embraced the event, and we are proud to continue to bring thousands of fans to Waxahachie,” Meyer Johnson said.
In addition to the driver autograph session, the evening will feature displays from Drag Race Bracket Bonanza, the 1000 Round Win Club, JEGS, VP Racing Spirits and Red Line Synthetic Oil, along with activities for the entire family.
Joe Castello, known as the “voice” of the Stampede of Speed, will serve as emcee, and several race cars will be on display throughout the evening.
Meyer Johnson credited the City of Waxahachie for helping the FanFest continue to grow.
“I can’t thank the City of Waxahachie enough for their partnership for this event, and for the Stampede of Speed as a whole,” Meyer Johnson said. “We could not put on such an awesome FanFest event for our fans and the local community without their help. Their team exemplifies what it means to be Texas Proud, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been able to create together.”
The Texas NHRA Fall Nationals will be held Oct. 14-18 at Texas Motorplex and will serve as the fourth race in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
Confirmed FanFest participants
Top Fuel
Shawn Langdon
Justin Ashley
Shawn Reed
Tony Schumacher
Clay Millican
Josh Hart
Maddi Gordon
Antron Brown
Will Smith
Spencer Massey
Billy Torrence
Jasmine Salinas
Scott Farley
Scott Palmer
Funny Car
Jordan Vandergriff
Jack Beckman
Daniel Wilkerson
J.R. Todd
Matt Hagan
Cruz Pedregon
Ron Capps
Chad Green
Terry Haddock
Dave Richards
Spencer Hyde
Jeff Arend
Chris King
Hunter Green
Alexis DeJoria
Jim Campbell
Jeff Diehl
Buddy Hull
Paul Lee
Pro Stock
Deric Kramer
Mason McGaha
Chris McGaha
Chris Vang
Greg Anderson
Dallas Glenn
Eric Latino
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Richard Gadson
Matt Smith
Angie Smith
Chase Van Sant
Chris Bostick
Marc Ingwersen
Blaine Hale
Ryan Oehler
Clayton Howey
Malcolm Phillips
Top Alcohol Dragster
Angelle Sampey
The driver lineup is subject to additions or changes.
For additional information about the Pre-Stage FanFest and the Stampede of Speed, visit the Stampede of Speed website.
