Once a year Tulsa Raceway Park hosts a drag racing entertainment show so big, so loud and so explosive that one night is barely enough to contain it all.

And, to the joy of race fans across the state of Oklahoma, that time is here once again as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Thunder Jam presented by SafeAuto, the United States Air Force and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino of Tulsa returns to Tulsa Raceway Park for “The Big One” Saturday, August 22nd starting at 7 p.m.

“Each year when we release the Thunder Jam schedule this is the one event I circle,” said Thunder Jam Operations Manager Jim Marchyshyn. “This is the most over-the-top show we put on and this year is no different. We have well over half a dozen attractions that will be sure to rock the senses of Oklahoma fans and I can’t wait to get this thing started.”

Jet Funny Cars

What makes the annual thrill show at Tulsa Raceway Park different than most is the variety of racing machines that will test the quarter-mile over the course of the weekend.

From jet trucks and jet funny cars to the nitro-fed, cackling Fuel Altereds and wheelstanders, there is plenty for everyone to see when Thunder Jam rolls into town.

“We have a variety not seen anywhere else in the world and Tulsa fans will get a chance to see the wild assortment of race vehicles later this month,” Marchyshyn said.

Headlining the annual event is the worlds only jet powered fire truck. While the truck resembles your average life-saving vehicle, instead of being designed to put out fires the 20,000 horsepower monster creates it with 20 foot flames propelled out of the rear of the vehicle.

Jet Fire Truck

Tulsa’s “Big One” will also feature a pair of out-of-control Fuel Altereds between the legendary “Rat Trap” and “Nanook”.

Running nothing less than 85 percent nitromethane while producing wild burnouts, giant header flames and incredible side-by-side races, the Fuel Altereds will give race fans a taste of what nitro racing is all about.

These supercharged 2,000 horsepower cars demand the utmost respect as they hop and wiggle their way down the quarter-mile.

“We are thrilled to have the incredible Fuel Altereds on hand in Tulsa. Perhaps no vehicle on earth is as exciting to watch as them. Well, except for maybe the jet fire truck,” Marchyshyn said.

Also on hand August 22nd will be the season debut of the Jet Funny Cars ‘First Strike’ and ‘Top Secret’, the worlds only wheelstanding school bus the “Cool Bus” driven by the legendary Ken Nelson and the Beat the Heat race cars driven by actual cops.

Cool Bus

“When you combine all of the Thunder Jam acts with the local bracket racing, the Tulsa event truly earns its name as ‘The Big One’. If you see only one event this year, make it this one. You won’t be disappointed,” Marchyshyn said.

The flame throwing jet funny cars will also be a part of an evening long salute to the armed forces as the two floppers, with jet fighter designs highlighting both, prepare to wow the crowd with 20 foot flames belching from the pipes and speeds approaching 200 mph.

“We live in the greatest country in the world and we wanted to pay special tribute to those who have made that possible by having an evening long salute to the troops topped off by an amazing show by the ‘First Strike’ and ‘Top Secret’ jet cars,” Marchyshyn said.

First Strike

If you purchase your tickets in advance at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores you can take advantage of an amazing deal. Just buy your adult ticket for $20 and get a 12-and-under kid’s ticket for free. Adult discount coupons are also available at all participating Arby’s.

And, as always, parking and all-access pit passes are free at the Bud Ice Pit Party.

“We emphasize affordable family entertainment and value with Thunder Jam,” Marchyshyn said. “We know our fans work hard for their money and we strive to provide them with a great show at an unbeatable price.”

Showtime is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Don’t be left out when the most talked about event in the country rolls into town August 22nd at Tulsa Raceway Park. For more information check out www.tulsaracewaypark.com, www.thunderjam.com or call 918-437-7223.