On the IHRA Nitro Jam schedule every year since 2011, the annual season-opening race in the desert has gotten bigger each and every year. With its unique collection of cutting-edge racing technology, throwback, nostalgia drag racing and a thrilling jet-powered fire show, the Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series has something for fans of all ages.
And the 2015 version promises to be the biggest event yet. The 2015 Good Vibrations Motorsports Soutwestern Nationals will feature the largest fields in the history of the event as the stars of AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car, US Bounty Hunters Pro Stock, Nitro Harley, Jet Dragster and more travel to Tucson for two full days of drag racing action.
“The Good Vibrations Southwestern Nationals has grown into one of the most popular events on the tour. Being one of the few IHRA events in the west, we always draw quite a contingent of the fastest and most accomplished racers in the country and we expect that fact to continue this season,” said Scott Gardner, President of IHRA Motorsports. “Add in IHRA’s unique brand of motorsports entertainment, with the all-female Larsen Motorsports Jet Dragster team to the insane two-wheel Nitro Harley riders, and you have an event that you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to kick off the 2015 IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series season February 6-7 in Tucson.”
The 2015 Good Vibrations Southwestern Nationals will feature two full days of championship drag racing at Southwestern International Raceway. Fans will see all of the cars on the property get two shots at qualifying for the elite field on Friday, February 6 followed by the intense racing of eliminations Saturday on Saturday, February 7. Both days will feature sportsman racing throughout the day, plus activities for the entire family during the IHRA Fan Fest.
Tickets for the Good Vibrations Southwestern Nationals are $25 for adults on Friday and $30 for adults on Saturday. Kids tickets are $10 both days. Fans can save $5 by purchasing their tickets in advance at www.nitrojam.com.
Headlining the Southwestern Nationals will be one of the largest fields of AMSOIL Nitro Funny Cars seen all year. Nearly 16 of the best nostalgia racers in the country will travel to Tucson in early February for bragging rights in this classic nitro-burning category that features five-second, 260 mph racing on the quarter-mile.
Among the Nitro Funny Car stars that will be in attendance in Tucson are the top five drivers from the 2014 IHRA championship standings including defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car champion Jason Rupert in the Bays & Rupert “Black Plague” Camaro. Other drivers scheduled to compete include, “Mr. Explosive” Mark Sanders, Mike “McAttack” McIntire, Tim Boychuk in the “Forever Forward” Pontiac and Bruce Litton in the “US Male” Vega in a true showdown in the desert.
In addition to IHRA’s regulars, the event will also feature competition from the CIFCA Funny Car organization, providing double the Funny Car racing in Tucson.
“I can promise, you won’t see a better Funny Car race all year than the one you will see at the Southwestern Nationals in February,” Gardner said.
The US Bounty Hunters Pro Stock category is another popular class that will return to SWIR in 2015. These 220 mph machines roar down the quarter-mile in the low six-second range and feature some of the most impressive and cutting-edge technology in the sport today. Defending class champion Cary Goforth will lead the field into Tucson, joining father Dean Goforth with Goforth Racing, the Black Diamond Motorsports team of John DeFlorian and Kevin Bealko and a full field of Pro Stock teams.
Iconic racer Jay Turner will lead the fan-favorite Nitro Harley class, as these 220 mph nitro-powered motorcycles roar down the track in extreme, death-defying competition.
Finally, the Southwestern Nationals will host the world’s only Jet Dragster championship program, contested by the four fastest women in drag racing – the Larsen Motorsports jet racing team. This four-car team is made up of four very talented female competitors in intense 300 mph, side-by-side jet-powered drag racing action. This year, Elaine Larsen, Kat Moller, Marisha Falk and Shea Holbrook will make up the field.
Bringing the event to a close with be the twin-engine, 30,000 horsepower “US Fire Force” jet-powered fire truck driven by Mark Smith.
In addition to all of the on-track action, the 2015 Southwestern Nationals will feature an all-new and fully interactive Fan Fest pit experience. Fans can tour the pits, meet the drivers and take part in a number of fun family activities including the Larsen Motorsports Jet Technology Center, a hands-on look at the design and technology behind a jet-powered racing team.
Tickets to the Southwestern Nationals can be purchased online or at the gate. Adults can save $5* if they purchase their tickets in advance at www.nitrojam.com.
Showtime is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday for qualifying and 4 p.m. on Saturday for eliminations.
For more information on the 2014 Good Vibrations Southwestern Nationals presented by Budweiser, visit www.nitrojam.com.
* FEES AND TAXES MAY APPLY. TICKETS ARE FULL PRICE DAY OF SHOW.
