AUTO RACING: Nitro Jam drag-racing event opens at SIR

The International Hot Rod Association will be staging its first Nitro Jam series in Arizona after 40 years of events in the South and Midwest primarily. The circuit first came west two years ago for a drag race in Salt Lake City.

"This is going to be a great race. Many of the best drivers from all across the United States and Canada are going to be in Tucson for two days of great drag racing accompanied by a great show," said Pennsylvania drag racer Peter Gallen in a news release.

"This is one race you can't miss," added Gallen, pilot of the Poverty Stricken Prostalgia nitro funny car.

Gallen is among the two dozen professional drivers in four nitro classes (Nitro Funny, 320 mph Top Fuel, Nitro Harleys and Fuel-altered) to appear at SIR this weekend.

In addition to those classes, drag fans going to SIR can expect to watch several thrill acts, including jet dragsters, a wheelstanding school bus and a monster-truck showdown between the Grave Digger and the Shockwave jet semi.

Each vehicle class will run sessions twice today and Saturday.

Tickets start at $25 if purchased in advance and include free parking and free admission to a pit party where fans can meet the drivers, get autographs and see the dragsters up close.

Work at Kentucky track on schedule for July race

SPARTA, Ky. - Kentucky Speedway officials say the extensive expansion at the 1.5-mile tri-oval should be completed well ahead of July's visit from NASCAR's top circuit.

Gov. Steve Beshear received a guided tour of the facility on Thursday, more than three months before the track hosts its first Sprint Cup race on July 9.

Workers have spent the last six months adding 40,000 seats to the grandstand and giving the main concourse a significant face-lift.

IF YOU GO

• What: Arizona Nitro Jam

• Where: Southwestern International Raceway

• When: Today, Saturday

• Info: 762-9700, www.sirdragstrip.com

Includes material from a news release and The Associated Press