You are here: Home / 2012 Event Schedule / Columbus, Ohio – Event Preview

Columbus, Ohio – Event Preview

Event Preview Pricing Schedule Tracks & Directions Host Hotels Race Results Car Show Results Race Wraps


The 34th Annual NMRA Ford Expo takes place over Labor Day Weekend - August 31-September 2, 2012 at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. This event, the sixth stop on the NMRA's national tour, brings out some of the coolest old Ford iron you'll see anywhere as this race is also home to the 17th Annual Y-Block Nationals, the 10th Annual '57 Ford Gathering and Shootout, and the "Capri Swarm", which is a yearly gathering of Capri Club of North America members. Old and new racers alike will spend a sunny weekend in central Ohio ripping down the 1320 for all to see and hear - with three days of racing action, the Ford Expo is an event to attend. Last year at this race the late-summer heat wave made it quite the challenge for the competitors to figure out the track surface, but many of the NMRA's stalwarts were able to do so prior to eliminations. After all, it was at this event that Jason Lee was able to lock up the AFCO Drag Radial championship in the NMRA for 2011. And what's better than drag racing and Labor Day Weekend to put a stamp on the end of the summer? Make your plans today!

How do I get involved with my own car?
TREMEC True Street is always a hit in Ohio - there were 41 cars there competing in 2011, led by Troy Lee and his beautiful baby-blue 1990 Mustang Notchback. Troy was able to clock a 9.991 three-run average last year, which was stout given the elevated air temperatures all weekend long - the car usually runs 9.20's. His car is one of the most gorgeous examples of a real street car we've seen in a long time - it was featured in Race Pages in the March 2011 issue. Troy's street car features a 532 cubic-inch big-block Ford and the cleanest engine bay you'll ever see. The True Street class features a 30-mile cruise, then three back-to-back-to-back passes after a short cooldown period - which is a good test of man and machine! The NMRA presents awards to the racers closest to each second increment, along with the overall quickest car and the runner-up, after their 30-mile cruise and three dragstrip passes are complete.

In addition, entry-level racers fit into the Open Comp, Modular Muscle, and Super Stang classes, so take a look at the class rules and make your plans to come out and race with the best Ford racers in the country. For rules information visit: www.nmradigital.com/rules, pick a class, make sure your car fits the rules and you have the proper safety gear, and come race with the NMRA!

There's more than just racing action!
Each NMRA event also features a large Manufacturer's Midway where you can see and purchase parts from the hottest aftermarket manufacturers and experts from all of the major manufacturers on hand to answer your questions about how to make your Ford car or truck perform to your expectations. In addition to the manufacturer's midway and all of the action that will take place on the quarter-mile, the NMRA also has the awesome UPR Products All-Ford Car Show, which features over fifty different awards that are presented each day of the show. '32 Ford with a late-model 5.0? Or a 2003 Cobra stuffed full of aftermarket goodies? No matter what your Ford flavor, there's a place for you in the car show and a shot at the grand prize.

Huge Manufacturers' Midway & Swap Meet
Looking to buy parts for your Ford? Want a chance to meet face-to-face with experts from your favorite performance companies? This event will feature an awesome manufacturers' midway where you can find great deals on the performance parts you need for your muscle car or hot rod.

If you're looking for that hard to find part or a great bargain, be sure to check out the swap meet.

Jet Car Shooting for 300+ mph!
Get ready to be blown away by the Jet Car ripping down the 1320! Be one of the first to witness the Jet Car make a blazing 300+mph pass.

World Famous Burnout Contest!
The World Famous Burnout Contest is always the crowd favorite! Sign up to participate for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights, or sit back and cheer as contestants smoke their tires.