As NMRA and NMCA sanctioning bodies come off record-breaking seasons in 2017, the staff and racing community are excited for the arrival of the 2018 competitions that kick off at Bradenton Motorsports Park in the opening weeks of March. Racers, sponsors, and fans will be happy to note that Kurt Johnson of Total Venue Concepts continues on the NMRA/NMCA team as Competition Director. Additionally, Jake Green has been named Official Starter for both racing organizations. Both NMRA and NMCA have grown to earn the reputation of being organized and efficient, bringing KJ back as our Competition Director ensures the continuity of those attributes in addition to his ability to prepare the drag strip surface to be consistent and safe for our competitors, said Rollie Miller, general manager of NMRA/NMCA. Total Venue Concepts, a company that Johnson founded with the purpose of offering high-quality equipment and track preparation services, will once again be on-site at every NMRA and NMCA event with on-track support equipment and personnel. Filling the role of Official Starter in 2018 is Jake Green, a two-year veteran on staff who learned under the tutelage of longtime starter and track prep guru, TJ El Prepe Bailey. Before joining the NMRA/NMCA event staff, Green worked for Maple Grove Raceway in a similar role by flipping the switch on the tree as well as maintaining a well-prepared surface for the racers. Miller added, As we continue to grow our NMRA and NMCA drag racing series, we want to make sure we never lose sight of our ProPledge to racers, sponsors, fans and partner tracks. Jake's positive attitude, great energy, and enthusiasm for our series makes him a perfect fit for our event team. Johnson and Green will report to NMRA/NMCA Racing Operations Director, Gene Bergstrom. Miller wished Bailey the best of luck in his next endeavor; I have known TJ for over 12 years, first working at NHRA national events together before I hired him as Starter/Track Prep with NMRA and NMCA in 2013. We are really proud of what TJ has grown into and accomplished as starter over the last four seasons. As he takes the next step in his career within the racing industry, we wish him the very best and we know he will make a great impact on NHRA Division 4. The NMRA Drag Racing Series, presented by Keystone Automotive, celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2018 and will kickoff the season March 1-4 with the Nitto Tire Spring Break Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The following weekend, March 8-11, the NMCA Drag Racing Series, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, launches its six-race series. About NMRA & NMCA The NMRA and NMCA series, produced each year by ProMedia Events & Publishing, are the quickest growing sanctioning bodies in drag racing, producing 10 motorsport events each year. The NMRA Drag Racing Series, presented by Keystone Automotive, is the #1 all-Ford motorsport experience in the world. The NMCA Drag Racing Series, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, is a leader in street legal drag racing and offers the most dynamic range of categories from showroom stock street cars to the highest levels of Pro Modified racecars. Working hand-in-hand with Ford Motor Company, Chevrolet, and Dodge, the NMRA and NMCA sanctioning bodies promote safe, legal drag racing in a family atmosphere.