Fans who make a deposit of $19.61, which commemorates the first Winternationals in 1961, will be given access to priority seating

GLENDORA, Calif. (May 18, 2009) Classic. California. Cool.

From the classic images of Harrison Ford in American Graffiti to James Dean to The Fonz in Happy Days, the car – the hot rod – has always been at the center of Hollywood’s projection of what it means to be Cool in California.

Off the big screen, the roots of the southern California car culture are deepest at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, where in February of 1961 NHRA founder Wally Parks hosted the first-ever running of the now-historic and iconic Winternationals.

Fast forward half a century and hot rodding’s past will meet its present when the 0-to100 mph in less-than-a-second, 7,000-horsepower hot rods of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series descend on Auto Club Raceway at Pomona Feb. 11-14, 2010 for the 50th running of the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals.

NHRA will pay tribute to its past throughout what figures to be one of the most memorable and nostalgic race weeks in the sport’s history as many of the legendary cars, drivers and magical moments will be honored.

"This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event not just for fans in Southern California, but for drag racing and hot rodding fans throughout the country," said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president, sales and marketing. "With all of the ancillary events we’re planning for that weekend, we believe the 50th annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at historic Auto Club Raceway at Pomona will be a must-see, must-experience destination event for racing fans nationwide."

Because of the increased demand for this ticket, NHRA is offering a special pre-sale that will allow fans, for a $19.61 deposit that commemorates the inaugural event in 1961, the ability to purchase their tickets before they go on sale on ticketmaster.com and NHRA.com. Fans can place deposits by calling 800-884-NHRA or by picking up a deposit form at the National Dragster trailer at any NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

Renewals from those who purchased tickets to the 2009 Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals will get first opportunity to purchase their tickets (via 800-884-NHRA). Then those who made the pre-sale deposit. And finally, those who purchase in the general sale on ticketmaster.com or NHRA.com.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 events through its NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. The NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.