Great Bend’s S.R.C.A Dragstrip will host the Thunder of the Plains National Hot Rod Association West Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series opener on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is the first of six in the division and one of 43 scheduled across the country where drivers earn points leading to divisional, regional and national championships as well as a chance at a share of the year-end purse of more than $519,000.
Categories include Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street.
The division’s Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series, Fineline Madcap Top Dragster Series and the Sportsman Motorcycle Series presented by Harley Davidson will also run in conjunction with the event.
Gates at S.R.C.A. Dragstrip open at 7 a.m. each day.  Qualifying and time trials start Saturday at 9 a.m.
Top Sportsman and Top Dragster will have three qualifying sessions on Saturday at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6 p.m.
Comp Eliminator will have also have three qualifying sessions on Saturday at 11:45 a.m., 3:15 and 6:45 p.m.
Eliminations begin Sunday morning at 9 a.m.  
Tickets for S.R.C.A. Dragstrip are $20 Saturday and $20 Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.  All tickets include a pit pass.