NHRA: Series launches "Baptism by Nitro" program to entice new fans

NHRA has announced a new campaign, "Baptism by Nitro," aimed at encouraging its fans to bring NHRA drag racing newcomers and immerse them into the sensations of the sport.

Inspired by the popular phrase "Baptism by Fire," a commonly used phrase to describe when an individual is thrust into a new situation, experience or environment, "Baptism by Nitro" is NHRA's call to encourage longtime fans to bring a family member or friend that hasn't experienced the unique atmosphere of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

A first nitro experience is unforgettable. The rumble of 10,000 horsepower side-by-side action and the smell of the nitro-burning cars launching down the dragstrip at more than 300mph are sensations that can only be experienced at an NHRA national event. Diehard fans flock to the open pits, watching the buildup and teardown of every racecar competing during the weekend.

Throughout the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, NHRA fans will be encouraged to share first-time fan “Baptism by Nitro” experiences on social media. Prizes will be given away all year to the best nitro rookie reactions captured in the pits or in the grandstands and posted to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All posts should include the hashtag #BaptismbyNitro and tag @NHRA.

Prior to the season-opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, fans are encouraged to go online and nominate a nitro rookie and explain why their designated candidate deserves a VIP “Baptism by Nitro” experience. The winning entry will receive four tickets to the 2015 Circle K NHRA Winternationals, VIP “Inside the Ropes” access for a nitro warm-up and starting line access where each new fan will be truly baptized by nitro.