ROCKINGHAM — The Larsen Motorsports jet dragsters are poised to apply an exclamation point to the largest all-Chevy show in the Carolinas Sept. 17-18 when Rockingham Dragway once again plays host to the Innovation Performance Technologies Super Chevy Show series presented by the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority.
The bow tie brand will be front-and-center, both on the track and off, in a combination show-and-go program open to GM-powered vehicles ranging from basic early-model Chevy Bel Airs and late model Camaros to Chevy-powered dragsters and roadsters.
Early parking from 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday will provide the set-up for two days of Chevy indulgence culminating in Saturday’s jet dragster showdown featuring two-time IHRA jet dragster world champion Elaine Larsen of Palm Bay, Fla., and new protégé Josette Roach of St. Augustine, Fla.
Although she graduated college with an Associate in Arts degree and briefly dabbled in music, theater, cheer and biomedical services, the 27-year-old Roach eventually returned to her drag racing roots in a 27-foot-long missile sponsored by House of Kolor and powered by a GE J-85 jet engine with custom afterburner designed and built at Larsen Motorsports.
Larsen, the world champion in the only two seasons the IHRA contested the category (2014 and 2015), will drive her familiar Florida Tech entry in rounds at 12 noon and 3 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to the jets, the on-track program will include Top ET and Footbrake/No Box racing for all GM cars on both Saturday and Sunday. A Trophy/Street champion will be crowned Saturday only and a DOT class winner will be determined on Sunday.
Off-the-track, the Chevy-centric car-and-truck show, open as well to Buicks, Pontiacs, Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles, always draws an enthusiastic group of both participants and spectators. More than 80 awards will be presented over the two days including gold cups for those entries deemed “exceptional” by the judges.
There also will be 25 class awards, 25 “Outstanding” awards, 13 “Best of” awards and 12 specialty awards presented.
Discounted tickets are available on-line at www.thefoat.com or at www.rockinghamdragway.com. At the gate, tickets are $25 Saturday and $20 Sunday with kids 6-12 $5 each day. Children under six are free with a ticketed adult and parking, as always, is free in The Rock’s main lot.