NHRA POWERade Series drivers set to take it to the diamond in Reading

READING, Pa. - Drivers in the NHRA POWERade Series will compete against each other in the NHRA Softball Classic, a special softball game that will benefit the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW), on Aug. 14.

The Classic will be held at FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, on the Thursday before the 24th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals, Aug. 14-17 at Maple Grove Raceway, race No. 17 in the 24-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. 

Gates for the NHRA Softball Classic will open at 5 p.m. and fans are welcome to meet their favorite drivers in a pre-game autograph session from 5 to 6 p.m. The first pitch is slated for 7 p.m.

Top Fuel rookie Antron Brown and Funny Car favorite Gary Scelzi will coach the two teams that will feature drivers from all four NHRA POWERade Series professional categories. Drivers are still signing up to participate, but those currently scheduled to play include Hillary Will, Bob Vandergriff, Mike Neff, Dave Grubnic, Rod Fuller, Tommy Johnson, Dave Connolly, Bob Tasca, Morgan Lucas, J.R. Todd, Del Worsham, Allen Johnson, Jim Yates, Cory McClenathan, Brandon Bernstein, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon. Umpiring the game will be NHRA's own Chris Hill, who doubles as an NCAA official in his spare time. Calling the action will be NHRA announcer Bob Frey and Bob Wilber, a former ball player who now serves as PR representative for Worsham.

A draft will be held during the FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., so that Brown and Scelzi may select players for their teams.

Tickets may be purchased through the Reading Phillies ticket office at FirstEnergy Stadium, online at readingphillies.com by clicking here by calling (610) 375-8469. 

This story was posted on July 23, 2008