It’s never been done before. The inaugural Battle of the Jet Fire Trucks will take place at Cordova International Raceway during the May 29-30 IHRA Nitro Jam Summer Nationals.
Mark Smith’s jet-powered U.S. Fire Force fire truck is a popular attraction at every IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series national event. His candy apple red 1940 Ford fire truck is powered by not one, but two jet engines. Its flame-belching, ground-pounding passes down the quarter mile never fail to drop the jaw of even the most jaded motorsports fan.
Now Smith has a challenger. Enter Dave Modder, a volunteer firefighter from Randall, Wisconsin. A commercial pilot by trade, Modder has raced Jet Dragsters for nearly 20 years. His custom-built Dragon’s Fyre is a replica 1940 Ford truck powered by a General Electric J-85-17 jet engine.
Modder and his Dragon’s Fyre truck are partnered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (www.firehero.org).
“Those of us in the fire service know how important the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is,” said Modder. “For the families of firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the NFFF provides critical assistance. Our mission is create awareness of the group’s activities through drag racing, air shows, car shows and fire service events. What this foundation does is important to me since I’m an active firefighter.”
“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation appreciates Dave’s commitment to our mission to honor the fallen, offer support to their families and help reduce firefighter line-of-duty injuries and deaths each year,” said NFFF executive director Ron Siarnicki. “The generous support provided through this partnership helps the foundation continue providing valuable resources to the survivors of fallen firefighters.”
Dragon’s Fyre and U.S. Fire Force will wage a fiery battle on CIR’s freshly-paved quarter-mile drag strip during the Nitro Jam Summer Nationals. If veteran sportscaster Howard Cosell were alive today, he might dub this smoky showdown “The Inferno in Cordova.”
Nitro Jam is “heads-up” drag racing entertainment – first racer to the finish line wins – in all five pro categories. The exciting show includes qualifying and eliminations for: Crower Pro Mod, AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car presented by Aeromotive, U.S. Bounty Hunters Pro Stock, Nitro Harley and Jet Dragster classes.
The IHRA pit experience allows fans to tour the pit area, meet the drivers and take part in a number of fun family activities. A special attraction this year is the renowned Hollywood Cars of the Stars collection from the Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection. The exhibit will include famous television and motion picture cars including the TV Batmobile from 1966, the General Lee Dodge Charger from the Dukes of Hazzard TV series and the DeLorean time machine from the 1985 cinema hit, Back to the Future.
Fans may save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Kids (ages 6-12) tickets are only $10.
IHRA NITRO JAM SUMMER NATIONALS SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Pre-race ceremonies – 6:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 7 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Third round of Nitro Jam qualifying – 2 p.m.
Pre-race ceremonies — 4:45 p.m.
First round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 5 p.m.
Second round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 7 p.m.
Final round of Nitro Jam eliminations – 8:30 p.m.
Schedule subject to change.
TICKETS: AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – KIDS TICKETS ARE ONLY $10.
ADVANCE TICKET PRICES
Friday Adult — $20.
Friday Child (ages 6-12) — $10.
Saturday Adult — $25.
Saturday Child (ages 6-12) — $10.
All tickets include a free pit pass.
Cordova International Raceway is located at 19425 IL Rt. 84 N, Cordova, Illinois. For more information, please call (309) 654-2110 or visitwww.racecir.com.
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
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