Snake and Mongoose to Attend Route 66 Raceway Nationals at Route 66 Raceway July 8-10

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Route 66 Raceway today announced that Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen will attend the Route 66 NHRA Nationals on July 8-10 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Funny Car. The rivalry and friendship between Snake and Mongoose is unparalleled in the sport of drag racing. In fact, the contention between the icons is one that stands alone in the rich history of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

“We are thrilled to host two of NHRA’s most prolific drivers at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals,” said Scott Paddock, Route 66 Raceway President. “The relationship between Snake and Mongoose is one of a kind in the world of racing, and we are excited for our fans to rekindle one of the sport’s most storied rivalries with these two legends.”

The Snake earned his nickname in high school before he would ever touch a Funny Car, let alone be the first Funny Car driver to exceed 250 mph. Prudhomme went on to complete a 35-year drag racing career in which he won the NHRA FC Championship four times. After retiring in 1994, he began managing his own racing team and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000. Prudhomme’s iconic car of choice was his yellow 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that was pitted against McEwen’s red 1970 Plymouth Duster – both of which were replicated into iconic Mattel “Hot Wheels” toys.

The Mongoose graced the world of drag racing for 45 years in everything from the stock-car ranks, to gas coupes, altereds and eventually dragsters and funny cars. During his near half-century of competing, McEwen won five NHRA National events and was ranked 16 out of the 50 most significant drivers of NHRA’s first 50 years. Despite having won only five National events, his gift for gab and promotional savvy ways elevated his brand, making the Mongoose one of the most influential and controversial figures the sport has ever known.

Before the pair became a global phenomenon, drag racing team sponsorships were not commonplace, especially for companies outside of the automotive scene. In fact, their Mattel sponsorship was unprecedented and fueled a trend that has since escalated to the sponsor-driven industry that it is today. The backing from Mattel also inspired big names like Coca-Cola and Carefree sugarless gum to join the drag racing scene as sponsors of the duo.

Route 66 Raceway is offering exclusive ticket packages for those interested in meeting the legendary twosome. On Friday, fans have the opportunity to obtain general admission and attend a question and answer session with the pair for only $56. A Legend’s Club suite complete with food, beverage and an appearance by Snake and Mongoose will be offered for $300 on Saturday while Sunday will feature another exclusive Q&A coupled with a general admission for $65.

For more information regarding limited Snake and Mongoose ticket offer, visit www.Route66Raceway.com or call (888) 629-RACE. 

Route 66 Raceway PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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