Dragway 42 plays host to its 12th Annual "Hangover Nationals", the longest running New Year's Day drag racing event in the world, this Saturday, January 1st.

The event, which follows the postal creed of being contested in snow, shine, or rain, was dominated by Mopars in its early years.





Dragway 42's 2001 and 2002 "Hangover Nationals" events were both won by Mopars.

Mother Nature appears to be offering an olive branch compared to the recent year's weather conditions of heavy snow, blizzards, and fog.

The current Accuweather forecast calls for the temperatures to never drop below freezing beginning on Thursday with both Friday's and Saturday's high temperatures approaching 50 degrees.

This year's event follows the tradition of separating vehicles into two classes, a 2-wheel drive one and a 4-wheel/all-wheel drive one.

Also following tradition, the participants will compete on a heads-up basis with the dial-in index being based on the year. For 20.11, the index is 20.11 seconds.

Gates at the West Salem, Ohio track open at 11 AM on Saturday, January 1, 2011.

Time trials continue until 2:30 PM when the event moves directly into race eliminations.

The "Hangover Nationals" is the only one of the nearly 100 events held each year at Dragway 42 where passengers are allowed (an in fact encouraged) to ride along during race eliminations.

The class winners each receive a large trophy and for 2011 the Summit Racing Equipment retail store in Tallmadge has donated embossed leather Summit Racing jackets (a nearly $180 value) to both class winners.

Come out and be a part of the first drag racing event of 2011.

For more information, visit Dragway42.com