In addition to becoming part of an exciting community of racers and race fans, NHRA members are entitled to many valuable benefits, explained each week in Membership Midway. Members should refer to this page often for news and updates that will help them receive the greatest possible value from their membership throughout the year. In most cases, members must present their valid NHRA membership card to receive benefits. To join, see the ad on page 71.

Why couldn't you be the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals VIP Member of the Event?

If you're an NHRA member, all you have to do is come to the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil Sept. 1-6, enter the drawing at the Membership Hospitality Center, and be at the prize drawing at 9 a.m. sharp Monday morning, Sept. 6, at the Membership Hospitality Center. Then cross your fingers and hope ND's Jeff Morton calls your name as the grand-prize winner.

That's how it happened for Ray Quinn last year. Before he knew it, he and his wife, Brenda, were standing on the starting line between the first pair of Top Fuel cars as they launched, being introduced to the crowd onstage with Morton (pictured), rubbing elbows with all their favorite racers, and having the time of their lives. Afterward, they lived it up all day with catered meals and premium seating in the all-inclusive Top Eliminator Club.

"I would love to use some really great adjectives to describe the day, but 'awesome' is what I keep coming back to," remembered Quinn, of Franklin, Ind. "It was really just a great day."

Why can't that be you at the U.S. Nationals this year? All you have to do is join NHRA, enter the drawing, and be there to hear your name called. Even if you don't win the grand prize, the Membership Hospitality staff always has a lot of other great prizes to give away, like books, diecasts, and maybe even tickets to a future event.

NHRA Membership Hospitality Center waiting for you at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

Don't miss the chance to visit the Membership Hospitality Center at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis during the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil. Your NHRA membership card - or your receipt from a newly purchased membership - admits you and your guests to a casual, shaded, members-only area where you can relax with TV for watching the on-track action, enjoy snacks and beverages for sale, and enter the famous VIP Member of the Event drawing on race-day morning. (See story on this page.)

The NHRA Membership Hospitality Center is located outside the main entrance to the grandstand concourse and will be open these hours:

Thursday, Sept. 2. . . . . . . . . 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4 . . . . . . . . . 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 5 . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 6. . . . . . . . . . 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.