Dietz wins royal treatment at NHRA Nationals

(Aug. 16, 2010) - Paul Dietz of Monticello had never been to Brainerd International Raceway, but when his 16-year-old son Mitchell saw the race cars in BIR's display at a Twin Cities car show last spring, he talked his dad into registering for the track's NHRA Nationals Giveaway prize package, the Grand Prize of which was four Superweek tickets to the 29th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, three nights in an RV camper, a prize package from Budweiser and Viking Coca-Cola, and a Nitro Tour from the NHRA. And guess who won?

Dietz's name was randomly selected and he made his inaugural trip to BIR for the NHRA Nationals, an experience he said he'd never forget. Dietz took Mitchell and one of Mitchell's buddies, Casey Ruff. Dietz also invited one of his friends but his guest was unable to attend. 

The threesome arrived Thursday evening and stayed in the RV camper, which was set up next to the BIR Performance Driving School's garages near the BIR Bandshell, an easy walk to the Grandstands. On Sunday, they went on an NHRA-guided Nitro Tour, where they received a behind-the-scenes look at the Nationals operation, which included a peek inside Race Control, a visit to the top of the Tower where they watched some of the racing, and a trip down to the starting line, where they got an up-close-and-personal look at the dragster when they launched.

All three agreed that it was the experience of a lifetime and that they'd be back next year.

Josh Dalzell of Brainerd was a second Grand Prize winner selected. He won two passes to the BIR Performance Driving School. 

Fans are encouraged to register for two more Grand Prize packages: four Superweek tickets with three nights in an RV camper for the 2011 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, and another pair of passes to the BIR Performance Driving School. Click here to register.