NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The Mopar Mega Block Party will jump start the Dodge NHRA Nationals for the second consecutive year, with a full slate of fan-friendly activities set for Thursday, Sept. 21, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa. 

The free-to-the-public event is scheduled from 4-10 p.m. Eastern and will feature a home run derby, the unveiling of Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett's dragster featuring a wrap celebrating the Mopar brand's 80th anniversary, Dodge Challenger SRT Demon simulators, an NHRA driver autograph session and much more.

The Dodge NHRA Nationals event is slated for Sept. 21-24 at famed Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, with the Dodge brand also marking its second year of sponsoring the prestigious race, part of the six-event NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

The Mopar Mega Block Party will once again offer NHRA drivers and personalities the opportunity to translate their reflexes and steely nerves from the racetrack to the baseball diamond in a home run derby. Mopar Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car drivers Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and Tommy Johnson Jr., Mopar Top Fuel pilots Pritchett and Tony Schumacher, and Mopar Dodge Dart Pro Stock stalwart Allen Johnson will participate alongside NHRA on FOX play-by-play announcer Dave Rieff and color commentator and former driver Tony Pedregon.

NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart is scheduled to call all the action. Donations to the Make-A-Wish and Infinite Hero Foundations will be made in the name of the winner of the elimination-style competition.

The Mopar Mega Block Party also will feature plenty of classic and modern Hemi power with a massive all-Mopar car show hosted by the Modern Mopar car club, opportunities for fans to drive the popular Dodge Challenger SRT Demon simulators, appearances by Raminator Monster Trucks, concerts by Liquid A, Go-Go Gadjet and TJ Bebb, on-site food and drink vendors, kids' activities, giveaways and much more. In addition, Mopar NHRA drivers will be on-hand to sign autographs, with several race cars on-site for fans to take an up-close look. A massive fireworks display will be part of the evening as well.

Festivities kick off at 4 p.m., with home run derby batters scheduled to take the plate at 5 p.m. and the autograph signing set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. A Mega Fireworks show sponsored by Pennzoil will launch at 8:45 p.m., with a closing concert to follow.