By the end of this week, some lucky person will have their life changed.
On Friday, April 15, the K&N Spring Fling Million presented by Optima Batteries will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with the potential to award more money to the winner of a drag race regardless of the class or type of car.
When John Force won the Funny Car shootout several years ago held on Indy weekend in September in addition to “doubling-up” with the U.S. Nationals win the following day he was awarded a bonus for the double-up, for a total of $100,000 for the weekend. If only one racer enters the K&N Spring Fling Million on Friday, that one person will be awarded a guaranteed $100,000. You just know that’s not going to happen, but the facts are plain. More likely would be if 300 people enter, it will pay $300,000 to the winner only and over an $500,000 total purse on Friday alone.
“With three additional support races held this week,” says co-promoter Kyle Seipel, “we guarantee the entire purse of the event.”
It might be a stretch to believe that only one person will enter and by all accounts, this could be largest field of cars to enter one single race making for the biggest payday ever. While all monies from runner-up on down to every round is posted and guaranteed, the actual winner’s award, while having a guarantee of at least $100,000, carries with it the ability to pay much more than that based on the car count. Should entries exceed 550 cars, $1,000,000 will be the payday; and yes, that 1 followed by six zeroes for a total of one million dollars.
The action begins on Tuesday with a free Test “N” Tune sponsored by Yukon Gear & Axle in addition to the Poulsen Trailer Shootout. Wednesday begins with the first of three support races which pays $10K to the winner followed by two more support races on Thursday and Saturday paying $20K to the winner.
“We’re pretty excited and can’t wait to get this party started,” says co-promoter Peter Biondo. “We’ve also got over $60,000 in prizes and awards we’ll be handing out.”
Friday’s event will also host the Last Man/Woman Standing where anyone can enter for $50. Two hundred entrant’s names will be placed in a hat and randomly awarded to a Last Man Standing participant. Should that racer be the “last man standing” during the Million, that lucky “lottery” participant will earn themselves $10,000. It’s a chance for more than just the racers to take part in an exciting race.
If you’re not able to be at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in person to witness the action, stayed tuned to www.bangshift.com for a live stream over the Internet.