Johnny Gray up for the four-wide challenge in his trusty Tire Kingdom/Service Central Dodge

April 10

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 10, 2012) - As the Full Throttle Series sets up shop just outside of Charlotte for the third annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at illustrious zMax Dragway, Funny Car driver Johnny Gray is mentally preparing for the unique experience of racing side-by-side-by-side-by-side in his Tire Kingdom/Service Central Dodge Charger. To some, the once yearly four-wide spectacular is intimidating with its out of the ordinary format and thunderous power, but the adventuresome nitro racer welcomes the challenge with open arms.

"There really isn't anything that prepares you for this race - it's so different than anything else we do - but we feel confident because this Service Central Funny Car is such a good racecar," said Gray, who was a finalist at the Tire Kingdom Gatornationals in Gainesville earlier this year and sits fourth in the standings entering the event.

The veteran driver from Artesia, N.M., has raced in each of the previous two four-wide events; he bid for a raceday position amongst the Pro Stock quads at the inaugural extravaganza in 2010 and gave it a go in his nitro flopper last season, qualifying in the top half of the field.

"We're excited to go out there and take on this four-wide deal again," said Gray. "There isn't anything like it, and it really makes this race something special.

"Both my boys will be racing - Shane in the Tire Kingdom/Service Central Pro Stock car and Jonathan in Comp Eliminator - plus all my grandkids, both my daughter-in-laws, a bunch of friends and the engine shop people from Gray Motorsports will be there, so it'll be a lot of fun. We'd sure like to give them all something to celebrate at the end of this weekend."

Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13, and 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Final eliminations will begin at noon on Sunday, April 15. All times are Eastern.

ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 5 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 14. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three-hours of eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. (ET), also on Sunday, April 15.
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