The zMax Dragway @ Concord conducted a media tour Wendesday morning, August 6, 2008 and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to have an up close look at the progress of this incredible facility located just across U.S. Highway 29 from the Lowes Motor Speedway.

Drag racing fans are surely in for a treat when the Bellagio of drag strips offically opens September 11, 2008 for the NHRA Nationals. This state-of-the art drag racing facility features the only all-concrete, four-lane drag strip in the United States and covers more than 46 acres of North Carolina soil.

Lowes Motor Speedway president and general manager Marcus Smith has assembled a quality staff to operate the zMax Dragway which includes Christian Byrd, who was named executive director and general manager earlier this week.

Byrd was on hand to greet the media along with NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson.

Byrd seemed to be right at home with his new position at zMax Dragway. He grew up in motorsports watching his father, Jeff Byrd, a former motorsports marketing executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for several years prior to becoming president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway

"I am very excited to be a part of the team here at zMax Dragway," Christian Byrd said. "We are working hard on the finest drag strip in the country to create the best possible experience for race fans who visit this facility."

"This facility blows me away," Anderson said as he stood on the starting line. "It is certainly a unique drag strip and I can't wait to make a run here at the zMax Dragway when it opens next month," Anderson added.

Hardcore Race Fans can obtain tickets to the NHRA Nationals by calling 1-800-455-FANS.