World Series of Drag Racing begins at MIR

A new era of drag racing arrived at Memphis International Raceway with the first running of the World Series of Drag Racing presented by Sunoco and the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, on the Millington strip. And tonight, MIR will inaugurate a Drag Racing Hall of Fame, with induction ceremonies set for 6:30 p.m. Three of the sport’s founding icons — drivers

and and tuner — are among the first class going into the hall. Joining them are and who dominated national events with their Coleman-Taylor Transmission Mustang Kingfish, Super Cuda and Superduster funny cars. a Californian who moved to Memphis, drove the Kingfish to the World Series title 50 years ago, and joins his former bosses in the class.

recently named president of the International Hot Rod Association, earned his Hall of Fame spot with a pair of wins and three final-round appearances at the old Mid-South Nationals. of Drummonds is a six-time IHRA Top Fuel points champion who is currently running full time on the National Hot Rod Association circuit. Rounding out the class is

who has been the starter at the Memphis drag strip since it opened in 1987.

Tickets for today’s events, including pro rounds at 6 and 9 p.m. and fireworks to end the day, are $35 for adults, $15 for ages 6 and up. For information, visit racemir.com.

LATe ThursDAy reDBirDs 7, sounDs 6

Trailing 6-3 in the bottom of the seventh, the Memphis Redbirds scored four times in their final three at-bats to take down the Pacific Coast Leagueleading Nashville Sounds on Thursday night at AutoZone Park, 7-6.

Harrison Bader homered to lead off the ninth and tied the score at 6, and Jose Martinez singled to