Texas Motorplex will host a Champions’ Dinner on Wednesday, October 11, in their upscale Champions Club for 2022 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals professional winners Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle). All four winners will be in attendance to celebrate their 2022 accomplishment as part of the 3rd annual Stampede of Speed festivities. The event will feature a cocktail hour, a plated dinner with entrees and desserts selected by the drivers themselves, individual photo opportunities with the drivers, Q&A hosted by NHRA announcer Joe Castello and post-dinner concert on the lawn behind the luxury suites.
“Last year the Texas Fall Nationals Champions’ Dinner was amazing,” said Justin Ashley, who defending his 2021 Top Fuel title with a 2022 Top Fuel win. “Everything the Texas Motorplex does is first-class and this is no different. It will be an honor to return this season and celebrate with Ron, Erica, Hector and all the previous Texas Fall Nationals Winners in attendance. I can’t wait.”
In addition to the previous year’s winners all previous NHRA Texas Fall Nationals professional winners were invited to return for the event. Fans will be welcomed by a red-carpet entrance with a unique Stampede of Speed backdrop as they make their way into the Champions Club. Following the tradition of major sporting events around the world the menu was selected by the champions with guests enjoying pepper crusted beef filet (in honor of Pro Stock winner Erica Enders) paired with a smoked duroc pork ravioli to give a BBQ flair (in honor of Pro Stock Motorcycle winner Hector Arana Jr.), along with potatoes dauphinoise and patty pan squash. For dessert guests will enjoy sweet honey crisp apple pie (in honor of Funny Car winner Ron Capps) and New York style cheesecake bar (in honor of Top Fuel winner Justin Ashley) topped with a house made vanilla bean ice cream.
“Last year’s first-time event at the Stampede of Speed was such a special night with the previous winners,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “Everyone in attendance got to spend some quality time with the winners. This year we are ramping up the glamour factor with new décor and some added surprises for the guests. We are excited to celebrate the achievements of Ron, Justin, Erica and Hector.”
Once inside guests will have the chance to take their photo with the winners and enjoy a cocktail from the bar before the plated meal is served. During the dinner each winner will be interviewed by NHRA’s Joe Castello, the voice of the Stampede of Speed, from guest submitted questions. The evening will wrap up with a special concert that will also feature a whiskey tasting and cigar bar. Guests will also receive an exclusive Champions’ Dinner gift.
Tickets for the event are available now with a table for eight going for $1,000 at https://stampedeofspeed.com/. Each ticket will include Wednesday night VIP parking, two drink tickets, dinner, photo with drivers, souvenir item and admission to the post-dinner concert. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails, dinner at 7 p.m. and the private concert at 8:30 p.m.
This story was originally published on September 8, 2023. 
