The annual NASCAR Weekend is in the rear-view mirror and spring is upon us. The Bullring is open and the Ewing Brothers team looks to be the team to beat this season.

This spring also has us preparing for two of our biggest events of the season. One is on the race track and the other is off.

On the track, the NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals are set for April 16-18. This three-day event will feature the most horsepower Las Vegas will see in 2010. The stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will hit the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for three days of heart-pounding action. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will compete in this event. Stars such as Tony Schumacher, John and Ashley Force and Brandon Bernstein will be on hand to take home the "Wally."

Before they hit the asphalt, many of these drivers will participate in a free autograph session at Town Square on Las Vegas Boulevard South on Thursday, April 15. This will be the first NHRA autograph session at the multi-purpose mall located just south of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the square in the center of the mall.

While racing is the theme for the weekend, the middle of the week is about kids and charity. The annual Mel Larson Night of Champions is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 at the Palms Resort and Casino. This year's honoree is NASCAR driver and Las Vegas native Kurt Busch. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Speedway Children's Charities. If you want to purchase a table or a ticket, contact our charity director Rachel Commeford at rcommeford@lvms.com. The evening will include cocktails, dinner and a silent auction.

There is much more happening at the speedway throughout the spring, so come out for a Saturday night at the Bullring, watch the big boys race in the NHRA event or come join Kurt Busch and help us raise money for charity.