The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will turn pink this weekend in order to promote breast cancer awareness. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and professional teams and fans will be doing their part during this weekend’s NHRA Big O Tires Nationals to raise funds for research and promote the cause.

The starting-line area received a coat of bright pink paint for the event, which starts Thursday morning.

“Breast cancer is a devastating disease that has affected so many women who are near and dear to us,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “We are proud to do our part to help find a cure.”

At least three NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel Dragster teams and two Pro Stock Motorcycle riders are promoting breast cancer awareness at this weekend’s race.

With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month ending on Monday, the Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel dragsters driven by 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon and his teammate, Del Worsham, will sport a special pink paint scheme and the familiar pink ribbon.  The spill plates on both cars will be painted pink for this weekend’s race.  The spill plate is the end cap for the front and rear wings.   In addition, the Al-Anabi Racing autograph handout cards will be pink this weekend.

The disease hits close to home with the Al-Anabi Racing team and team manager Alan Johnson. His sister, Pam, was treated for breast cancer in 2007 and is currently fighting a recurrence of the disease.

“Breast cancer awareness is celebrated in October with hope for the survivors’ journey and commitment to a cure for the disease,” Pam Johnson said.  “I can’t think of anything more bold and exciting, in the spirit of breast cancer awareness, than what we are all about to experience this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the track operators, the racing community and race fans ‘go pink’ and blow the doors off of the monthlong awareness campaign!  I want to personally thank (LVMS President) Chris Powell and his outstanding staff at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for making a difference by bringing focus and attention to breast cancer while celebrating the awareness that will positively impact the lives of so many.”

Top Fuel Dragster driver Terry McMillen unveiled a pink breast cancer awareness car on Oct. 1 after participating in a dirt Modified race with NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace to benefit cancer research in Lima, Ohio. His car’s body panels carry the names of breast cancer survivors, including that of Kari Neely, LVMS’s human resources manager and part-time drag strip clock operator. Neely has helped to raise more than $20,000 over the past four years for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer charity.

The idea for placing breast cancer survivor names on McMillen’s car began in honor of 70-year-old Rosalee Noble, board member of Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). The list of names on the car grew to include family and friends who also are fighting the disease. McMillen’s team’s matching pink uniform shirts will be placed at auction to raise money for She4Life (Survive, Hope, Empowerment), a new charity which offers support for breast cancer patients and their families.

Shawn Gann and Justin Finley will ride bikes featuring pink graphics in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class.

All drivers and riders participating in the NHRA Big O Tires Nationals will be invited to affix a pink ribbon breast cancer awareness decal to their helmets and well as their cars and motorcycles.

Volunteers will sell pink ribbons to the fans, who are invited to write the names of a person they know is affected by breast cancer. The ribbons will be prominently displayed at the track and all proceeds will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

To purchase tickets for the NHRA Big O Tires Nationals or obtain additional information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.