Race fans ready for return of Chevy Thunder.

The historic Fort Worth Stockyards will roar into life on Friday and Saturday, 30-31 March, as Chevy Thunder in the Stockyards returns with an exciting family-oriented festival that celebrates the very best of motorsports.

Chevy Thunder in the Stockyards will feature live music, Q&A sessions with NASCAR drivers, interactive games, show cars, simulators, contests, food and merchandise. The two-day event, which is free to the public, coincides with RPM Week-Texas, highlighted by the 1 April Harrah's 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway.

"We are so excited to be bringing this festival back to Fort Worth again this year," said Mac Churchill, president of RaceFest Fort Worth, "We know this is a great event for our residents and visitors alike. It's also a great way to showcase the fine merchants and entertainment venues located in the Stockyards."

The event is part of the RPM Week-Texas activities, which includes five days of racing activities at Texas Motor Speedway and related events such as Chevy Thunder in the Stockyards.

"RPM Week-Texas is going to be so exciting for the race fans," said speedway general manager Eddie Gossage, "Chevy Thunder in the Stockyards is a perfect compliment to the top-notch racing we have scheduled. Fans can enjoy a day at the speedway and then head to the Stockyards for racing-related fun and entertainment."

Chevrolet Motor Division is once again the main sponsor of the event.

"Chevy Thunder in the Stockyards is a terrific extension of Chevrolet's motorsports activities," said Jim Janowiak, regional marketing manager for Chevrolet, "It's going to be an outstanding event for the whole family."

A 3/4-mile stretch of Exchange Street from Rodeo Plaza to Stockyards Station will once again be transformed into a race festival with displays lining both sides of the street.

Several NASCAR drivers, including NASCAR Winston Cup Champion and Texas native Bobby Labonte, will participate in fan Q&A sessions on the main stage. Other scheduled driver appearances include NASCAR Busch Series drivers Jimmie Johnson, Scott Wimmer and David Starr. The driver appearances are scheduled for Friday evening beginning at 1800 on the main stage.

The main stage will be located across the street from Stockyards Stations in the parking lot adjacent to the Livestock Exchange building. National recording artists The Romantics will perform on Friday night with country music singer Tyler England and rock legends .38 Special on Saturday evening.

Fans can enter to win a Chevy Monte Carlo SS to be given away at the April Harrah's 500, where the lucky winner will also be Chevrolet's guest. There will be numerous interactive displays, including Chevrolet's Team Monte Carlo Thunder Tour, an entertaining collection of exhibits and attractions celebrating the Monte Carlo's racing success.