AN AMERICAN theme will take over Shakespeare County Raceway this weekend when the American Car World Nationals rumbles through the sleepy Warwickshire countryside.

It's the time of year for the annual two-day celebration of some of the most outrageously powerful American legends the UK has to offer.

Drag racing is of Californian origin. The traffic light fantasy of getting off the start line in a cloud of rubber-polluted smoke ahead of the driver in the other lane.

Everyone with an American V8 beast is welcome to test there cars on one of Europe's fastest quarter-mile drag arenas in a special anniversary Gary's Picnic Run What Ya Brung - one of the oldest and most established events on the muscle car calender.

To add to the excitement, the Nationals also feature heads-up doorslammer racing for some of the country's fastest street cars through to the boarder line eight-second 170mph street sleepers from the Custom Car Eliminator category.

Further action comes in the form of supercharged mayhem from the blown dragster versus altered Outlaws, classic racing from the nostalgic Wild Bunch racers, sixties style high-riding retro racing from the Gasser Circus, as well as plenty of after-burner action courtesy of Roger Goring's spectacular 250mph plus 'Firestorm' Jet Funny Car.

There will be plenty of trade stands as a good locator for those sometimes hard to find parts, refreshments, spacious free grandstands, and plenty of camping space for everyone.

So, get yourselves down to the Long Marston track and witness the biggest collection of horsepower and chrome in the country!

Admission to the American Car World Nationals is £15 per person per day, while a weekend pass costs £25.

Run What Ya Brung signing on fee is £15 per day or £25 for the weekend for as many runs as you can make.

All drivers are required to produce a valid driving licence, crash helmet and a seat belt if originally fitted.

Further information is available from www.shakespearecountyraceway.com