Last year I made a trip to Reno, NV and found they have a nonsanctioned Drag Strip. This made me curious as to how many of these tracks we have in the U.S. and can't think of a better place to find out, so shout out your favorite (or not so), I'm really curious! _________________________Rocky
Gotta start with the world famous GEORGE RAY'S WILDCAT STRIP right here in Paragould Arkansas. Anywhere I have ever been, someone will ask if I have ever been to George Rays or they have been here at one time or another. Several on this board have or are currently racing there. Horsepower TV devoted a whole show to George and his track a while back. He opened the track in 1961 and as far as I know in 2006 the legend continues
Thanks papawdarrell, I saw that Horsepower TV episode, cool place, a real step back in time. ___________________________Rocky
All the 1/8 mi tracks around here are un sanctioned, Winston County [Lynn], Holiday Beach [Bessemer], Lassiter Mountain[ Forestdale],Bama [Sumiton], Fulton,Ms, Columbus,Ms. There is a 1/4 mi track in Steele,Al that used to be IHRA,they ran a national meet there about 12 years ago, not sure if it is now or not. They also run unsanctioned 1/8 mi. Huntsville is 1/4 mi NHRA, so is Montgomery. I have raced at Lassiter Mt and Columbus years ago.
Hey Rocky, are you going to the reno one again in the near future? Let me know if you do and ill try to make the drive up.
sierra, I didn't make it to the track. I was in Reno on business, went to the Summit store to check it out an picked-up a flyer on the Reno-Fernley Raceway. If I ever get up that way with my Comet I'll let you know. Drag racing has been my hobby of choice since as far as my memory serves me and I have a goal to participate at every track I can. __________________________________Rocky
back in the early '90s i produced & sold a dragstrip directory of tracks east of the mississippi. one of the surprising things i learned in the research was that a little more than 1/3 of the tracks were nhra, just under 1/3 were ihra, & just under 1/3 were unsanctioned.
I haven't been there.....yet.......plan to though. I need to go see a piece of history before it's gone. Been everywhere else here in Ar except Prescott. Newport...that was fun. It was like driving on ice. And shutting down....haha....don't take anything faster than about 7-flat unless it's got excellent brakes. I was still using Maverick 4 wheel drums at the time....lol.
Don't know how true it is, but there's a rumor going round that the state is going to build a by-pass around Paragould. They say the proposed (sp?) route will go right through George's property. Haven't talked to George to confirm. But this might be a good year to come see the track. If this proves to be true, as you said "a piece of history before it's gone"
I haven't been to that racetrack yet, but would love to take the Comet up there shortly after I get it road worthy. Papawdarrell... send me a PM when you get a chance. Our track here isn't sanctioned either... Just a local dragstrip... no "real" NHRA or IHRA or any of those rules
Just in case anyone is interested, The TV guide is listing the HorsePower TV,segment on The Wildcat Strip is going to be on at 12 Noon (central Time) on TNN today (Sunday-MAY 28th 2006) If you haven't seen it heres your chance to see a part of Drag Racing history.
I"d have to say that Shadyside Dragway in Shelby NC is my favorite OUTLAW drag strip. I think you could show up in a 5-second car and they wouldn't even make you wear a helmet.....
Thats about 5 hours from Owensboro. Sounds like a good day trip. I'd love to see the place. Is he only open on weekends?
