MOTORCYCLES AND SLEDS JOIN THE WDRA SUMMIT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE IN 2024

SPRINGFIELD, IL: The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) expands to accommodate motorcycle and sled competitors by adding their own class to the Summit Sportsman Drag Racing Series (SSDRS) program in 2024. WDRA member tracks will now be able to crown a motorcycle or sled track champion who will represent them during the WDRA Summit World Championship presented by Suncoast Performance at Montgomery International Dragway on October 24-26, 2024.

“We’ve built a strong foundation during our first season and it’s incredible to see the growth coming into year two,” said Skooter Peaco with WDRA. “A large number of tracks have made the switch to WDRA for 2024 and a large percentage have a motorcycle or sled program already in place, while some tracks run a mixed program. We have listened to the feedback from our racers and member tracks and are excited to add this new category to our Summit Sportsman Drag Racing Series where we will ultimately crown a WDRA Summit Motorcycle World Champion.”

Every racer that qualifies for the WDRA Summit World Championship presented by Suncoast Performance will have the opportunity to compete in a Free Friday $5K gamblers race for their respective class (Box, No Box, Sportsman, Junior Dragster, and Motorcycle) in addition to receiving tow money to help with travel expenses. The talented racer who earns the 2024 WDRA Summit Motorcycle World Champion title will also earn $5,000 cash, the coveted WDRA Rod trophy, and a WDRA Champion Card redeemable during the 2025 season. 

Momentum Builds as Nitro Motorsports Park Joins the WDRA

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Nitro Motorsports Park has reached a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) to become the tenth new facility to join the WDRA member track network. The WDRA continues to expand its relationship with racers across the border as Nitro Motorsports Park marks the eighth WDRA-sanctioned racetrack throughout five Canadian provinces.

Previously sanctioned by IHRA, the quarter-mile dragstrip located ten miles north of Prince George, British Columbia, is an example of what people can do when motivated by their passion for the sport. Originally named North Central Motorsports Park, the 138-acre facility was opened in 1978 under private ownership. In 2015, a group of individuals banded together to create a non-profit group called the Northern Interior Time Racing Organization (NITRO). Their sole purpose was to protect the future of the racetrack and ensure it would never become extinct or turn into a subdivision, so they purchased the facility and continue to manage it to this day.

“We love what NITRO has done in terms of securing the future of drag racing in Western Canada, and how their views and values line up with WDRA’s mission,” said Frank Kohutek with the WDRA. “The passion and commitment to our sport from Andy Closkey and the team that runs Nitro, is second to none. These folks all have full-time careers in other industries but come together and work as a team in their spare time to ensure Nitro Motorsports Park is around for generations of drag racing fans to enjoy. It is awesome to see what they have accomplished, and we are honored to help them grow and be a part of their journey.”

London Dragway Shifts to WDRA Sanction

SPRINGFIELD, IL: London Dragway marks the ninth new facility to reach a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and eagerly joins 51 additional racing facilities in the growing WDRA member track network.

Formally sanctioned by IHRA and located in London, Kentucky, the scenic racetrack has been owned and managed by Craig Boone for the last 17 years. As a racer himself, Craig is passionate about providing a great experience at the racetrack from start to finish, which includes a hands-on approach.  From welcoming racers at the front gate, handling payouts, working the concession stand, or even taking on-track photos, you don’t have to look far to find a friendly member of the London Dragway team ready to make your visit to the track a memorable one.

“As a family-operated dragstrip, London Dragway thrives by making the local racers feel at home,” said Jon O’Neal with WDRA. “The beautiful facility, nestled alongside the Daniel Boone National Forest, is under constant improvements to better serve the needs of the growing program. We look forward to providing a helping hand through our efforts and those of the Alliance to the facility and the racers who call London home.”

Fuel Factory Announced as Official Fuel of WDRA

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Fuel Factory and the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) have reached a partnership agreement that names the Pennsylvania-based fuel manufacturer the Official Fuel of WDRA with their leaded, unleaded, methanol, and ethanol race fuel products. Furthermore, Fuel Factory becomes the title sponsor for the Race of Champions events held at each of the five WDRA Summit Bracket Finals presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance.

“From the first round to the eighth round, Fuel Factory was made for racers who bring their best and work their way through every round,” said Michael Tedesco, Fuel Factory CEO. “We are created by the racer, for the racer. Our fuels are dependable, reliable, and are built for speed. Being bracket racers ourselves, we wanted to support the bracket racing community during the Summit Bracket Finals events, and this is a perfect platform to introduce our high-quality fuels to a large range of competitors.”

By sharing a passion for racers and unstoppable drive, both companies have garnered attention and rising success since bursting into the motorsports world last year. In fact, the Fuel Factory F14 fuel produced a winner’s circle appearance just one week after its brand launch in December 2022.

Brainerd Motorsports Park Changes to WDRA Sanction

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Brainerd Motorsports Park has reached a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and becomes the eighth new facility to join the flourishing WDRA member track network ahead of the 2024 season.

Formerly sanctioned by IHRA, the eighth-mile drag strip in Ringgold, Georgia, is home to a multitude of racers who enjoy a wide range of racing action from March through November. Owned and operated by Steven and Amy Farrow, Brainerd Motorsports Park events include a points series, big money bracket racing, the monthly Big Dog Brawl, motorcycle drags, nostalgia racing, several impressive junior dragster events, index races, and more.

“We love the passion and dedication Steve and Amy bring to the Alliance,” said Frank Kohutek from WDRA. “They are also both active racers which gives them a unique perspective within the drag racing community. They are both very dedicated to their track and their racers. We appreciate them evaluating the WDRA member track programs and benefits and making an informed decision to trust us to go to work for their operation and their racers.” 

Mooresville Dragway Moves to WDRA Sanction in 2024

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Mooresville Dragway has reached a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and becomes the seventh track to join the thriving WDRA member track family within the last three weeks.  

With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the former NHRA-sanctioned North Carolina facility was purchased by Eric Yost and Robert Buker ahead of the 2023 race season. As both a racer and a chassis builder, Yost understands each side of the equation when it comes to a successful racing program. His drag racing and street performance shop, Customs by Bigun, is also located in Mooresville and has produced championship-claiming customers in multiple notable events and drag-and-drive races.  

“We welcome Eric, Robert, and the Mooresville team to the WDRA family,” said Josh Peake with WDRA.  “Eric has a high business acumen and decades of proven business success in our industry, which will be a great benefit to the Alliance. His passion for our sport is obvious and we are looking forward to having him work with the six other tracks in our Carolina member track family.”    

Mid America Dragway Becomes the Newest WDRA Member Track

SPRINGFIELD, IL: The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) proudly announces that Mid America Dragway in Geuda Springs, Kansas, has reached a multi-year sanction agreement with the WDRA and will become the newest track to join the WDRA member track family.

Formerly sanctioned by NHRA, Mid America Dragway was built as a landing strip to refuel planes and teach pilots how to fly in World War II, before being repurposed as a dragstrip in the 1960s. Fast cars and farmland coexisted until 2011 when the facility sat vacant for seven years until the current owners, Jim and Chris Maybrier, purchased their childhood home track and brought it back to life in 2018.

Thanks to their commitment and passion for drag racing, Mid America Dragway now thrives with numerous classes and events to keep the sport alive in Kansas from April to October. The 3,500-foot facility boasts concrete barriers, climate-controlled bathrooms, concessions, and the comfort of stadium-style seating for spectators.

ONE SKY MEDIA PARTNERS WITH WDRA TO BENEFIT RACETRACKS AND RACERS

One Sky Media offers an extensive discount on website design and services for racetracks and racers through its exclusive partnership with the WDRA.

SPRINGFIELD, IL: The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) has partnered with One Sky Media Webmasters for the 2024 season to bring more value to the growing crowd of WDRA racetracks and members. The internet marketing professionals at One Sky Media will provide their expertise at significantly reduced costs to transform a racetrack website from outdated, or in some cases nonexistent, to an attractive and efficient communication tool.

Over $2,000 in savings is on the table for WDRA member tracks who utilize the exclusive offer by One Sky Media which includes free standard website design and setup with the purchase of an annual hosting and maintenance plan in addition to the 50% discount on any of the add-on features available. For WDRA members who are also business owners, One Sky Media is offering a 25% discount on website design and build costs so those racers-turned-entrepreneurs can benefit from the alliance as well.

Good Times Ahead for Baileyton Dragstrip through WDRA Sanction

SPRINGFIELD, IL: Baileyton “Good Time” Dragstrip has reached a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and becomes the latest track to join the flourishing WDRA member track family ahead of the 2024 season.

Formerly sanctioned by IHRA, Jack Walker built Baileyton Dragstrip in 1966 and it has been a family heirloom ever since. Now owned and operated by Jack’s grandson, Russ Easterwood, and his wife, Sasha, the legendary Alabama racetrack continues to welcome countless drag racing fans and drivers. Anyone is sure to have a good time at Baileyton with their variety of events that alternate between $5,000 bracket races, street style heads-up racing, no prep events, as well as test and tune.

“We appreciate the trust Russ has placed in WDRA. The history and legacy that comes along with Baileyton is just incredible,” said WDRA’s Frank Kohutek.  “Five of the nine sanctioned tracks in Alabama are now WDRA member tracks and we look forward to helping them work together to benefit all the racers in the state.” 

Easterwood continues to invest in the fifty-seven-year-old facility as evidenced by various projects the last few seasons. Racers have enjoyed a resurfaced concrete eighth mile, paving projects in the staging lanes and pit areas, as well as a new Accutime timing system that was installed at the start of the 2022 season.