This isn't good news. https://wreg.com/news/local/is-this-the-end-memphis-raceways-fate-in-near-future/
yup, we'll see what happens...it's the start/end track for Drag Week this year, too Also just announced last week that Wildhorse P*** in Phoenix AZ is going to go away in 2023 to make room for the new freeway interchange.
Drag racing as most of us on this board knew it, is dying. I think it started when the speeds got too quick, went from a quarter to an eighth mile. The tracks were out of town, now the town has caught up to them and property values, and restrictions, are squeezing them so bad they have to sell. Liability issues, insurance, etc.etc. just makes it a bad deal all around. The young generation doesn't have the interest and that's the death warning. Soon a true drag strip will scaled down in a museum. Our memories will live on though, much like the past generations who remember their youth. I know, like **** holes-everyone has one- an opinion.
It was nice to have this high end facility close by when I lived in Memphis. World cl*** drag strip, oval track and road course all in one spot. Sorry to hear this kind of news. There is plenty of vacant land out there for warehousing without demolishing this. https://www.racemir.com/
The big draw in drag racing today is small tire no prep or back of the track racing, even street events. NHRA just has totally dropped the ball in this type of racing. You think that the NHRA would be interested in getting this type of racing off the street and on to the track. It’s head’s up where the guy that can grip the poor surface and lay down the most power win’s. At times you see full length tire smoke like in the early 60s.
NHRA is about the big bucks and total control. They can’t be fooling around with a bunch of broke country boys wanting to race. It would ruin their reputation. No prep, run what you brung, heads up racing is where it’s at. Just like it was back when it all started. Cl***es? Sure, group everything together within a certain range like they used to do, all 5.0 to 6.0, 6.0 to 7.0, etc. Run wide open, no breakouts. Best car and/ or driver wins. I went to a NHRA race at Memphis back in the 80’s. Had a good time but never made it back. Work always seemed to get in the way.....
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