Potential Pre-'64 Drags in North Texas

Well, the idea has been floated. Question is, 1/8 mile, or 1/4 mile.
Let's get some input/ideas.
Thanks - BigKen

 

When you ask that question, you have to list the potential spots. Yellow belly (1/8) ain't exactly the Ritz, and Kennedale (1/8) is headed that way. My vote would be go for the gusto and do Ennis (1/4).

 

I personally think until every single last 1/4 mile attempt has been exhausted, 1/8th mile should not even be considered.

 

I'd prefer 1/4, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker either way for me attending.

The 1/4 would be the best for comparing times with people on the board that won't be there. It's pretty much the standard for measuring performance.

The 1/8 would be closer finishes. It might be more exciting to watch.

Would 1/8 be more or less of a driver's race? Leaving the line would have more importance, but there are less shifts to screw up!

 

Part of the fun at Temple is the atmosphere. It gives you the feel of nostalgia drags even with no cars there... Ennis is the opposite, but unfotunately one of the only 1/4 mile tracks I know.

Another thing is that apparently the owner of NTD or whatever the denton track is called now wants to have such a thing there. The denton track doesn't have the ambiance either, but it would make an event much easier if the owner was interested in it.

 

Thinking Denton at the moment.

 

The problem is going to be finding the right track. I've heard scary stories about YellowBelly from guys that usually don't scare easy. And a huge, new, facility like Ennis will probably come off kinda stale. Our cars would really seem slow from that far away in the stands at Ennis.

It's really hard to find the right blend in a track. We're lucky to have Little River so close. It's not perfect, but it is the real deal and has the right feel. I think the vibe of the track is as important, if not more, than the length.

 

I really like 1/4 a lot more. The old girl really starts hauling the mail after the first 1/8th.

 

Well, I know Ennis is a little impersonal, and there's definately something to be said about owning the joint while you're at it, even if it's on the small side. I don't have any personal experience with the Denton track, but any event regardless of venue, would be better than nothin'.

 

As a guy who has raced at all the local area tracks, my vote by far would be denton even though it is 1/8th mile. I would also look at who would be the friendliest to us as a group and I think that might be Larry at denton.

 

Also I don't what what the costs are, but Ennis isn't cheap I don't think. I worked for the Buick club here for a while and I remember at the buick nationals, Texas Motorplex, would not restrict the cars that came, unless we paid a higher fee..

 

what are (our cars) is this a race or car show we are contemplating???

 

Here lifted from Texas Bracket racing site

Abilene Dragstrip
5601 W. Stamford Abilene, TX 79603 www.abilenedragstrip.com

Angleton Dragway
Track Address 27250 FM 2004 Angleton, TX 77515 www.angletonraceway.com

Ben Bruce Memorial Airpark Raceway
2364 FARM ROAD 105 Evadale, TX 77615

Cherokee County Motorsports Park
1157 C.R. 2404 Rusk,TX 75785 www.cherokeecountymotorsportspark.com

Desert Thunder Raceway
1 Hialeah Dr. Midland, TX 79705

Edinburg International Racetrack
15920 Expressway North Edinburg, TX 76205

Hobbs Motorsports Park - Close to Texas
5333 North A Street Hobbs New Mexico 88240 www.hobbsmotorsportspark.com

Houston Motorsports Park
11620 North Lake Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX 77044 www.houstonmotorsportspark.com

Houston Raceway Park
2525 FM 565 Baytown, TX 77520 www.houstonraceway.com

Lone Star Motorsports Park
120 Old Columbus Rd. Sealy, TX 77474 www.lonestarmotorsportspark.com

Lubbock Dragway
9221 East C.R. 7000 Slaton, TX 79364 www.lubbockdragway.com

North Star Dragway
3236 Memory Ln. Denton TX www.northstar-dragway.com

Paris Dragstrip
4369 U. S. Highway 82 East, Paris, TX 75462 www.parisdragstrip.com

Pine Valley Raceway Park
3427 FM 2497 Lufkin, TX 75904

Redline Raceway
5326 FM 1565 Caddo Mills, TX 75135 www.redlineraceway.com

Red River Raceway - Close to Texas
13500 Gilliam Scott Slough Road Gilliam, LA 71029 www.redriverraceway.net

San Antonio Raceway
3641 Santa Clara Marion, TX 78124 www.sanantonioraceway.com

Temple Raceway
13550 Hwy 95 Little River, TX 76554 www.templeraceway.com

Texas Motorplex
7500 W. Highway 287 Ennis, TX 75119 www.texasmotorplex.com
Moderator: txmplex


Texas Raceway
3830 S. New Hope Rd Kennedale, TX 76060 www.texasraceway.com

Wichita Raceway Park
Wichita Falls, TX www.wichitaracewaypark.com


And of course Yellobelly is an option

 

does the garden valley track past canton actually exist? I found references to it but no photos or websites.. apparently it is 1/4mile

 

having actually raced at Ennis...

the place simply kicks ***. it doesn't matter if it's a smaller event, or a huge national event, you get the same treatment from the folks that "run the show"-meaning about 10 chow vendors, kick *** restrooms, paved pits (even the distant ones) and full track prep.

as I recall, there is also a whole slew of hotels nearby for the overnighters...My only ***** about the place is one of the reasons I like it-it's HUGE. if your crew is "on foot", well, no need for the stairmaster for the week, cause you will be doing some walking.

 

I was referring to street cars going down the track, not dedicated race cars.

 

Buzzard is right...anything short of single didgit p***es at Ennis is kinda like watching paint dry-which I was doing about 5 minutes ago, and it's not nearly as exciting as I had hoped.

 

Heck, based on what I've seen from the HAMB drags stuff, I'd be willing to truck a couple hours out to Temple and go there.

<- kicking himself for missing the action the first go-round.

 

I agree, Larry is a solid racer and tons of fun.

 

From what I've heard so far, it sounds like Denton might be the best bet.

1. The owner is in to it. (A huge plus for making it actually happen)
2. It's far enough North for the Okies to come down and race.

 

I've been to all the strips here in North Texas

Only one that really will work for it would be Denton
Motels close, little night life in Denton for those that choose that.

Ennis , Yeah its a 1/4 (which I prefer) but .. Its a non HAMB friendly joint IMO .dry county, NO WHERE close for any extra fun

Spinner dale is right in heart of city, nothing anywhere close to
stay that I'd feel comfortable at overnight ..

Caddo Mills, well .. Maybe, but again ..Its BFE

 

As soon as they get the strip poured in Crandall I was planning on visiting the owner and trying to schedule a Nostagia type race. It is gonna be 1/8th mile but will be like Little River with 1/4 mile times too for the slower cars. It was supposed to be poured a year ago but rain has slowed it up. It is gonna be a real nice track like redline with all paved pits, etc. Game room for the kiddos, and large consseion stands. I will drive by there on my way home. It is gonna be sanctioned for IHRA. 1/8 mile is fine with me but of co**** 1/4 will be funner for top speeds. The main problem we have is alot of cars will get banned for being more like a outlaw type car. Meaning to fast and not enough safety. I personnaly dont really care but based on the Denton owner attending the Day of The Drags I feel that he likes what we do and would probably love having our money show up at his track. Either way I cant wait. Lets do this

Rusty

 

I agree, Rusty... I p*** by that track every day on the way to work & back... they're making progress, but it's way slow. I wish they would hurry up and get it done already.

As for the vibe, they are putting up a few newish looking steel buildings, but the track is out in the middle of a bunch of open farm land, yet very easy to get to.

 

Caddo Mills is where the NHRA ran in the 50's and early 60's. All the greats ran out there (Hill, Langley, Garlits.......)There is a new nice track about 2 miles from the original one at the airport. Not too far from Dallas either. Wish we could get on the original airport and run its still there but safety might be a bit lax there. Redline raceway is 1/8 and is really nice. I only wish there was more than 200 yard left of the Green Valley Racetway......

 

1/4 mile is my preference, but 1/8th mile would be fine if it's more inviting for the "outlaw" type racers and guys. If the Denton track is wanting to get something like this put together, do it there. If it goes well, maybe plan on another one or more after that at Ennis or where ever. I would love to see another nostalgia race be put together in these parts of the country.

 

I know what ya mean, buzzard... What made DOTD enjoyable was the entire experience, not just the racing. Little River has a great 'vibe' despite a few burned out bulbs in the sign and nasty johns.

However, I would still go if there was an event at a more modern track, because after all it's the racing that is the draw for me.

 

I was pitted next to Larry at the DOD, he was really excited and is open to have a similar event at his track in Denton. A few of the tracks I have been to that the track owner/manager has come to me personally and thanked me for being there are Lonestar in Sealy, Hallsville (although I think it may be closed) and State Capitol in Baton Rouge (not sure if it is still open) and Todd at San Antonio Raceway (Marion/Sequin). Hell I am so old that I still remember when Jerry was still running the show at Little River.
My vote is to start with someone that actually likes what we are doing and wants us there.

 

Anywhere but Yellowbelly... What a **** box.....

Dirty 2 is right, we need our beer and *****s...

Is there anything to do for night life in Caddo Mills ?

 

The Wichita Falls track is pretty good.The owner is doing lots of work on the pits (concrete on most ,new gravel on the rest). This track was considered Eddie Hill's home track. Back in the 50s and early 60s it was a 1/4 mile NHRA track. Now it is an 1/8 mile. There are hotels within 3 to 5 miles and beer.