91����

Walla Walla Drag Strip in Walla Walla, Wash.; The Big Country Race Way near Abilene, Texas; and Miramichi Dragway, in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada have all joined the NHRA Member Track Network.

As NHRA-sanctioned tracks, the facilities will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.�� Additionally, the tracks have the opportunity to host NHRA’s specialty events including the National Dragster Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, where racers compete for the coveted Wally trophy.

Walla Walla Drag Strip, formerly known as Bonanza Raceway, has been hosting races since the summer of 1970. In 2008, the drag strip located just west of the Walla Walla Regional Airport off East Highway 12 was set to close until five local businessmen, who are also racers and race fans, intervened by purchasing the track. The group of five die-hard racers wanted to keep the track going for the avid spectators and racers in the area. After they purchased the facility, they renamed it Walla Walla Drag Strip. Walla Drag Strip will be part of Division 6, the Northwest Division.

“Walla Walla Drag Strip is proud to rejoin the NHRA Member Track network,” said Walla Walla Drag Strip President Bryan Watts. “The NHRA has a great Summit E.T. Program and a lot of other great grassroots programs for our racers. We’re looking forward to being back with the NHRA this year.”

Since it was purchased in 2009, the track has undergone various improvements through the support of local businesses, spectators and racers. In 2011, a new eighth-mile concrete track was laid and in 2013 new display signs were purchased.

“We’re excited to have Walla Walla Drag Strip back in the NHRA Member Track family,” said Matt Levonas, NHRA Division 6 director. “It’s a great grassroots track that has a lot to offer local racers around the area. Walla Walla Drag Strip is a great addition to the Northwest Division and we are excited to offer NHRA-sanctioned races at the facility.”

For more information on Walla Walla Drag Strip, please visit .

The Big Country Race Way is an eighth-mile facility located on Interstate-20 just west of Abilene. The facility, formerly known as Abilene Dragway, is owned and operated by Sterling Robertson with the help of track manager Ty Casey.�� The track will be part of Division 4, the South Central Division.

“The Big Country Race Way will immediately become a major asset of the South Central Division,” said Division 4 Director Trey Capps. “It is a premier drag racing facility in west Texas and features amenities I’m confident racers, fans and sponsors will enjoy. I’m eager to get events planned at The Big Country Race Way.”

“I am excited about our next step in growing drag racing in West Texas, and I feel that partnering with the NHRA we will accomplish those goals,” Robertson said. “It should be a great year for the drag racing community in our area and we are definitely looking forward to 2016 and beyond!”

The Big Country Drag Way features an all concrete racing surface, including the burnout area. Over 2,000 feet of concrete barricades line both sides of the track, enhancing safety. There are over 10 acres of paved, lit and striped pit parking spots. There are concessions and restroom facilities on both sides of the track as well as a covered eating area on the pit side. The track is well lit for night racing, including a wide and lighted return road.

The track also has 1,000 covered seats for fans to relax in the shade and enjoy the races. There are excellent views of the entire track from all seats.�� The stands are handicap accessible with close by handicap parking. A professional sound system feeds the stands, pits and parking areas with information, commentary and professionally produced sponsor information broadcasts.

The facility has numerous options for signage and displays to assist sponsors with the advertising and promotion of products and services. The track’s tower also features a VIP suite that is available for entertaining guests and clients.

To learn more about The Big Country Race Way, please visit .

Located west of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and just south of the Miramichi Airport, Miramichi Dragway has been operating for the past few years as in independent track. Miramichi Dragway will be part of Division 1, the Northeast Division.

"We are very excited to enter into this partnership with NHRA", says facility owner Rodolphe Savoie. "We have been working hard on upgrades and improvements over the last several years to ensure the sport of drag racing not only survives, but thrives in Eastern Canada, and this partnership serves to further demonstrate our commitment to that. Sportsman racers are the foundation of our sport, and we are pleased to see NHRA's renewed commitment to getting back to their roots."

Highlighting the 2016 season at Miramichi Dragway will be the PCRichard.com Northeast Division National Open Series, July 30-31. The track also offers a full complement of drag racing from May through October serving the community with various special events and weekly programs.

“We are excited to welcome Miramichi Dragway to the Member Track family,” said Dave Mohn, NHRA Division 1 Director. “The Eastern Canada area is a hot-bed of drag racing and we look forward to many years of success at this track.”

For more information on Miramichi Dragway and to view their 2016 schedule, please visit .
��