Tracks: Irwindale Dragstrip, the seventh speedway
9 August 2000
IRWINDALE'S SEVENTH SPEEDWAY by Harold Osmer, Author, "Where They Raced … Lap 2" Nearing the completion of their second successful racing season, Irwindale Speedway management prides itself on community involvement. In partnership with the National Hot Rod Association, local law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, the City of Irwindale will soon boast of a seventh speedway! Irwindale Dragstrip will be the first Southern California drag racing facility built in over 25 years (Terminal Island's Brotherhood Dragway was built in 1974). Scaled to a one-eighth mile configuration, Irwindale Dragstrip will host street legal racers and NHRA Junior Dragsters. All teams will face specific safety and competition rules, but the key point will remain one of getting from Point A to Point B the quickest. The new track will occupy Irwindale Speedway's southeast property with races running east to west. Permanent grandstands for 1000 spectators will accommodate families and fans on weeknights and Sunday afternoons through the summer months. A complete schedule of events will be available soon. WHY A DRAGSTRIP ? To the outside observer, racing is racing. To those with a bit of knowledge, racing is readily divided into myriad categories. While one group of racers can appreciate the accomplishments of another, there is little carry-over from one form to another. Street racing has always been a bad idea. But there has never been a shortage of mechanically talented young people willing to let their cars do their bragging. The NHRA was started to confront this situation in 1950. The latest trend in street racing lends itself to the ever-present pop culture and has expanded out of law enforcement control. Irwindale Speedway has shown that auto racing is a wholesome sport backed largely by local racers, their families, and their friends. This site will provide an accessible, realistic alternative to those street racers who are the most serious about going fast. And if you've never seen an NHRA Junior Dragster at speed, you will have ample opportunity next season at Irwindale Dragstrip IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY WILL BREAK GROUND ON IRWINDALE DRAGSTRIP ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 12, 2000 AT 1:30 P.M. - THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS ARE BOTH INVITED TO THE HISTORIC EVENT.