DRAG RACING: Goodguys Shuffle 2001 Year End Race Dates

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 31, 2001

Alamo, CA - The Goodguys Vintage Drag Racing Association announced today that it will hold this year’s “Fuel & Gas Finals” at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield the weekend of November 3 & 4. The date change was necessary due to a comprehensive modernization project at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma. Originally, Goodguys season-ending 2001 schedule had the Fall Classic scheduled for September 8 & 9 at Sears Point, followed two-weeks later by the season-ending Fuel & Gas Finals, September 21, 22 & 23 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The revised schedule actually worked to everyone’s benefit, allowing a more comfortable fall racing campaign for the country’s vintage drag racers. “We had no choice but to cancel the Sears Point event,” said Goodguys President Gary Meadors. “Sears Point President Steve Page called and informed us that after the NHRA Fram Autolite Nationals in early August, they will be completely revamping the dragstrip which would eliminate any additional major drag racing events being held at the facility for the remainder of 2001.”

When construction is complete at Sears Point, track officials point out that it will mirror the “Strip” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, complete with VIP suites atop the permanent 15,000 seat west-side grandstands as well as a brand new racing surface featuring 600 feet of concrete launch pad. “It’s well worth the wait,” said Gary Meadors of Goodguys. “When they’re done with the new drag strip at Sears Point, it will unquestionably be the nation’s finest dragstrip capable of producing world record runs!”

To recap, the Goodguys “Fall Classic” Drags will be held September 22 & 23, 2001 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the season ending “Fuel & Gas Finals” will be held November 3 & 4, 2001 (with racer and exhibitor set-up on Friday, November 2nd) at Bakersfield’s Famoso Raceway.

Text provided by John Drummond

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