HOUSE SPRINGS, Missouri —Muncie Dragway is far from a cookie-cutter race track. The Albany, Indiana drag strip, which opened on Easter Sunday 1960, still has an old-school feel.
Those who race there love its character and that it takes a different skill set than a lot of other venues as track owner Scott Daniels pointed out.
“It’s old school. Our lanes are uneven where one lane is a little higher than the other,” Daniels said about the 1/4-mile track. “It takes driving to the finish line. You have to be a driver, not a wheel racer. It makes it a little tougher.”
While it’s challenging, there is a huge effort to make everyone welcome. Part of that includes track recently renewing its sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Association.
Over the past few years, upgrades to the facility have included adding showers, all new wiring for the timing system, new lighting and new track prep equipment. Noted track specialist Kurt Johnson taught Daniels the importance of keeping track maintenance at a high level.
“You scrape it, you scrub it, you drag it and you spray it,” Daniels said. “That’s sort of our motto and we do it for every race.”
The track was once operated by former IHRA President Ted Jones and its history with the organization dates back to the sanctioning body’s early days.
In 1973-74, Muncie Dragway (then known as Mid-America Dragway) hosted the IHRA Northern Nationals. The star-studded 1974 finals included Dale Funk besting Gordon Riley in Top Fuel, Ron Colson defeating Billy Meyer in Funny Car and Wayne Gapp over Bob Glidden in Pro Stock. Gene Fulton, 2021 IHRA Hall of Fame inductee, was the Modified winner.
The track still hosts big events including the Night of Fire each July which features such machines as a jet dragster, a jet truck and jet semi. There are other great vehicles like Nostalgia Super Stockers and the Double A Gassers, as well as a Quick 16 door car and dragster race. It’s a low-cost way for spectators to enjoy a whole day of drag racing.
Muncie also hosts big-money races like the Trips 12’s presented by May Race Carbs with $12,000-to-win each day and IHRA Ironman races.
The bread and butter is the weekly bracket racing program through the IHRA Summit SuperSeries. Track representatives at the 2022 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals were: Stacy Jarrell (Top), Jordan Wilhelm (Mod) and Derek Simon (Sportsman).
Wilhelm and Simon represented Muncie well at the World Finals in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Both won their classes in the Friday Race of Champions. They hope to continue the tradition with the IHRA offering even larger prize packages in 2023.
“With the Summit SuperSeries, people see the worth in that at your local facility,” Daniels said. “You see all the prizes that IHRA is giving away for the world champions and it draws in racers. With IHRA instead of making the long haul to California for the World Finals, you’re driving to Holly Springs which is more centrally located.”
To check out more exciting news about this historic facility, clickhereto visit the Muncie Dragway website.
FAQs
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) was purchased nearly a month ago (August), and new owner Larry Jeffers isn't wasting any time making moves. Jeffers, who is serving as the President and CEO of the IHRA, is building upon the established Sportsmans schedule while growing the 2023 season.
Who owns Muncie Dragway? ›
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla, — Muncie Dragway has that nostalgic feel. Track owners Scott and Dawn Daniels are glad it's that way. The historic track located in Albany, Indiana held its first race on Easter Sunday 1960 and has been going strong in the years since.
Who bought ihra drag racing? ›
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — World championship car builder Larry Jeffers has taken over ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) from IRG Sports + Entertainment effectively immediately.
What does IHRA stand for in drag racing? ›
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is the second-largest drag racing sanctioning body after the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
What is the difference between IHRA and NHRA? ›
IHRA is the International Hot Rod Association; NHRA is the National Hot Rod Association. NHRA is ostensibly a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Glendora, CA; IHRA is currently owned by IRG Sports & Entertainment headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL.
Who is the owner of IHRA? ›
There has been so much excitement since IHRA CEO and Owner Larry Jeffers announced plans for the Hot Rod Classic.
How many tracks does NHRA own? ›
NHRA owns and operates four racing facilities: Atlanta Dragway in Georgia; Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis; and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Southern California.
When did Muncie Dragway open? ›
Muncie Dragway. A drag racing database incorrectly states that the track opened in 1959. The August 1960 issue of Hot Rod states it was due to open on July 3, 1960 (the correct track-opening date), as did the Muncie Evening Press.
Why did Memphis Dragway close? ›
The Memphis facility was under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing. The track's Camping World Truck Series date was moved to Nashville Superspeedway and its Nationwide Series date to Gateway International Raceway, and later abandoned after a year.
Who governs drag racing? ›
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) oversees the majority of drag racing events in North America. The next largest organization is the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
With the announcement that Harley-Davidson has chosen not to field factory racing teams in American Flat Track (AFT) or NHRA drag racing in 2021, Vance & Hines will redeploy its racing development team towards creating high performance products for a variety of vehicles, brands and race series in both two and four- ...
Who founded NHRA? ›
Why is drag race illegal? ›
California. There are currently no successful measures targeting drag performances in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom has criticized what he calls a GOP-led "assault on the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Trans community."
What is illegal drag racing? ›
California law makes it illegal to engage in street racing, drag racing or speed contests on public roads, streets and highways. These offenses are punished under Vehicle Code 23109 VC (speed contests) and Vehicle Code 23103 VC (reckless driving).
Can you have a passenger while drag racing? ›
GENERAL RULES. ALL CARS and DRIVERS are subject to N.H.R.A. rules and regulations. Passengers allowed riding in a vehicle that runs 8.60 and slower (1/8th mile) and 14.0 and slower (1/4 mile).
What is replacing Houston Raceway Park? ›
What is happening to the site of the former raceway? The site is being converted to an industrial park by new, Belgium-based owner Katoen Natie. Natie officially received the property last April and plans to use the space to expand their warehouse complex west of the raceway park's land.
Is street racing still a thing? ›
It became especially prevalent during the heyday of hot rodding (1960s), muscle cars (1970s and 1980s), Japanese imports (1990s) and sports cars (2000s). Since then, it continues to be both popular and hazardous, with deaths of bystanders, passengers, and drivers occurring every year.
Is Bob Glidden still racing? ›
Bob Glidden (August 18, 1944 – December 17, 2017) was an American drag racer. He was retired from Pro Stock racing in 1997 and returned in 2010.
How much does it cost to get a IHRA competition license? ›
This form must be completely filled out. It will not be processed if there are any omissions. LICENSE FEE: $60 ET Bracket or $70 Class Competition Application (see Membership, License and Number Application for explanation of fees). $10.00 fee if upgrade from current license.
