PDRA returns to GALOT for first of two shows
The eight-event Pro Drag Racers Association season comes to GALOT Motorsports Park for the first of two events the Benson track will host this season.
After the success of lasts year’s DragStock XIII at the one-eighth mile racing center, the PDRA decided to bring two events there this year.
The first comes this weekend when the track plays host to the PDRA East Coast Nationals. The second event is slated to take place in September when the track will host Drag Wars Sept. 7 through 9.
“With the success of last year’s event we decided to host two this year,” track Media Relations Coordinator Charles Myers said. “The PDRA lost its race at the Rockingham Dragway, so we took that date. We feel that we have an outstanding facility and want to continue to provide a first-class event.”
Last year a capacity crowd watched as winners were crowned in multiple events. This year Mr. Myers expects just as many fans to fill the stands.
“We had a record crowd for a PDRA race last year and we expect the same this year,” Mr. Myers said. “We also have sold more camping spots than last year, so we know the crowd is going to be very large.”
This year marks the second anniversary of the re-invented GALOT Motorsports Park. The facility owned by Earl Wells is a far cry from the old Dunn-Benson Drag Strip who’s notorious reputation was erased by the bulldozers that helped rebuild the track.
“It’s been four years since Mr. Wells bought the track,” Mr. Myers said. “We absolutely believe the reputation has changed. Now we offer a safe, family-friendly environment and a first-class racing facility.”
Track officials expect upwards of 200 cars for 11 different classes this weekend. With the exception of Top Dragster, two classes of Top Sportsman and two classes of Junior Dragsters, racing will be head-to-head.
Head-to-head classes include Pro Extreme, Pro Nitrous and Pro Boost, along with Extreme Pro Stock, Pro Extreme Motorcycle and Outlaw 632.
The Outlaw 632 class features dragsters limited to a 632-cubic-inch motor in a head-to-head format.
There will also be a Bracket Bash on Saturday and appearances by a Jet Car and Wheelstander both Friday and Saturday nights.
Action in the event will get under way Thursday with an all-day tuning session. Admission is $10.
Friday marks the first day of pro qualifying. There will be two sessions, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults.
Saturday will feature the final round of pro qualifying at 11 a.m. with eliminations in all classes starting at 3 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults. There are also weekend passes available for $40 which includes admission all three days of racing. Kids ages 6-12 are $10 Friday andSaturday and kids age 5 and under are free all weekend.
The track will also host an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning at 10 open to the general public with a paid admission. Participants are asked to bring their own Easter basket or bags to collect eggs and other prizes. Courtesy The Daily Record
