Bunny Burkett to be honored at home track

Bunny Burkett to be Honored at Maryland International Raceway June 12 1985 IHRA Alcohol Funny Car World Champion to be immortalized at her home track

MECHANICSVILLE, MD. - Bunny Burkett, a Fredericksburg, Virginia native who made Maryland International Raceway her home, will be honored Thursday, June 12, when the facility unveils its $1 million facelift prior to the 2008 IHRA President's Cup Nationals.

Burkett has donated the Chrysler Lazer Funny Car she drove to her world title to the track and it will be displayed atop the new "Hot Rodz" concession area at MIR. Though Burkett has been asked numerous times to put the car on display at different racing halls of fame, she never wanted to let it leave her possession. However, during a phone call with MIR owner Royce Miller, where he was telling her about the renovations to the track she loves so dearly, she offered to put the car on display.

"That car is a piece of racing history," Miller said. "We're honored Bunny wanted to make it a part of our renovation project and it will definitely enhance the look of the place."

For Burkett it was an easy decision.

"I love MIR," she said. "It's my home track and my favorite track."

The "Hot Rodz" concession area is just one piece of the $1 million facelift MIR has undergone during the off-season. The facility has also seen upgraded pit paving as well as work on the starting line and new, modernized restrooms.

"We are working to make MIR the finest drag racing facility in this area, if not in the entire country," Miller said. "We have a firm commitment to growing this facility and our relationship with IHRA. A lot of work has gone into these improvements...work that will benefit both the racers and the fans."

Burkett will be honored with the unveiling of a plaque June 12 at 4pm, prior to the IHRA President's Cup Nationals.

-credit: ihra