Irwindale Speedway ground breaking

Irwindale Calif. - - (August 12, 2000) The Irwindale Speedway leadership (and nearly 1,000 fans) broke ground today on a new 1/8-Mile drag strip located on the southeastern corner of the race track property. An aggressive construction schedule will see the brand new Irwindale Dragstrip up and running for the 2001 season.

NHRA founder and drag racing titan Wally Parks was on hand to help Speedway President Jim Williams do the silver shovel honors on the first such facility to be built in southern California in over 30 years. C.J. "Pappy" Hart, the man who built the first-ever NHRA drag strip was also among the dignitaries who included representatives of NHRA, SEMA, local and regional law enforcement, and a wide array of performance parts manufacturers. Many racers and fans took part in the ceremonies as well Cars taking part at the 1/8-Mile facility will be of the "Street Legal" variety (DMV-licensed and legal to drive on the streets). Most, if not all, of these cars are used for everyday transportation and many have been extensively performance-modified by their proud owners. Ranging from 50's era cool coupes to the latest intense imports

Junior Dragsters, scaled-down mini versions of top fuel dragsters, driven by kids with dreams of becoming the next Tony Schumacher or Shirley Muldowney will also be a featured division at Irwindale. The NHRA has very solid rules for the construction and operation of Junior Dragsters, thus assuring safe and equal competition for their young aspiring drivers.

It goes without saying that all cars running on the new 'strip at Irwindale will have to meet very strict safety and sound requirements. And, working mufflers will be an absolute must on all cars that take to the track. This drag strip will not only be fun for the participants, but a good neighbor to the surrounding communities.

This facility will be the fourth drag strip and seventh race track to be located in Irwindale. "There's a great deal racing heritage here in, and we feel that we're carrying that tradition on with our twin NASCAR ovals, our Karting facility, and now, with our own 1/8-mile drag strip," said Bob DeFazio, Irwindale's VP/COO.

Many local law enforcement departments and community agencies have expressed interest in the new strip and will be working with the facility to foster safer on-street driving through programs centered at this facility.