NHRA ANNOUNCES PEACH STATE SHOWCASE OF SPEED AT SOUTH GEORGIA MOTORSPORTS PARK (1 Viewer)

[mikebcurve]

NHRA Announces the Peach State Showcase of Speed!

 

[mick]

there is/was definitely a 3 week gap between ennis and vegas 2. a good hole to fill.
why not just assign countdown points to this pro only race? (3) qualifiers on friday, and race on saturday?
logistically may have been better after zmax2 or st. louis? but then ennis would have to move, and i'll bet that date is carved in stone
with stampede of speed week.

 

[mick]

and now it is certainly a much better option than the zmax2 4wide fiasco.
a show put on by raul torres and bill bader jr., showcasing nitro, and probably dancing elephants,
lions, tigers, bears, explosives, midget mud wrestling, sword swallowing,and god only knows what else.
maybe a pair of jr. jet cars: the bearded lady vs. the fire eater ...... this could be the best drag race ever.

 

[Chili]

Is the track a quarter mile track?

 

[mick]

Is the track a quarter mile track?

yes. actually, i think this place could host a regular national event. mite have to be a lower sportsman car count to accommodate racers and spectators?

 

[MSopko_Jr.]

I really like this idea. In fact I've often wondered if something like this could be done at smaller market tracks to increase interest in NHRA big show racing and national event attendance. Granted in this case it seems like it is being done more so to promote SGMP. I know things evolve, but I also think it was events like this in the past that lead people to attend national or larger events some distance away. I know for my Dad, he grew up with US 30 nearly in his backyard. That lead to him traveling 2 1/2 hours to the US Nats, 5 hours to the Spring Nats in Columbus, and other events like the Popular Hot Rod Meet in Martin, and events at Union Grove and Byron. We are all here because of the addictive nature of this sport and I believe giving people a taste of big show racing at a smaller venue may entice those who have not seen these level of cars to travel a couple hours away to a national event where they would see a larger number of them.

 

[flapjack]

I really like this idea. In fact I've often wondered if something like this could be done at smaller market tracks to increase interest in NHRA big show racing and national event attendance. Granted in this case it seems like it is being done more so to promote SGMP. I know things evolve, but I also think it was events like this in the past that lead to people to attend national or larger events some distance away. I know for my Dad, he grew up with US 30 nearly in his backyard. That lead to him traveling 2 1/2 hours to the US Nats, 5 hours to the Spring Nats in Columbus, and other events like the Popular Hot Rod Meet in Martin, and events at Union Grove and Byron. We are all here because of the addictive nature of this sport and I believe giving people a taste of big show racing at a smaller venue may entice those who have not seen these level of cars to travel a couple hours away to a national event where they would see a larger number of them.

I see you joined very recently, Mike. Welcome to the 'Mater!

 

[Nappy]

I really like this idea. In fact I've often wondered if something like this could be done at smaller market tracks to increase interest in NHRA big show racing and national event attendance. Granted in this case it seems like it is being done more so to promote SGMP. I know things evolve, but I also think it was events like this in the past that lead people to attend national or larger events some distance away. I know for my Dad, he grew up with US 30 nearly in his backyard. That lead to him traveling 2 1/2 hours to the US Nats, 5 hours to the Spring Nats in Columbus, and other events like the Popular Hot Rod Meet in Martin, and events at Union Grove and Byron. We are all here because of the addictive nature of this sport and I believe giving people a taste of big show racing at a smaller venue may entice those who have not seen these level of cars to travel a couple hours away to a national event where they would see a larger number of them.

Like your post Mike. I too grew up going to U.S. 30, Union Grove and Oswego dragstrips. That's where I got started with John Lawson from my neighborhood. I crewed on his cars for a lot of years. You have done a lot of pics of John's funny cars over the years, great job. Welcome to the "Mater"

 

[65 Goatboy]

I really like this idea. In fact I've often wondered if something like this could be done at smaller market tracks to increase interest in NHRA big show racing and national event attendance. Granted in this case it seems like it is being done more so to promote SGMP. I know things evolve, but I also think it was events like this in the past that lead people to attend national or larger events some distance away. I know for my Dad, he grew up with US 30 nearly in his backyard. That lead to him traveling 2 1/2 hours to the US Nats, 5 hours to the Spring Nats in Columbus, and other events like the Popular Hot Rod Meet in Martin, and events at Union Grove and Byron. We are all here because of the addictive nature of this sport and I believe giving people a taste of big show racing at a smaller venue may entice those who have not seen these level of cars to travel a couple hours away to a national event where they would see a larger number of them.

Mike, you are stirring up memories from my youth. We used to go to a track in northern IL in Oswego on Sunday afternoons. I remember the commercials on the radio for Union Grove Wisconson and US 30 which was in northern Indiana I think? Getting to go to Oswego was a thrill, my best friend and I got to ride along with his older brother and his friend who owned a 66 Chevelle SS 396 4-spd. with a 427 cam and heads. It had "cheater slicks" and a custom y-pipe at the end of the header collectors which you opened up when you got to the track. It ran in the high 12 second range and would pull the front tires off the ground when it left the line. We almost always came home with a trophy in the back seat. We drove it there and back home again, fastest street car I ever rode in. Oswego was a famous track like Byron, cars came for all over the midwest including some big names. I saw my first nitro funny car their, I had my back to the starting line when they fired it up and probably jumped a foot off the ground! Welcome to Nitromater land, their are some REAL racers here, lots of fun!

 

[Butch]

I really like this idea. In fact I've often wondered if something like this could be done at smaller market tracks to increase interest in NHRA big show racing and national event attendance. Granted in this case it seems like it is being done more so to promote SGMP. I know things evolve, but I also think it was events like this in the past that lead people to attend national or larger events some distance away. I know for my Dad, he grew up with US 30 nearly in his backyard. That lead to him traveling 2 1/2 hours to the US Nats, 5 hours to the Spring Nats in Columbus, and other events like the Popular Hot Rod Meet in Martin, and events at Union Grove and Byron. We are all here because of the addictive nature of this sport and I believe giving people a taste of big show racing at a smaller venue may entice those who have not seen these level of cars to travel a couple hours away to a national event where they would see a larger number of them.

Dam I thought I was reading radio ad for
Broadway Bob and Union Grove. Lol

 

[MSopko_Jr.]

Like your post Mike. I too grew up going to U.S. 30, Union Grove and Oswego dragstrips. That's where I got started with John Lawson from my neighborhood. I crewed on his cars for a lot of years. You have done a lot of pics of John's funny cars over the years, great job. Welcome to the "Mater"

Thanks so much Kevin. We have been blessed to get to know the Lawsons over the years. They are great people! Thanks for the welcome

 

[MSopko_Jr.]

Mike, you are stirring up memories from my youth. We used to go to a track in northern IL in Oswego on Sunday afternoons. I remember the commercials on the radio for Union Grove Wisconson and US 30 which was in northern Indiana I think? Getting to go to Oswego was a thrill, my best friend and I got to ride along with his older brother and his friend who owned a 66 Chevelle SS 396 4-spd. with a 427 cam and heads. It had "cheater slicks" and a custom y-pipe at the end of the header collectors which you opened up when you got to the track. It ran in the high 12 second range and would pull the front tires off the ground when it left the line. We almost always came home with a trophy in the back seat. We drove it there and back home again, fastest street car I ever rode in. Oswego was a famous track like Byron, cars came for all over the midwest including some big names. I saw my first nitro funny car their, I had my back to the starting line when they fired it up and probably jumped a foot off the ground! Welcome to Nitromater land, their are some REAL racers here, lots of fun!

Thanks Brian. Yep US 30 was in northern Indiana. They said, it was Gary, but actually it was in Merrillville. I still live about 10 minutes from it. I used to work part time at a machine shop for my Dad's best friend, that was across the corner from the track. One time during a lunch break I went and walked the track. Unfortunately, it closed when I was three, but that was the place that set the hook for my Dad and his best friend, and I of course have been infected by it too. The three of us, my Dad, his best friend, and I race an altered at nearby bracket races, nostalgia events, and even Super Comp sometimes. My Dad and I rotate in the seat, and his best friend, that I consider an uncle, is the crew chief. I don't think my Dad ever made it to Oswego, but I have heard many things about that track.

 

[handsome]

maybe NHRA is testing the waters in that market area in preparations for 2026

 

[65 Goatboy]

Thanks Brian. Yep US 30 was in northern Indiana. They said, it was Gary, but actually it was in Merrillville. I still live about 10 minutes from it. I used to work part time at a machine shop for my Dad's best friend, that was across the corner from the track. One time during a lunch break I went and walked the track. Unfortunately, it closed when I was three, but that was the place that set the hook for my Dad and his best friend, and I of course have been infected by it too. The three of us, my Dad, his best friend, and I race an altered at nearby bracket races, nostalgia events, and even Super Comp sometimes. My Dad and I rotate in the seat, and his best friend, that I consider an uncle, is the crew chief. I don't think my Dad ever made it to Oswego, but I have heard many things about that track.

My brother and I grew up in LaGrange, IL a western suburb of Chicago. I think he might have gone to Union Grove. He's 6 years older than me, when I went Oswego I was probably in junior high. Now he's 72 and lives very close to Byron in Oregon, IL. I'm 66 now and have lived in S. IL 300 miles south of Chicago for almost 50 years. I came down to attend S. IL. University Automotive Technology. While in college had several friends who drag raced at a Nhra sactioned 1/8 mile track in Benton, IL. Went there often but have never raced. Worked in the automotive field my whole life doing just about everything. Retired in 2021 after owning a repair shop and used car dealership for 36 yrs. Always wanted to race but never had the time or money, now that I'm retired I have the time and money but lack the ambition. I keep dreaming, the track in Benton is still open.

Really fun talking to you.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays,
Brian

 

[SoCal Racer]

maybe NHRA is testing the waters in that market area in preparations for 2026

I was thinking the same thing. From what I've seen online SGMP has evolved into a pretty nice facility.

 

[65 Goatboy]

No one has mentioned that this is NHRA's answer to the very popular PRO Superstar Shootout in Bradenton. It's Feb. 6th, 7th and 8th this year televised on FloRacing.

 

[mick]

No one has mentioned that this is NHRA's answer to the very popular PRO Superstar Shootout in Bradenton. It's Feb. 6th, 7th and 8th this year televised on FloRacing.

thought that when they first announced this. i'm glad nhra didn't try to compete with that event on the calendar. then again, it would take a purse match to compete,
something yet to be addressed for this valdosta event; if there will even be any actual 'racing'? or just a chicago style deal like norwalk?

 

[J. S.]

No one has mentioned that this is NHRA's answer to the very popular PRO Superstar Shootout in Bradenton. It's Feb. 6th, 7th and 8th this year televised on FloRacing.

I don't see how this could be the case. NHRA's deal only has 2 cars each in T/F and F/C, and 4 each in PS car and motorcycle. It really is just an exhibition, whereas the PRO Shootout is an actual race.

 

[James]

Hopefully they really make it a spectacle and worthwhile.

8 car promod shootout?
Jets?
Fuel altered?
Alky classes? (Almost a given)

 

[Brutus26]

Kind of seems like a Norwalk “Night Under Fire” type event, with Bill Bader showing him the ropes.