I just read a story on Comp Plus about Bristol getting new concrete to half-track (although I thought their problem was from half track on?). It got me thinking, what track is considered to be the best track surface on the tour? I know back in the day, Dallas and then Topeka were mentioned a billiard-table smooth, but what about these days?
What Track Has the Best Racing Surface? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Rich D
- Start date
Bristol, perhaps, after we see how the new surface pans out. Dallas has a gorilla track when the fuel cars stay in the (narrow) groove and it's not 105 in mid October, which isn't unheard of. Race under the lights Friday with temps around 70 and you'd have to really miss the setup to smoke the tires.
mick
Nitro Member
i think almost any track can produce big numbers with great conditions.
we've all witnessed that in the last decade or so. add many non-nhra tracks to the list too.
fastest e.t. FC is bradenton. dom lagana went 338 @ martin years before 340.
how much can a track change? witness 2026 gainesville; testing vs. race
we've all witnessed that in the last decade or so. add many non-nhra tracks to the list too.
fastest e.t. FC is bradenton. dom lagana went 338 @ martin years before 340.
how much can a track change? witness 2026 gainesville; testing vs. race
Last edited:
65 Goatboy
Nitro Member
Bandimere had the cooling pipes under the beginning of the track.
cdag
Nitro Member
The asphalt was replaced at Bristol last year. The concrete was deteriorating, especially at the saw cuts.
Not anymore. There is/was a rather large bump right after the finish line that tears up FC bodies and upsets the dragsters. You have to remember, the Motorplex surface is 40 years old.
VMP was rebuilt in 2018, and the company that poured the surface, American Concrete Construction Inc, won a Golden Trowel award and set a World Record on its flatness.
Ironically, the same company won a second award that year for Darlington Dragway, and previously won it for Galot. They have poured several other dragstrips also.
Recognitions | American Concrete Co
www.american-concreteinc.com
- Thread starter
- #10
This made me go down the rabbit hole of understanding concrete flatness measurements, LOL. From what I can gather, the flatness of the VMP concrete pour (Ff=142) denotes no single defect of about 3/64" in a 10 foot section. That is pretty amazing!Not anymore. There is/was a rather large bump right after the finish line that tears up FC bodies and upsets the dragsters. You have to remember, the Motorplex surface is 40 years old.
VMP was rebuilt in 2018, and the company that poured the surface, American Concrete Construction Inc, won a Golden Trowel award and set a World Record on its flatness.
Ironically, the same company won a second award that year for Darlington Dragway, and previously won it for Galot. They have poured several other dragstrips also.
Recognitions | American Concrete Co
cdag
Nitro Member
Yeah theres usually a lot of splintered wood out past that transition when the FCs runNot anymore. There is/was a rather large bump right after the finish line that tears up FC bodies and upsets the dragsters. You have to remember, the Motorplex surface is 40 years old.
VMP was rebuilt in 2018, and the company that poured the surface, American Concrete Construction Inc, won a Golden Trowel award and set a World Record on its flatness.
Ironically, the same company won a second award that year for Darlington Dragway, and previously won it for Galot. They have poured several other dragstrips also.
Recognitions | American Concrete Co
That pass, in 2017, was a full quarter mile exhibition run. 4.48@338. Still a pretty stout pass.
mick
Nitro Member
and the surface at martin held it, which is the title of this thread, 'what is the best surface'.
doesn't matter if the run was in competition or testing/exhibition.
Gone Dead Train
Nitro Member
"Looks can be deceiving" Seattle is a dump, been going since 1968 (8 years old) and still tripping over the same rocks and not
in the parking lot, but inside the facility. Over the years crew chiefs like Austin Coil, Tim Richards, Alan Johnson have said
Seattle has one of the best 1320 ft to race on. 2025, 2nd quickest pass in Top Fuel history. Pro Stock likes Seattle too.
in the parking lot, but inside the facility. Over the years crew chiefs like Austin Coil, Tim Richards, Alan Johnson have said
Seattle has one of the best 1320 ft to race on. 2025, 2nd quickest pass in Top Fuel history. Pro Stock likes Seattle too.
sfw1960
Nitro Member
Lotsa fast rides have passed through those gates...
I remember hearing on the PA at the original "Northern Nationals" the first year after Alec bought, leveled & remade Martin - that it was laser ground, stem to stern within a quarter inch. One PS driver said they had a blip on a run and figured the logger was picking up a stone.
Those were the good ole days - hanging with Clay, spending time in his "lounge" and just chatting is something I'll remember forever.
Didn't even mooch cheese burgers either!
Da' Nitr0 N!nJA roolz!
Relax. I posted a clarification. That's it.
But if you want to get technical, first off that run was 9 years ago. Second, Lagana's 1000 foot numbers on that pass were 3.83/323 and there wasn't and isn't a national event track in the country that won't hold a 3.83 to the 1000. Nice run but it didn't prove anything as far as who's grip is best in 2026. And like you said, that IS the topic, correct?
