Here we go again, as it is time to crank up a
new sand drag racing season. There is always a buzz around the first race of
the season and a lot of excitement to see what the new season brings us. This
is once again true for 2011, as the new season kicks off next weekend January
22-23 at Dome Valley Raceway in Wellton, AZ. Let’s go through a quick preview
of what to look for during the Season Opener.The 2nd Annual AZ vs. CA Top Fuel Shootout will once again feature the Top Fuel class. Although, we don’t know for sure which top contenders will be in contention, it is anticipated around six entries will show up and battle it out for the race win as well as the track record. Dome Valley’s track ET record was set in March ’10 by Scott Whipple with a great 2.300 pass. One thing is for certain, the Top Fuel class, Hemi’s & Small Block alike, will be shooting to run the first 2.2 at Dome Valley Raceway. Another highlight class will be the Pro Outlaw FE category. This will be the first time the category will compete in the Southwest after becoming a hit in the Midwest. It is anticipated that the top cars will dip into the 2.9 range, but as we’ve seen in PTN action this class is always unpredictable as to who turns on the win light. PTN is also putting up extra bonus money to give that little extra incentive for the best in the Southwest to take home the winner’s share at the end of the weekend.
The A/Fuel class also promises to be an epic showdown. I’m hearing eight-plus entries will be ready for action at Dome Valley, including a couple legends of the class making returns to the driver’s seat for this event. Along with the prestige of running for the trophy & bragging rights, a bounty is up for the first 2.7 second ET in this class at Dome Valley. One thing is for sure; these guys will be loading their cars up with Nitro & shooting for the moon. Another class where the racers will be trying to rotate the earth is Top Alcohol. $2,000 has been put up for the first 2.3 second in the class’ history at this event. Both Gary Mink & Dan Allen have come within a few thousandths of the elusive 2.3 second pass, and are definitely going to be putting out all the stops to make it happen at Dome Valley.
Action in the bracket classes will be great as ever at this event as well. One class to watch out for on Saturday is the Open Pro classes. There will be one class for cars and one for ATV’s. This class typically has the largest entry counts, and incredible racing action. Another class that will be run at Dome late Saturday is the 3.5 Index class. This category has caught on in a big way in the Midwest, and has started to show more interest on the West Coast. It is anticipated to have a good turnout at Dome Valley, and put on a great show as always.
With that all said NSDN will be track side at Dome Valley with all of the latest updates from the track. I’m anticipating being able to post up qualifying sheets for the heads-up classes throughout qualifying & elims, so keep checking the main site as this info will be posted on the Daily Race Coverage page. This will just be something in addition to our normal NSDN sidebar/Twitter updates.
NSDN is currently putting together our 2011 race schedule. If you are interested in a NSDN Daily Race Coverage, send me an e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to put together details. NSDN advertising packages are also available. Inquire with me for details. This site continues to be the place for sand drag racing news and race coverage; site traffic continues to increase making our relatively cheap advertising platform an even bigger bang for the buck.
Over the next couple of months, it appears that things may be slow in the sand drag racing community. To get through this period of time, I’d like to put together some nostalgia pieces with any photos and info you may have from races of yesteryear. E-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any content that may help with this.
That’s all I have for this month. Stay tuned for all of the latest news from the Season Opener…
Tom Bray (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)