Woodburn Dragstrip facts for kids
The Woodburn Dragstrip is a super-fast quarter-mile race track located in Woodburn, Oregon. It's a place where powerful cars compete in exciting drag races, following the rules of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). Imagine two cars lining up side-by-side, waiting for the green light, then speeding down a straight track to see who can reach the finish line first!
Woodburn Dragstrip first opened its gates in June 1961. Back then, it was a shorter track, only an eighth of a mile long. It was run by groups like the Multnomah Hot Rod Council and the Northwest Timing Association. Just two years later, in 1963, the track was made longer to become a full quarter-mile, perfect for more intense drag racing. Jim Livingston bought the Woodburn Dragstrip in 1972, and his family has been a big part of its success ever since.
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A Winning Track: Woodburn's Achievements
Since 1972, Woodburn Dragstrip has earned many awards. It has been named the NHRA Track of the Year in the Northwest many times. This includes an amazing five years in a row starting from 1999! The track was also honored as the Business of the Year by the Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce in 1989. This was a special award, as it was one of the first race tracks in the country to receive such recognition.
Becoming the Nation's Best
In 2023, Woodburn Dragstrip achieved a huge milestone. It became known as the "winningest track in the nation." This means its teams have won more championships than any other track! Woodburn's special ET Team has won the Summit ET Finals an incredible 19 times. This shows how skilled and dedicated the racers and teams from Woodburn are.
Cool Features and Events at the Track
Woodburn Dragstrip was a pioneer in racing technology. It was the very first drag strip on the West Coast to use electronic scoreboards. These scoreboards make it easy for everyone to see the race times instantly. In 1999, Jim Livingston also added new bleachers for fans. These bleachers had a cool history, as they were once used in the famous Seattle Kingdome stadium!
Experience the Thrill of Racing
The track is a busy place, hosting racing events almost every weekend from March through October. These events include the NHRA Regional series, which is now known as the Lucas Oil series. Woodburn Dragstrip has been hosting these exciting regional events since 1977. It's a great place to see professional and amateur racers compete.
Did You Know? The Track's Location
It's interesting to know that the Woodburn Dragstrip is said to be built on an old airstrip. This makes sense, as airstrips are long and flat, perfect for high-speed racing! Today, the Woodburn Dragstrip is co-owned by Cherie and Joey Severance, continuing its legacy of speed and excitement.
