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Monday, April 19, 2004 11:59 AM CDT
Coles County Dragway set to open
BY BRIAN NIELSEN, Sports Editor
CHARLESTON -- Under new management.
Technically, that is correct about Coles County Dragway.
But Dave and Patty Wallace are not new to drag racing or the local eighth-mile strip.
"Dave and I have been racing for 23 years and as long as we've been married," Patty Wallace said. "We've been racing at Coles County since it opened in 1986.
If their racing is curtailed some this year, it is because the two are too busy as the new owners and operators at Coles County Dragway which opens its season this weekend.
"We'll probably still make a few races this year," Wallace said. "That's a sacrifice we're willing to make. We care about the sport. We really want to make it thrive in this area. We have a lot of fun, and want to keep it going in this area."
So the Wallaces are hoping racers and fans notice changes at today's test and tech scheduled for 1-5 p.m. and then Sunday's opening races with trials scheduled for 10 a.m. and elimination races for 2 p.m.
Work is under way to improve the conditions for the announcer's tower, asphalt and chip rock are being added to make for a better staging area and the road from Illinois Route 316 into the facility is to be improved.
"We're hoping to accomplish those goals to make it a good place to race again," Patty Wallace said.
Regular ET classes again include Super Pro, Pro, Street and Motorcycle with selected weekends to have High School, Powder Puff and Junior racing.
Again the drag way is to offer Fun Nights giving anyone with street legal vehicles the chance to get on the track for the feel of racing.
"The Friday night and Saturday Fun Nights have been really good for the high school kids rather than having them racing on the street," Wallace said. "I think it's good for the area."
The Quick 8 Series returns with its first race on May 16 when the fastest eight qualifiers are place in a bracket race.
The Memorial Day weekend racing is to have its regular program and then have the four class winners clash for the King of the Track title.
Also back are the races for a Wally, the trophy awarded to the winner at the July 3 National Dragster Challenge?
The full schedule is listed on the Web site www.colescountydragwayusa.com.
As in the past, the drag way is to switch from the spring's Sunday afternoon races to Saturday nights in June when hot weather hits.
While some things are the same, new management hopes to put new blood into local drag racing.
"You know, it's a lot of work, but we're excited about it," Wallace said. "We're looking forward to getting it back to a really good place to race."
Contact Brian Nielsen at bnielsen@jg-tc.com or 238-6856.
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