Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood, whose facility has hosted the American Drag Racing League’s prestigious Dragstock event since 2006, announced today that he is amicably parting ways with the ADRL, citing changes in the market and in the series following an eight-year relationship with the series.
“It’s a great series and a great show,” Earwood said, “and it was a perfect fit for our racetrack at the start. We had six great years but, in a changing market, we’ve survived only by recognizing trends among our racers, sponsors and fans and they’ve indicated to us that it’s time to go a different direction.”
“I salute (ADRL president) Tim McAmis and everyone in the ADRL Series,” Earwood said. “They’ve been great to work with and I know they’ll be successful down the road but we have a loyal and dedicated core audience at The Rock whose wishes are most important to us. Dragstock had a prime position in our schedule and we’re looking forward to developing a new major event on that date.”
During the inaugural running of Dragstock there in 2006, Rockingham set a single-day attendance record for the iconic facility that got the attention of many in the sport of drag racing. But as the years have progressed, the complimentary ticket model that has made the ADRL such a success has become an economic liability for many tracks, including Rockingham.
“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Steve and his staff at The Rock,” McAmis said. “We learned from one another. I think the ADRL is a better series because of Rockingham and I think Rockingham learned some things from us, as well.”
The very first Dragstock was contested in 2004 at the relatively small Carolina Dragway in Jackson, South Carolina and remained there in 2005 before ADRL co-founder Kenny Nowling moved the marquee event to the larger Rockigham facility in 2006. With Earwood’s decision, the ADRL is left to find a suitable replacement for the event in the Pro Mod-hungry Carolinas region. With options somewhat limited, some rumors suggest a move to Bruton Smith’s zMAX Dragway in Concord.
You might also like
Jim Halsey And Jeff Rudolf Involved In Scary Crash At Snowbird Outlaw Nationals
Jim Halsey and Jeff Rudolf were involved in a scary crash at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals. Both drivers walked away from the incident.
