LODRS preview for SRCA Dragstrip Great Bend KS‏

Great Bend Div. 5 LODRS Preview

Possibly the most historic track in NHRA "High and Mighty" Division V competition, the Sunflower Rod & Custom Association Dragstrip in Great Bend, KS has earned a reputation for hosting great racing, and is proud to announce the annual return of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, "Thunder on the Plains," April 23rd-25th, 2010. The series returns to the true birth-place of organized speed trials at the site of the first NHRA ‘National’ in 1955.


The track and all concrete pit stalls are operated and maintained by a group of volunteers from the SRCA, Great Bend. Proceeds from regular point races, big bracket’s, ‘grudge night racing, and special events throughout each season are used on improvement projects at the facility. The Compu-Link scoring and timing system, and all new tower and concession area’s were made possible by donated materials, event revenue, and of course the die-hard racers and volunteers who call Great Bend the ‘home’ track. Full service shower facilities can be found next door to the tower and are always free for competitors.


Many of the men and women who maintain the facility also compete in Sportsman classes and have become masters of track prep, clean up, and emergency procedures but, all volunteers have ‘day’ jobs and some use vacation time in order to host the Lucas Oil Series. These men and women worked together in ‘08-09' to complete many projects a tornado had made ‘necessity’, but to do it for free goes to show the great character the people of the area seem to posses in abundance. When your cause is pure speed it ‘is’ cool, and that spirit is always alive here at the ‘true’ birthplace of ‘National’ drag racing. The history of the track is cherished not only in town but, by the surrounding Santa Fe Trail communities as well. Fort Larned, Fort Hays, and Dodge City still stand as monuments of the ‘Old West’ and each of the landmark cities is within an hour or so of the track. The State of Kansas Historical Society honored the racing surface with distinction as one of the states most historic Sites, and local attractions, the Brit Spaugh Zoo, Cheyenne Bottoms National Wildlife Refuge, and the Quivera Heights wetlands, draw bird watching societies and sporting enthusiasts from around the world. Jack Kilby Square in downtown salutes the Nobel Prize winning Physicist born here in 1923. Skip Yowell founder and owner of the Jansport Corporation also was raised here, and NCAA Division 1 all-time scoring leader and WNBA Rookie of the Year 2000, Jackie Stiles, hails from northern Barton County.


The B-29 Memorial around the corner and south of the track acknowledges Great Bend’s role in World War II as a base for bomber crews and salutes the brave men and women who served in WWII.


Just less than 500 hotels rooms are available within the city limits, with a vast array of ‘national’ and ‘home-style’ restaurants. Service providers throughout the area warmly display welcome and good luck greetings to the NHRA racers on their storefronts for many events yearly, and ‘Lucas competitor specials’ can be found in many locations in this Central KS shopping hub.


The 2009' LODRS has been the most successful since the race’s inception with just more than 400 entries, but with ability to host 500 plus cars on concrete, the SRCA can accommodate further growth in the future. Cars were drawn here from all over the US and Canada in 09' and, even though finals were delayed by weather, the SRCA saw more than a 90% return rate for‘Thunder on the Plains’ finals on June 27. No fewer than two National records were broken on April 25 during LODRS qualifying and under the right conditions the track is always fast enough to satisfy most racers.


The SRCA Great Bend cordially invites racers and fans alike to come and partake of a storied history. See why the NHRA chose this old airfield in the middle of America to sow the seeds now cultivated into what is the ‘modern-day National’. Three-day event passes are available for $45 and a two-day pass is $35. One-day tickets are $20 for Saturday qualifying and Sunday eliminations. children less than 12 are always free.


Please visit www.srcadragstrip.com for race season schedules and Lucas Oil updates and, www.visitgreatbend.com for more info and links to special competitor discounts at participating race sponsors.