Effective January 1, 2019, local businessmen Donald ‘JR’ Sandlian, David Dockens and Jason Caldwell have acquired the business and property known as Kansas International Dragway (KID) and are preparing for the 2019 race season. The new owners are excited to elevate the sport of drag racing in Wichita, and have numerous improvements planned before the opening date of March 23, 2019.

The new ownership came due to a December 2018 decision. Then current manager and primary KID owner chose to stepdown to focus on other business ventures, as well as family obligations. His then partner David Dockens was given the first opportunity to buy his portion of the business. Dockens then began to involve Sandlian and Caldwell, both who have a long-time presence in the drag race community. 

"I was excited. I saw it as a great opportunity and was hoping JR and Jason would too. We sat down, had some coffee and laid out some ideas. Days later we met with my current partner. We agreed to purchase the assets and dissolve the current corporation. In the same meeting the family that has owned the property since before it was a racetrack agreed to transfer the remainder lease to us,” said Dockens.

Sandlian, Dockens and Caldwell have agreed to keep a majority of the staff in place at KID. In addition to keeping their loyal staff, the trio is pleased to retain their major sponsor of Mel Hambelton Ford. Additionally, Sandlian Iron & Metal located in Wichita KS, an auto salvage and largest Kansas buyer of salvage cars, will remain a sponsor of KID. 

The operational team at KID plans to focus on growing their sportsman racing program, repeating several past successful events such as Horsepower on the Plains, Wichita Street Fights and the legendary Summer Nationals. Furthermore, the track plans on adding several new events and expanding on their Midnight Drags heads up program.

The general public is encouraged to greet the staff and learn more about this season’s events at the Cars for Charites Rod & Custom Show, January 18-20. KID will be in booth 90 – 91 and will feature NHRA Top Fuel Driver Scott Palmer’s ‘StudeZilla’, 1953 Top Fuel Studebaker Pro Mod. KID will make event announcements and release the official schedule at the booth on Saturday at 7:00 pm.  

KID is located at 7800 West 61st St N, Maize Kansas, is a quarter mile asphalt drag strip that has been in operation since 1964. Kansas International Dragway is a National Hot Rod Association sanctioned facility.