The 125-acre annexation of the former Bandimere Speedway has been approved.

That became a reality when the matter was voted on by the Morrison (Colo.) Town Board at its Aug. 6 meeting.

The deal also calls for the new landowner to transfer 16 acres zoned for mixed-use to the town, giving Morrison control over future retail or commercial development at its front door.

If you knew Roger Richards, then you had a friend for life.

The veteran photographer, who was instrumental in ushering in the digital age of photography in drag racing through CompetitionPlus.com, had an infectious personality. He was as kind-hearted to the average drag racing fan as he was to a multi-time champion. Roger never met a stranger.

Toyota has been a staunch supporter of NHRA drag racing, first entering the arena in 2002 with the introduction of its Toyota Celica Funny Car body. Their involvement expanded into team sponsorship and then NHRA event title rights. In 2014, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) became the official vehicle of the NHRA, a program that was renewed last year.

NHRA has confirmed a marketing homerun for the manufacturer of all the activation properties it has in place. Toyota has been named the title sponsor of the world’s biggest drag race, the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

The answer was not an immediate "Yes."

In Jack Beckman's heart, it was. However, the reality of his life away from drag racing for over three years mandated vital components that had to fall in place before he could accept the dream offer for any nitro drag racer on the sidelines. 

Beckman's dream offer was to be the substitute driver for 17-time drag racing champion and the winningest Funny Car driver, John Force.  

Despite a moody Mother Nature, the PDRA completed two qualifying sessions at the Northern Nationals at U.S. 131 Dragway outside Grand Rapids, MI.

Tommy and Amber Franklin, a father-daughter duo, qualified No. 1 in Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous and PDRA Pro 632, respectively, while Todd Tutterow (Pro Boost), Elijah Morton (Extreme Pro Stock), and Nick Agostino (Pro Street) led qualifying in the professional categories.

The 2024 season has been a family affair for the Franklins. 

Drag Illustrated and Bradenton Motorsports Park have announced the creation of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, a three-race Pro Modified series. The series will feature the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, the U.S. Street Nationals, and the World Series of Pro Mod, attracting top drivers and race teams to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Drag Illustrated Winter Series will offer over $300,000 payouts for the Pro Mod division. The inaugural season begins with the $50,000-to-win Snowbird Outlaw Nationals on December 6-8, 2024, followed by the $75,000-to-win U.S. Street Nationals on January 24-26, 2025, and concludes with the $150,000-to-win World Series of Pro Mod from February 27-March 1, 2025.