NHRA President Tom Compton said the NHRA had coveted the Boston market served by New England Dragway for about ten years.

Fifteen-time NHRA champion John Force struggled to remember the last time he’d raced at the facility located in Epping, New Hampshire. What he had no problem remembering though, is he was branded a “leaker” in the days he match-raced a Chevrolet Corvette sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Top Fuel racer Terry McMillen recalled his days as a Top Fuel driver fighting for an identity as the track ran under an IHRA sanction. His fondest memories were of a track where the fans were the most special attraction. The racing surface, he said, was killer.

NHRA President Tom Compton said the NHRA had coveted the Boston market served by New England Dragway for about ten years.

Fifteen-time NHRA champion John Force struggled to remember the last time he’d raced at the facility located in Epping, New Hampshire. What he had no problem remembering though, is he was branded a “leaker” in the days he match-raced a Chevrolet Corvette sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Top Fuel racer Terry McMillen recalled his days as a Top Fuel driver fighting for an identity as the track ran under an IHRA sanction. His fondest memories were of a track where the fans were the most special attraction. The racing surface, he said, was killer.

New England Dragway was built in 1966, and over the course of the years had hosted AHRA and IHRA events. The NHRA had also sanctioned races, but never larger than regional events.

Last year the announcement was made revealing that the track would be hosting an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series national event in 2013.

While many understood the race would be a project-in-the-works for years to come, the response from the New England community was overwhelming. At times the pits became so congested that the simple act of walking down Nitro Alley was a challenging affair. Getting into the track was equally challenging considering if you wanted a clean drive into the track, you had better not arrive after 7 AM, for a Noon start. Getting a seat in the grandstands was nearly impossible unless you planned to camp out all day.

While many of these challenges can be attributed to the limited amenities and a complex traffic flow, sources close to the situation have indicated the profits from the inaugural New England Nationals will be reinvested into the facility.

And, members of the the track’s management team were taking notes throughout the weekend. If something could make the fan experience better, the suggestion was put onto a notepad for further discussion.

In this CompetitionPlus.tv video, you will hear from those who have raced at the legendary New England Dragway and why the place is important to the NHRA Mello Yello Series. Tom Compton also provides insight as to why the facility and its market had been on his personal radar for a decade.

VIDEO CODING

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