Irwindale breaks ground on August 12

FACT SHEET

WHAT:
Groundbreaking of the new IRWINDALE DRAGSTRIP. The first facility of its kind to be built in the southland in over 20 years. An National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)-sanctioned 1/8-mile strip, the facility will feature competition for both Street Legal cars and Junior Dragsters.

WHEN:
Saturday, August 12, 2000 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:
On the southeast corner of Irwindale Speedway's main parking lot. Take the 605 freeway North to the Live Oak West turnoff, follow Live Oak back over the freeway to Speedway Drive, turn left into main lot.

WHO (WILL BE THERE):
Two of the men who are revered as the "fathers of the sport of Drag Racing" will be on hand to help the Irwindale Speedway's management dig in and heft one those first few symbolic shovels-full of dirt: Wally Parks and C.J. "Pappy" Hart. Hart presided over some of the very first ever drag racing events in the late 40's. Parks was the NHRA's first president and has come to personify the entire sport as only a man of his stature can. In addition, some of drag racing's top teams have reserved "pit" space near the soon-to-be starting line … And they'll be bringing out some hot equipment for the visuals.

WHO'S (INVITED): Everyone who's excited that Drag Racing is coming back to the San Gabriel Valley. Fans and enthusiasts are encouraged to "Bring Your Best Ride" and become a part of a parking lot full of high performance cars and people on that Saturday afternoon. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee There!

WHY:
Southern California has long needed an easy-to-get-to, open-at-convenient-times, and forward-thinking drag racing facility. Irwindale Dragstrip will work with local car clubs, schools, law enforcement agencies, the media, and individuals to make a difference in the sport of drag racing. Safe, fun, fair competition is the aim for this new California motorsports landmark.