In the mid 1960’s, Richmond Dragway was home to the NASCAR (Drag Division) Spring Nationals featuring the likes of Don Garlits, TV Tommy Ivo, Connie Kalitta and many more quarter-mile heroes. In the 1970’s, Factory Doorslammers (Pro Stock) became a widely-popular class and the biggest names in the sport including Ronnie Sox, Dyno Don Nicholson, Warren Johnson, Bob Glidden and Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins tamed the strip. In the 80’s and 90’s, the track enjoyed success with the Pro Modified groups headlined by Scotty Cannon, Rickie Smith, Tommy Mauney and many more.
Today, Richmond Dragway is owned and operated by Weis’ nephew Johnny Davis and his wife Allison. Under their direction, the track is active nearly year-round; Richmond Dragway hosts an IHRA Summit SuperSeries events as well as the Champion Systems Sportsman Nationals in May among many other races.
This urban race track, located in close proximity to NASCAR racetrack Richmond Raceway, has a rich history in drag racing having hosted drag racing events for nearly five decades. Richmond Dragway and Richmond Raceway enjoy a working relationship through Racing Virginia, a program through which a coalition of tracks works together to cross promote and raise Motorsports awareness in the general public.
“Our opportunity in this business is to exceed our customer’s expectations each time we open the gates,” Davis said. “That’s why we work hard to provide outstanding value for the time and money they commit to attending our events. We seek to be efficient at our events with constant on-track action and to do our best to provide service and that ‘family feeling.’ One of our first-time customers this season commented that being at Richmond is like ‘coming home.’ I think the thing that sets us apart is people; the people who work with us (including many who are family or like family) as well as our spectators.”
Richmond Dragway is a state-of-the-art facility boasting all of today’s modern Motorsports conveniences. The track uses the Accutime Timing System featuring 48-inch scoreboards and LED dial-in boards where drivers can verify their dial-ins. In addition, Richmond Dragway offers 1320go live scoring to users around the world courtesy of Computer World.
As is the case with every professional Motorsports facility, safety always comes first, and Richmond Dragway is committed to racer safety. During racing events, drivers are protected by the track-owned Richmond Dragway Rescue Services including an ambulance and dedicated fire/rescue vehicle. For track cleanups, race track personnel utilize specialized equipment for oil dry application, a Kubota Tractor with Sweepster Broom as well as a tire drag and a track vacuum. Track personnel are also committed to cleaning any oil downs or other track-safety issues as quickly as possible so racing can resume.
Whether looking nearly five decades back through the rear-view mirror or into the future, Richmond Dragway has one of the most impressive pedigrees in Motorsports, and the ownership family is committed to making Richmond Dragway’s future live up to its storied past. The future looks bright for this championship facility.
