Burchel brings history and passion to the 1/8-mile, IHRA-sanctioned facility. He raced at the North Alabama track before he was old enough to drive on the street. He explained it was basically a strip of asphalt and concrete at the time.
Now the track which his father Roy Burchel built, has grown to host several big events. Back under International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sanction, the two share a rich history. The track hosted the IHRA Bama Nitrous Nationals in 1992-93 with legendary drivers Ed Hoover and Scotty Cannon the Pro Mod winners.
The track has frequently served as the test track for another Pro Mod legend, the IHRA Hall of Famer Shannon Jenkins.
Burchel is excited to see Huntsville Dragway be a part of the IHRA Summit SuperSeries, the most prestigious bracket racing program in North America. It’s important to have such a program in place where the IHRA-member track champions have the opportunity to qualify for the 2023 IHRA World Finals.
When it comes to Huntsville Dragway, the racers know they’re coming to a place where a lot of work has been done to make them feel welcome.
“It’s a beautiful place. We have very nice bathrooms separate from the tower which are convenient for the racers,” Burchel said. “It’s a racer-friendly facility as the pits are lit and there is a lot of room for parking.”
Burchel knows times have changed a lot from the days he first started racing. While some still come to the track with the bare minimum they need to compete, others come with the nice haulers and campers, featuring all the conveniences of home.
“It amazes me the amount of equipment coming in,” Burchel said. “It’s truly astonishing when you look at the differences between then and now.”
No matter how times have changes, the constant for the track is how important it is to treat the racers well. It’s something that Burchel is committed to, as he carries on the family tradition.
To keep updated on the latest with Huntsville Dragway, including the soon to be released 2023 schedule, click here to check out the track’s Facebook page.
