Tue, 15 Dec 2015, 17:22 PM Tucson Dragway Joins NHRA Member Track Network

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

GLENDORA, Calif. -- NHRA officials announced today that Tucson Dragway, in Tucson, Ariz., has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of Division 7, the Pacific Division.

Located just south of Interstate 10 on the Pima County Fair Grounds, Tucson Dragway is one of the nation's most active drag racing facilities. Formerly an IHRA track, Tucson Dragway offered a full and dynamic schedule with nearly 100 events in 2015 and is looking forward to even more success in 2016 with NHRA.

Jim Hughes, of Phoenix, is the owner-operator of Tucson Dragway. Hughes has over 40 years of experience in the performance and racing industry and even spent time behind the wheel. He started racing in the 1970s and earned multiple victories across the country, including four division titles. Most notably, he raced to the NHRA Super Comp world championship title in 2002.

Hughes' connection to Sportsman racers is one of the main reasons he has decided to bring Tucson Dragway to the NHRA Member Track Network.

"I've seen a lot of recent changes for the better with NHRA to build a stronger Sportsman racing foundation," said Hughes. "The NHRA's commitment to programs like the Summit ET series and Jr. Street series all play a big part in the future of our drag racing industry. I believe the NHRA's new direction will help build better communication with spectator and competitors across the country."

Tucson Dragway has already begun preparing for an exciting and eventful 2016 season. Recent improvements to the track include widening the staging lanes with a shoulder for easier maneuverability, grounding down the transition on the track surface and crack-sealing the shutdown area with help from Paul Polito of Tucson Asphalt.

Highlighting the 2016 season at Tucson Dragway will be the NHRA Pacific National Open Series, February 19-21. The track also offers a full complement of weekly drag racing, serving the community with Friday Night Drags, weekend Test & Tunes, Midnight Drags, the Summit Super Series, and Jr. Drag Racing.

"We are excited to have Tucson Dragway back in the NHRA Member Track family," said Mike Rice, NHRA Division 7 Director. "Jim Hughes and his team are already making improvements to the property and will be a great asset to the Pacific Division and its competitors. I'm excited to get back to this facility for our Pacific National Open Series event in February."

As an NHRA-sanctioned track, the facility will be eligible to offer racers a variety of NHRA racing opportunities, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Jr. Street and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. Additionally, the track has the opportunity to host NHRA's specialty events including the National DRAGSTER Challenge, NHRA Summit King of the Track, and NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Challenge, where racers compete for the coveted Wally trophy.

For more information on Tucson Dragway and to view Tucson Dragway's 2016 schedule, please visit www.tucsondragway.com.

NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Feb 10- Wally Parks 75th Anniversary Appreciation Fund Part of $27 Million Overall Purse
Feb 08- NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Releases 2026 Schedule
Feb 07- Huge List of Legends Set to Appear at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Feb 05- NHRA and Legends Global Extend Merchandise Partnership Ahead of 75th Anniversary Season
Feb 04- Doug Foley Announces Addition of Ron Douglas as Consultant to Foley Lewis Racing Top Fuel Team
Feb 04- Tickets Now on Sale for NHRA's Debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park and Rockingham Dragway
Feb 04- Reed, Zetterström to Share Driving Duties of Reed Trucking & Excavating Top Fuel Dragster
Jan 29- NHRA to Honor Iconic John Force in 2027 with "50 Years Of Force"
Jan 28- Top Fuel All-Star Callout Returns to Open NHRA's 75th Anniversary Season at Gatornationals
Jan 28- John Force Racing Announces Crew Chiefs for NHRA's 75th Anniversary Season