ADRENALINE JUNKIES

By GREG JOHNSON
Frontiersman

MAT-SU — That periodic rumbling you’re feeling may be coming from the Butte, as Alaska Raceway Park prepares for its 47th season of blistering drag racing action.

The state’s only sanctioned drag strip is cleaning and tuning up for what owner Karen Lackey expects to be a banner season for Valley motor sports racing. What’s exciting for drag racers is a legitimate opportunity to qualify and attend a national event in Canada at the end of the season.

“We’ll be taking 30 racers from here to Edmonton in September,” Lackey said. “We were always able to go to nationals, but they were always in Virginia before, but that’s too fair to haul (the dragsters). Edmonton’s going to be a stretch, but at least this is possible.”

The prospect of racing Outside “is exciting for us, because it’s a nice incentive and there’s some really good prize money there,” she said. “And, it’s always nice to get out of our little pond and see how we do with the big boys.”

In that little pond, however, there’s still plenty of talent, she said.

Like Jay Childs or his father, John Childs, who each race in the Top Eliminator class. Others to watch for include Greg Thornsley, 2010’s top points winner in the Estimated Time class.

“He and his son, Nathan, are always super-competitive, superb racers,” Lackey said of the Palmer duo.

Also expected to return to the state’s fastest quarter-mile is Johny Jones, who won the Open Air class last season, as well as Katie Harris, who finished runner-up in Junior Dragster.

Those wanting to see the most powerful machines travel a quarter-mile in as fast as 6 seconds will want to watch the Top Dragster class, Lackey said. But if you want to see last season’s points winner Justine MacDonald in action, you’ll have to come out to the track early. She’s expected to race Memorial Day weekend, but is expected to move out of the state following that race.

For Lackey, in addition to running the track with her husband, Earl, she’s also a big fan of local racing, including watching her children and grandchildren race.

“When they’re going down on the track, your whole body vibrates when the car goes past you,” she said of the rush of the speed and power. “It’s awesome and is truly earth-shaking. Even over there (by the ticket office) I can feel it. It truly blows you away there’s so much concentrated power.”

Some of the fastest at Alaska Raceway Park will cover the paved quarter-mile track in about 6 seconds with speeds topping 260 mph. Even what she calls the “slow” classes for beginning racers will try to beat 12 seconds.

North Star Speedway

More traditional race fans find their fix at North Star Speedway, the Valley’s paved oval track. Operated by the Southcentral Alaska Motorsports Association, the track attracts some of the most popular types of race machines.

From the youth Bandelero class to Baby Grand, Mini Stock, Legends and Late-Model, there’s something for every skill level and interest, said Jeff Landrum, SCAMA president.

Crews are working hard now repairing and maintaining the track, Landrum said. As the reigning Legends season winner, he’s also itching to get his car back on the track after a winter of tinkering.

“Besides myself, racers to watch are Mike Thomas. He races the Legends, too,” Landrum said. “He’s a multi-year champion. I was fortunate enough to beat him last year.”

With classes ranging from youth to adult and skill levels running from novice to expert, North Star provides a variety that appeals to hard-core and casual fans, he said.

“It’s something local families can participate in together,” he said. “We do this to have fun and it’s easy for the whole family to get involved in. There are plenty of cars available for sale and we encourage new drivers every year.”

For Landrum, racing scratches an itch that’s been nagging him as long as he can remember.

“I wanted to race my whole life and I finally got my opportunity,” he said. “My wife and I do it together and she helps me out every week. We love it. Every weekend I meet somebody who says they never knew there was a track out here. It’s a great way for people to spend their Saturdays.”

Those attending the races also can cash in on special promotions and giveaways, like tickets to see Charlie Daniels in concert.

The rising gasoline prices also aren’t expected to have a major impact on the local racing scene, Landrum said.

“Most people will do it anyway despite the price of gas,” he said. “There are drivers who can’t afford to put new tires on the car every weekend, but generally our racers will find a way to do it. Most things out here take gas to do them anyway, like fishing or flying.”

Capitol Speedway

If making it out to the Butte or Palmer area for a weekend of racing is a little far for those in the northern part of the Valley, Capitol Speedway has been kicking up dirt on its track for 34 years.

Located at Mile 75.5 of the Parks Highway in Willow, Capitol Speedway is a favorite draw for stock and sprint car racing.

Drivers can test and tune up for the season May 7-8, and opening day is May 14.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.

IF YOU GO

Alaska Raceway Park

Where: Mile 10.3 Old Glenn Highway, the Butte

When: Season opener May 15, every weekend through Aug. 28

Admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors/military, children 11-15 with adult $10, children under 10 free.

Contact: 746-7223, alaskaracewaypark.com

North Star Speedway

Where: 2151 Jensen Road

When: Opens May 21, every weekend through Aug. 27