Vanishing asphalt: the decline of the local drag strip.

Over the past two decades, dozens of local drag strips across the United States have closed, with the pace accelerating in recent years due to economic pressures, land development, and shifting cultural priorities. --- Vanishing Asphalt: The Decline of Local Drag Strips in America For much of the 20th century, local drag strips were the heartbeat of grassroots motorsports in America. These quarter-mile stretches of asphalt weren’t just venues for speed—they were community hubs, proving grounds for young racers, and sanctuaries for gearheads chasing adrenaline and camaraderie. But over the last 20 years, that landscape has changed dramatically. The roar of engines is being replaced by the silence of shuttered gates and bulldozers preparing land for commercial development. Since the early 2000s, more than 50 drag strips have closed nationwide, with closures accelerating in the last decade MotorBisc... +1. Iconic tracks like Englishtown Raceway Park in New Jersey (closed in 2018), Atlanta Dragway (closed in 2021), and Bandimere Speedway in Colorado (closed in 2023) are among the most notable casualties MotorBisc... +1. These weren’t just regional favorites—they were pillars of the NHRA circuit and cultural landmarks for generations of racers. The reasons behind these closures are varied but interconnected: • Urban sprawl and land value: Many drag strips sit on land that has become increasingly valuable for housing or commercial use. Developers often offer irresistible buyouts, and local governments may prioritize tax revenue over motorsports heritage. • Noise complaints and zoning battles: As suburbs expand, tracks that were once isolated find themselves surrounded by residential developments. Complaints about noise and traffic lead to legal battles that many small operators can’t afford to fight. • Insurance and operational costs: Rising liability insurance premiums and maintenance costs make it difficult for smaller tracks to stay afloat, especially as attendance and sponsorships decline. • Cultural shifts: Younger generations are gravitating toward digital entertainment, esports, and electric vehicles, which don’t align with the traditional drag racing ethos. In 2024 alone, three more tracks—Atco Dragway in New Jersey, Emerald Coast Dragway in Florida, and Redline Raceway in Texas—announced their closure, citing financial strain and infrastructure issues snowfamilyra.... Meanwhile, other tracks like Sage Raceway in Idaho have gone up for sale, and some, like Kanawha Valley Raceway in West Virginia, have attempted comebacks after years of dormancy Hemmings. This trend has sparked concern among racing enthusiasts and industry veterans. Some fear that we may be the last generation to experience the visceral thrill of local drag racing. Others are rallying to preserve what remains, forming coalitions, launching petitions, and even partnering with schools and municipalities to repurpose tracks as educational and recreational spaces. Despite the closures, there are glimmers of hope. The Radford Racing School’s partnership with Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Arizona is one example of how collaboration can save a venue from demolition Hemmings. These efforts underscore the importance of preserving not just the sport, but the culture and community it fosters. In the end, the story of drag strip closures is more than a tale of lost racetracks—it’s a reflection of changing American values, economic realities, and the challenge of keeping tradition alive in a rapidly evolving world. ---