5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Walla Walla Drag Strip's 2025 Season You Can't Miss
The Walla Walla Drag Strip, a cornerstone of Northwest motorsports, is roaring into its 2025 season with a packed schedule and a renewed sense of community excitement. As of today, December 24, 2025, the track's official schedule is fully published, highlighting major events that solidify its position as a premier drag racing destination in the Pacific Northwest. This 1/8th-mile track, known for its deep history and passionate local support, continues to be a vital hub for racers from Washington, Oregon, and beyond, offering high-octane action across multiple classes.
Far more than just a stretch of asphalt, the Walla Walla Drag Strip represents a decades-long commitment to the sport, having successfully navigated challenges to emerge as a celebrated IHRA member track. From its humble beginnings to earning national recognition, the facility is gearing up for a year filled with intense competition, from the Super Pro points series to the development of future stars in the Jr Lightning and Jr Drag Racing leagues. The track's legacy is a testament to the local businessmen who saved it from closure, ensuring the thunder of drag racing continues to echo across the Walla Walla Valley.
The Enduring Legacy: Walla Walla Drag Strip's History and Resurgence
The history of the Walla Walla Drag Strip is a compelling story of passion and perseverance. Drag races in the area date back to before 1970, initially held on an unused taxiway at the western edge of the Walla Walla Airport. The modern facility, located just west of the Walla Walla Regional Airport off East Highway 12, began hosting official races in the summer of 1970 under the name Bonanza Raceway.
The track, however, faced a significant threat of closure in 2008. That's when a dedicated group of five local businessmen stepped in to save the facility, ensuring the continuation of motorsports in the region. The track has been operating successfully since 2009, making it a true community success story.
From Local Gem to National Recognition
The track's commitment to excellence quickly gained national attention. In 2011, the Walla Walla Drag Strip was honored with the prestigious Summit Racing Track of The Year Award, a significant achievement for the facility and its operators. This recognition highlighted the quality of the racing surface, the dedication of the staff, and the vibrant local racing community.
The drag strip has maintained affiliations with major sanctioning bodies, being an IHRA member track in Division 6 and previously part of the NHRA track network. This affiliation allows local racers to compete for points and qualify for major series events, including the Summit Racing Pro-Am Series.
Today, the facility proudly operates as an 1/8th mile drag strip, a distance known for producing quick, intense, and highly competitive races, offering "the best place for some great summer fun in Walla Walla."
Adrenaline Meets the Pavement: The 2025 Racing Season and Key Events
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed years in the track's recent history, featuring a full slate of points races, special events, and opportunities for all levels of racers. The season points series, which include the highly competitive Super Pro Points Standings and the foundational Jr Lightning Points Standings, are already underway. The second points race of the 2025 season was held in April, setting the stage for the remainder of the year.
Major Dates and Must-See Competitions
One of the most anticipated events on the 2025 calendar is the NHRA Division 6 race, scheduled for July 5, 2025. This event draws top-tier sportsman racers and is a crucial stop for competitors seeking to advance in the NHRA series. The track also hosts a double Summit Racing Pro-Am Series event over a single weekend, which provides two complete races and doubles the excitement for fans and participants.
Key events to watch for include:
- The King of the Track Runoff: A prestigious annual event that took place in late September of 2024, crowning the track's top racer across all classes. The 2025 date is highly anticipated.
- Walla Walla Wally Events: Races where winners receive the coveted NHRA Wally trophy, a dream for any drag racer.
- Jr Drag Racing: The future of the sport is on full display with the updated 2025 Jr Drag Racing Schedule, fostering young talent in the Jr Lightning and Jr Thunder classes.
- Test and Tune Days: Offering enthusiasts and new racers the chance to hone their skills and dial in their machines in a safe, controlled environment.
Racers and fans can easily access the full 2025 8x11 schedule, which is available in both PDF and JPG formats, ensuring everyone stays up-to-date on the latest action.
More Than a Track: The Community and Future of Walla Walla Drag Racing
The Walla Walla Drag Strip is more than just a racing facility; it is a pillar of the local motorsports community. The track's slogan, "Where Adrenaline Meets the Pavement," perfectly encapsulates the excitement it generates. It serves as a safe, legal venue for drag racing, keeping high-speed activities off public roads and fostering a sense of camaraderie among racers.
A Hub for Sportsman Racers
The track is especially well-regarded in the sportsman drag racing circuits. Racers like Jennen, who achieved significant success competing at Walla Walla, demonstrate the high level of competition the track attracts. The facility’s focus on classes like Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Motorcycle, and Jr Dragsters ensures a diverse and engaging race day experience for spectators.
The track’s management team, Walla Walla Drag Strip, Inc., is committed to providing a top-notch experience, continuously seeking to improve the facility and its events. Their continued partnership with major bodies like the IHRA and NHRA ensures the track remains on the national map, drawing competitors and fans from the entire Division 6 region, including Medicine Hat, AB, and Portland International Raceway.
The Racing Entities and Community Impact
The track’s operation supports a network of entities vital to the sport, including local businesses, sponsors, and dedicated photography services like Dougs Motorsports Photography, which documents the season's highlights. The track's continued success is a direct result of the local community's support and the dedication of the operators who saved it from permanent closure. This commitment ensures that the thrill of the 1/8th-mile sprint will continue for generations to come in the Walla Walla Valley.
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