Mission’s newly surfaced quarter-mile race track will be put to the test next weekend as Mission Raceway Park hosts the Canadian National Open and the Smoke, Fire and Thunder show.
More than 250 cars will break-in the new surface from Aug. 22-23. Mission already had a reputation for being one of the fastest tracks in the northwest, but cars can go even faster now.
The track was prepped and the new concrete was put to the test for the first time earlier this month at the Langley Loafers Old Time Drags.
Vehicles were going as fast as 200 mph and the improvements were noticeable, said MRP race director Wally Duperon.
Drivers described the run “as smooth as being on glass.”
“It will be interesting to see how many records get broken,” said Duperon.
Running two big events in one weekend will be busy, but there are designated times for races for classes, and barring any unexpected problems, everything should run smoothly, according to the race director.
Duperon expects about 5,000 spectators will make their way to the track to watch the numerous races, including nitro funny cars, jet cars, wheelstanders, fuel altereds, nostalgia funny cars, pro mods, and NHRA sportsman classes.
Duperon is expecting eight nostalgia nitro funny cars for the weekend, including Washington State’s Kris Krabill, who won last week’s race in Boise, Idaho.
Local wheelmen to watch for are Chris Stone, who was the division six pro champion last year, and Jim Isherwood, who will be running his super stock machine.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Aug. 22-24) and racing begins at 9 a.m. Eliminations take place Sunday.
The Smoke, Fire and Thunder races begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, and at 7 and 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets to the two big races are $15 on Friday, and $25 each day Saturday and Sunday. A pass for all three days is $55. Children 12 years and younger are admitted without charge.
For more information visit missionraceway.com.