Eagle Field Runway Drags Coordinator Rocky Phillips makes a huge announcement. Eagle Field Runway Drags is now officially sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
The IHRA is one of the two largest drag racing associations. Along with the National Hot Rod Association, they provide rules and regulations for drag racing.
Larry Carrier established the organization in 1970. Headquartered in Tennessee, the IHRA provided the class structure for races in the southeastern United States.
For more than 50 years, they have been growing and overcoming occasional setbacks. Despite many changes in leadership over the years, the association has been able to keep up with the times.
With the acceptance of Eagle Field Runway Drags, the association has finally completed its original goal of providing drag racing competitions from coast to coast. It also oversees tracks in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Aruba.
Eagle Field began offering runway drags in October of 2009. Rocky Phillips had met and made racing arrangements with the property owner, Joe Davis.
Davis acquired the property after World War II when proposed public control of it failed. Davis has maintained it as the Central California Historical Military Museum. Along with memorabilia, World War II aircraft are based and maintained at Eagle Field. Fly-ins are major events at Eagle Field.
Since 2009, drag racing at Eagle Field has developed. Beginning as a ’64 and earlier drag race, racing has grown twice a year with multiple categories and five classes of heads-up racing. The Dos Palos Lions Club is a proud sponsor.
Recognition by IHRA will bring more racing events to Eagle Field. Phillips is already working with other West Coast tracks regarding a shootout.
Phillips reassures those who may have concerns about IHRA participation. First, a racer’s IHRA membership is not, emphasize not, required to race at Eagle Field. Secondly, any changes will be minor, such as a few category names.
IHRA membership for a racer and crew offers too many advantages to list. All are enumerated at ihra.com. A few are mentioned here to inspire racers and crew members to check the website and pass on the word.
Although we pray it never happens, an accident that causes serious injury is devastating. IHRA members get insurance with a daily payment for work missed because of injury for up to half a year.
Travel costs are a major expense for racers and crew. IHRA members receive a 12 percent discount at Drury Hotels, a nationwide chain.
Upon joining IHRA, racers, and crew members receive membership with a discount at Summit Pro-Shop, a company that specializes in racing equipment.
Other benefits include a printed rulebook, prizes and bonuses, merchandise discounts, competition events, and more. Those interested can call or text the membership center at 85.JOIN.IHRA.
Some Bracket Categories at Eagle Field will have adjusted names to align with IHRA. This will enhance opportunities for those joining to qualify and compete nationally.
Phillips suggests the new bracket categories open the door to competition. He is working on a three-way track shootout for later this year.
Greg Silva commented on an Eagle Field Runway Drags Facebook post, “Joining the IHRA is a prudent move. It offers support and a secure future.”
Phillips has a few other announcements. Jeff Atamian has recovered from his unfortunate accident. He is scheduled to appear with The Best at the drag event on May 18. The General, Jerry Lee, also returns.
A Test and Tune opportunity will be held at Eagle Field on May 11. This is an opportunity for anyone to test what their car can do. The $50 entry fee covers the car, driver and crew. No concessions are available.
One of the largest West Coast Drag Races, Eagle Field Runway Drags promises a grand time for all at the Reunion, May 17-19. They extend a warm welcome to new IHRA members.
