George Ray's Dragstrip

2500 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by 70429scj, Jul 17, 2010

fordpower

Discussion Starter · Jul 5, 2010

I spent my 4th of July at George Ray's dragstrip in Paragould AR. After reading about it on the internet, seeing some footage on TV and YouTube, and hearing about it from some other racers I decided this was the day for my visit. Had a great time, people were very friendly, saw some cars I had never seen before. This place is truely a dragrace icon with alot of history. George passed away this last winter and his wife is running the the show for this year, the 50th year, which is what George wanted. I did meet his wife Bonnie and she was a very nice person. If anybody can find the time to visit this place I would highly encourage it. The racing is a little differant from any other bracket racing tracks and the track is somewhat slick, but did draw in several fast cars. There are not any tracks that I know of that have the flavor that this one has and very glad that I spent my Sunday there!!

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95lightiningguy

· #2 · Jul 5, 2010

Thats one place every racer should visit at least once. Glad they had the 4th of july deal this year only wish I coulda been there.

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BBFmavrick

· #3 · Jul 15, 2010

Would like to visit there sometime also

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johndickjr

· #4 · Jul 15, 2010

much like centerville ark, it should be shut down...a accident waiting to happen

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res0rli9

· #5 · Jul 15, 2010

johndickjr said:
much like centerville ark, it should be shut down...a accident waiting to happen

and mybe you should have your lic. pulled

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95lightiningguy

· #6 · Jul 16, 2010

res0rli9 said:
and mybe you should have your lic. pulled

X2 Million

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blown473

· #7 · Jul 16, 2010

strip

I wouldn't want to see any track close, especially one thats a family run legacy. We all must realize racing is dangerous and we all take that risk we we run down the track. Use your intelligence and drive the track in the safest way possible. If you feel its too dangerous than be a spectator. Try helping at the track as a safety official for free, or a tech inspector. We can't expect a free lunch these days, if we want a legal place to race we need to help.

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70429scj

· #8 · Jul 17, 2010

Tracks

Not every track is as safe as the next, I have seen and been involed some close calls at the Centerville Ar track. As I remember Memphis,St louis to mention a few. We are as racers responsible to make a decsion if the track is safe enough for my car? And is the Idiot I line up against going to handle his car correctly. As far as Centerville I would ask that any forum memeber that comes by to give It a try you will love it.
Steve

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nuclearcobra

· #9 · Jul 17, 2010

I went to George Rays WildCat Hot Rod dragstrip in Paragould three years ago when i went to Poplar Bluff,MO to get my car and yes its wild its the last true heads up dragracing track left. I had the pleasure of meeting George and his wife and he said he wanted to keep it the same as it was in 1961 when he opened it. It was diffrent watching the guys pour water in front of the slicks and holding each side of the car from going sideways then puttin a few ribbons of vht down to spin the tires in. And if you both redlight your both out and its a protree they run and no timeslips either you wana know what they ran you better listen. It was neat i never been to a index racing track before. RIP George

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70429scj

· #10 · Jul 17, 2010

george rays

Forgot to say also I have been to george rays and enjoyed every minute of it. It is a legend no doubt. I think some of use grew up with the benfits of a good track close by and others of us street raced cause we did'nt have a track for miles around. just want to keep as many tracks open as possible. Just lost my closest NHRA track memphis. Made a trip to State Capital in Baton Rouge in May. It takes all of us even if we are just spectators to keep the track open.
Steve

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