All systems are go at zMAX Dragway for the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, March 27-29, following extensive work on the racing surface during the off-season.
After some problems arose with the track surface at the facility’s September Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, track officials brought in experts to study the surface. They determined the issue to be a reaction between chemicals on the track and the aggregate that caused the aggregate to break down, a problem that didn’t exist when the facility was originally built.
The joint effort determined that the best course of action to bring back the race surface that the fans and drivers deserve was a total resurfacing, which was completed in February.
The project included resurfacing with concrete from the water boxes to 700 feet downtrack (the point at which it was determined that Top Fuel and Funny Car clutches were coming in 1:1 for teams), followed by new asphalt from there through past the finish line. Additionally, the starting-line area was regraded to create a consistent 1 percent decline in race surface from water box to finish line.
Teams got their first chance to try the new surface in a test session after the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, and several Pro Stock teams ran in the 6.5s.
With these improvements, track officials look forward to the return of record-setting speeds for which zMAX Dragway has been known. Fans can catch all the action with weekend packages beginning at just $99. For tickets or more information, log on to www.zmaxdragway.com.
