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 Castrol Raceway Clarification
Bruce Biegler - February 8, 2010
There has been a lot written -- some positive some negative and there remains a lot of speculation out there about the fate of IHRA drag racing in Canada.
While it is true that IHRA series drag racing for 2010 is downsized and morphed into a very different animal -- it is also unlikely that the two Canadian event dates scheduled for Edmonton's Castrol Raceway (June 25-27th) and at Grand Bend Motorplex (July 16-18th) will see much negative effect or be lesser affairs. In fact, out of some necessity, both of those Canadian race tracks on the IHRA Nitro Jam schedule are instead taking on more ownership of their events. That additional focus and intent may very well provide the paying public with an overall improved product.
 The Castrol Raceway group are going to great lengths to reassure it's fan base that it's 2010 River Cree Rocky Mountain Nitro Jam event will remain the premier annual drag racing event in Western Canada.
Despite the downsizing of the "official" IHRA Pro class presentation, Castrol Raceway plans to once again provide high-end supplements.
Officially here is the deal for Edmonton:
The IHRA will bring in three Pro classes. Top Fuel, Pro Nostalgia Funny Car (Nitro) and Pro Fuel (injected nitro dragster). All of these fields will be booked in shows with all participants invited in.
 Castrol Raceway will supplement that with a second Pro racing program, consisting of 8-car fields in Alcohol Funny Car, Pro Modified*, Nitro Harley, Pro Mod Bike and Pro Nostalgia Funny Car (Alcohol).
Participation within these fields will be open to all. *It should however be noted that potential Pro Mod class racers must have a valid membership within the West Coast Pro Mod Association.
The weekend schedule will be as follows:
For the 3 IHRA Pro Classes, there will be a Chicago style event both Saturday and Sunday with two winners declared. For clarification purposes a "Chicago Style" event sees the two Low ET winners from the first and only round of competition face off for the title.
 For Castrol Raceway Pro Classes -- there are two qualifiers scheduled for both Friday and Saturday followed by a conventional 8-car elimination ladder on Sunday.
The event will also feature Sportsman class competition as in the past. All drivers will have two qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday and final eliminations on Sunday. That will involve:
- Top Sportsman** (Qualify for 32 Car Field)
- Top Dragster** (Qualify for 32 Car Field)
- Super Rod (All-Run)
- Quick Rod (All- Run)
- Hot Rod (All-Run)
- Super Stock (All Run)
- Stock (All Run)
- ET (Box/No BOX)- Limited to 128 Entries (All Run)
- Junior Dragster (All Run)
According to Rob and Kim Reeves, Managers at Castrol Raceway, fans should not worry about any perceived deterioration of their annual marquee drag racing event.
"It seems there has a been a tremendous amount of confusion as to whether or not Castrol Raceway will be hosting a “National” event this year," said Kim Reeves. "We are still hosting a major event with very little changes to our program. I believe IHRA is doing the right thing by changing the overall format at most events and likewise Castrol Raceway will continue to do what’s best for our spectators and competitors. We are more than solid with the decisions we’ve made to improve and grow our overall experience with very little changing to the weekend overall. Due to a solid 7 year relationship IHRA has been very gracious in allowing us the leeway to decide what is best for our market. Our format is quite different now from some other IHRA facilities -- but again what we believe best for our customers."
For additional updates including advance event tickets fans can visit: http://www.castrolraceway.com/
Bruce Biegler Photos
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