The day started with no real plan. The weather seemed a bit off but there were some vague possibilities to get out. Realistically, South Boston was on the radar but is already on the books for the “Thunder Road Harley-Davidson” race coming up.
Social media check and a brief exchange held an open door at a Virginia track re-opened after a few years of being dark. The Ararat Bullring was turning laps again under the same management that had brought Franklin County up from some odd times.
So… Why not? A pleasant drive into SW Virginia… However, there is also a drag strip down that way! Why not pop on both? Make the night at Ararat and stop for some 1/8 mile runs at Elk Creek Dragway.
Elk Creek is a IHRA sanctioned facility holding regular bracket meets with several classes and points racing. This day was threatened by weather early on and the schedule was up against the NHRA just an hour and a half away (Bristol). With that it was still a hot visit with some street to pro variety on the track.
Set among farms and mountain views, Elk Creek has had some history from the origin in the late 1960s. Currently, and for some time, the track is owned and operated by the racers and drivers in a cooperative partnership to keep the lights on and the speeds going. The facility is well kept and organized with stands and concessions for the fans and safety and timing staff for the racers.
The feel seems a bit like a family gathering. The ownership design spreads some of the responsibility around so there is pride in the facility that comes through, even on a short visit like this today.
The fan presence was a little light but as already mentioned, the weather was a bit on the “could rain… might not…” fence post side. Bristol might have pulled a few. The strategy with the structure in place seems to be “we’re going racing so maybe we’ll see ya there!”. That strategy is keeping the lanes open at Elk Creek and the planning to make it back is already under way.
The race track is set among the rolling foothills of the Virginia mountains. It’s a pleasant drive with relaxed roads and country views to get to Elk Creek. You might even find your next Christmas Tree as the area seems to be sanctioned by Santa Claus to grow them.
The schedule is hot practically every weekend with test & tunes on Fridays and the brackets challenging Saturday. “The Original Gear Jammers”, Outlaw Street, Footbrake, SuperPro, Juniors, Nostalgia and more are on the calendar so it’s easy to find action at Elk Creek Dragway.
Some Photos from this brief visit are below – Looking forward to a next time with more time!
