Avenal Sand Drags
Avenal Sand Drags
Avenal Sand Drags has been on my bucket list since hearing about the event from racers at Eagle Field Drags and I finally got my chance to attend Avenal Fall Nationals. It was beyond my expectations, upon arriving, the first thing that struck me was the dragsters and Jeeps with names painted on them such as Witches Brew, Psychotic Racing, Child's Play, and Walking Dead. It was like a new generation of the 60s and 70s drag racing.
Along with the Dragsters and Jeeps, there were trucks, ATVs, and high-performance four-wheel beasts that they call motorcycles. The Jeeps were not the same ones you would see four-wheeling in the mountains; these are high-performance Race Jeeps that you might see at a more traditional drag strip
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The track is a 300-foot-long strip of sand, where vehicles take off from the starting line and dig into the surface, some creating spectacular 20-30 foot sand rooster tails as they race down the track.
It's a wild sight to see as dragsters battle it out on a sand strip and watch how easily some vehicles we're getting up on two wheels. Anne-Marie, one of the event promotors/coordinators, asked what I thought about the event, and the first thing that came to mind was "sensation overload."
Avenal Sand Drags seems like a big family get-together; not only did the adults race, they had a great turnout of pee wee and junior racers. Getting the youngsters into the drag race scene keeps them occupied and out of trouble as they get older; it's also an excellent way for parents and kids to bond that will last a lifetime, it's not only the Sand Drags; more and more race vents have race classes for kids.
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Avenal Sand Drags is not just a local event; racers come from all over to race at Avenal Sand Drags. In addition, Avenal Sand Drags is part of the International Sand Drag Association.
Some brackets are Top Fuel, Top Alcohol, Pro, Sportsman, non-automobile powered class Pro or Sportsman, Peewee, and Junior.
The official rulebook classes the vehicle types as follows
Type 1 - Dragsters, Buggies, Rails, and UTVs automotive powered
Type 2 - Pickups, Hardtops, stock or "stock appearing" 4-wheel drive.
Type 3 - Motorcycle, Snowmobile, or non-automotive powered.
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The viewing area is on a hill along the track with an excellent view of the race right down to the finish line; the bleachers are located near the starting line and an area to pitch an easy-up shade along the track. It would be a good idea to check with the organizers before setting an easy-up. Food vendors are also on-site and close to track parking if needed.
When the sun goes down, it's not over at the Avenal Sand Drags, the track has state-of-the-art lighting, and the racing continues well into the evening.
Avenal Sand Drags, held in April and October, and as of this writing the cost to attend is a bargain at $15 for adults, $6 for kids 5-12 and 4, and under is free.
Avenal is a small town in Central California that's a short distance from Kettleman City, the usual gas and food stop for many headed to and from Southern California.
The facility looks great and well run. Thanks to event promoters/coordinators Anne-Marie and Marc Whitmore and all the volunteers and staff for organizing such a fun event. Avenal Sand Drags is one event to check out; you will have a great time.
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