BY: TOM BRAYAnother great month of sand drag racing is in the books. Big events at Thunder Valley Sand Drags, West Michigan Sand Dragway, and Liberty, IN all lived up to their billing. The month of July brings the heavy summer heat in and the racing action slows down throughout most of the country. We will have coverage of events this month from Thunder Valley and Atoka; however the biggest race goes down at the end of the month as West Michigan Sand Dragway hosts its annual U.S. Sand Nationals.
The U.S. Sand Nationals at WMSD is in its 15th season and is a huge event for everyone in Michigan. Regardless of whether or not you are racing for points, this is the event that you want to win. Outside of a point series championship, this is the biggest race you can win in the state of Michigan. Some of the best racers from across the country come to WMSD for the event which makes it a huge accomplishment to take home a class victory. This year the event runs from July 26-29, new this year is an added test and tune day on Thursday before the event. The Nationals looks to be a big event as it was last year, but an added bonus is the huge U.S. Sand Nationals Warmup that is scheduled for the weekend before.
The Sand Nationals Warmup race features the Bad Frog Top Fuel Showdown, Pro Truck Nationals, and Top Eliminator Shootout. These races feature higher payouts, which in turn bring in more competitors and tighter competition. This race also features the highly anticipated “Ultimate 4WD Match Race Shootout.” Four of the fastest 4WD sand drag entries in the United States will face off to see who truly is the fastest. The entries look to be Tony McWethy’s record holding blown Funny Jeep, Jerry Stephens’ PSI supercharger-equipped Hemi Altered, Gary Vereeke’s Hemi Ford Truck, and Earl Lenter’s blown Chevy Truck. All of these vehicles are capable of low 3 second E.T.’s and should put on a great show. We will have “Same Day Coverage” from both events at WMSD.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, I have a column in Sand Sports magazine called the “Sand Drag Scene.” The new issue just came out and has a recap from Primm as well as other sand drag news. Keep an eye out for it in your local book stores or order a subscription through the Sand Sports link on the right side of the page.
Tom Bray ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )