TJ Pruitt
Gulfport Dragway, renowned for its drag racing on the coast, has officially reopened following a comprehensive summer surface renovation. The dragway had shut down in June to undergo significant upgrades, managed by Kurt Johnson and his team at Total Venue Concepts.
The extensive renovations included regrinding approximately 300 feet of the concrete surface to ensure a smoother and more consistent track. Additionally, the old asphalt was milled and replaced with race track-specific asphalt, extending past the 1/8 mile finish line. Kurt Johnson also smoothed the transition from concrete to asphalt, ensuring a seamless surface for racers.
The improvements have garnered positive feedback from the racing community. Darian Boesch, the World Series of Pro Mod Top Sportsman champion, commended the renovations, stating, “You can definitely tell they made a lot of great changes to the surface. The track is now amazing.”
To celebrate the reopening, Gulfport Dragway hosted a Cars and Coffee event this past weekend, drawing a large crowd of racers and spectators.
Tommy Castanedo Making first pass on new surface!
Looking ahead, Gulfport Dragway is set to continue its tradition of eevents. This Friday, the dragway will feature its popular “Kicker Friday Night Throwdown,” offering a guaranteed $1,000 prize for the bracket race. The following day, the WDRA Bracket Series returns, showcasing the high-octane competition of Quick 8 Door Cars and Dragsters.
The renovations mark a new chapter for Gulfport Dragway, solidifying its status as a premier drag strip in the south. With a refreshed and enhanced surface, track management Gaylon Rolinson, Britt Cummings, and Tommy Castanedo look to extend their events to even more types of racing for the drag racing community.
