DragCoverage is proud to bring you monthly track owner interviews. Last months article can be found here
There’s a familiar rhythm to the stories of so many dragstrips across the country these days — closures, uncertainty, dwindling attendance. But every now and then, a different story emerges. A story about someone stepping up not for profit, not for praise, but simply because they care. That story is playing out at Montgomery International Dragway, and the man behind it is Brad Wheeler.
When asked why he bought the track, Wheeler’s answer was refreshingly simple:
“Didn’t want to lose a track”
That sentiment cuts deep in today’s drag racing landscape. Track closures are hammering the sport, ripping up the roots of local racing communities. For Wheeler — a lifelong racer himself — the thought of another racing facility going dark was too much to bear.
And so, he took action.
From Racer to Track Owner
Brad Wheeler isn’t some corporate investor or weekend hobbyist. He’s a racer, born and bred. Many of us grew up racing alongside him at places like Silver Dollar Raceway, where the atmosphere was always family-first and racer-centered. That legacy stuck with Brad. Now, as the owner and operator of Montgomery International Dragway, he’s carrying it forward — and adding his own unique touch.
His approach is working. While other tracks are struggling to fill lanes, Wheeler is packing them in, regularly turning out 200+ cars for weekend bracket races. It’s not marketing gimmicks or big-money purses bringing racers in — it’s trust.
When asked what he attributes that success to, Brad replied with the kind of humility that defines him:
“I’m open to listening and suggestions. I want to run a track the way I would want it run if I was racing there.”
That racer-first mindset is exactly what sets him apart. Brad doesn’t see Montgomery as a cash cow or a business venture to squeeze — he sees it as a place for the racing community to thrive. And it shows.
A Kindred Spirit to Ed Swearingen
In many ways, Brad Wheeler’s approach mirrors that of another name we recently highlighted: Ed Swearingen of Silver Dollar Raceway. Like Ed, Brad believes in treating racers like family. He understands their struggles, respects their dedication, and builds around their needs — not above them.
Both men prove that it doesn’t take corporate dollars to build a successful dragstrip. It takes care. It takes consistency. It takes showing up for the racers, time and time again.
Hands-On Hospitality
Brad isn’t just a name on the lease — he’s on the ground, in the lanes, and sometimes even under the hoods.
Walk through the pits at Montgomery and you’ll see it firsthand. Need a part? Brad will check his stash. Got a computer issue with your car? He’ll let you use his. Something broke? Pull into the shop on-site — Brad might be in there turning wrenches with you.
He doesn’t brag about it. He doesn’t post about it. But ask any racer who’s been to one of his events, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Brad Wheeler shows up for the racers.
Investing in the Future
Wheeler has already upgraded the timing system and track surface per racers requests, but he has other plans as well. Wheeler wants to pave more of the pits, to implement an on-site part store, and wants to put lifts in the shop on-site to make it easier for racers to work on their cars if needed.
And let’s not overlook a hidden gem: Montgomery’s concession stand is among the best in the game. The food is top-tier, and the staff runs it like clockwork — a small but powerful touch that adds to the track’s welcoming atmosphere.
Always Listening, Always Improving
Through all the success, Brad remains grounded. He says he’s grateful for the community’s support and wants racers to know that he’s always listening. Got an idea? Bring it to him. Need something? Ask.
That’s the beauty of Brad Wheeler and Montgomery International Dragway — it feels like a track for racers, because that’s exactly what it is.
🗣️ Got a story about racing at Montgomery with Brad Wheeler? Drop it in the comments or message us — we’d love to hear it!
📍 Follow DragCoverage for more stories like this — where the real racers and track owners shaping the sport get the spotlight they deserve.
until then, see you all at the next super 7’s race in Montgomery
-Kline
