Another track. Another closure. Another piece of drag racing history lost.
Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Oklahoma—one of the region’s most iconic dragstrips—is closing its gates. The announcement hit racers and fans hard. For decades, Thunder Valley has been a proving ground for local heroes and traveling hitters alike. Now, it’s the latest casualty in what feels like an epidemic of dragstrip shutdowns across the country.
But it’s not greed. It’s not politics. It’s reality.
“We Know You Like 1980s Entry Fees and 2034 Payouts”
That quote above is from the track leaser
Inflation is hammering every corner of our lives—groceries, gas, housing, car parts, you name it. Yet somehow, drag racers expect tracks to keep running like it’s 1995 on entry fees. The cost of glue (VHT), diesel for track prep equipment, insurance, utilities, payroll—all of it has skyrocketed. And while racers are quick to complain about a $20 increase in tech cards, they still demand payouts that reflect todays prices in equipment.
Thunder Valley owner said they weren’t in it to turn big profits, but it’s hard to keep pushing when every weekend you lose money and get beat up by your own community.
The Cost of Complaining
Racers love to talk—especially online. But constant negativity, nitpicking, and public bashing kills the very thing we claim to love. There’s a difference between constructive feedback and toxic complaining. If every Facebook post turns into a flame war over $10 gate fees or payout structures, why would any sane person want to keep running a track?
What happened to showing up, shaking hands, running hard, and being grateful for a place to do it?
Every time a track closes, the next closest one gets more expensive. More drive time. More gas. More hotel costs. Less testing. Less racing. Fewer kids getting hooked on the sport.
It’s not just about one track. It’s about drag racing’s survival.
How Racers Can Step Up
Tracks don’t need your pity—they need your partnership.
Here’s how racers can help keep the gates open:
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Positive Attitudes: A good vibe is contagious. Stop the toxic talk at the gate, on the starting line, and on social media.
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Bring a Crew: Every extra spectator matters. Invite your friends, coworkers, or neighbors. One ticket might not seem like much, but multiply that by 50 people and it’s real money.
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Spend Money On-Site: Buy food. Get a T-shirt. Support the track sponsors. That cash keeps the lights on.
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Volunteer or Offer Skills: Know how to weld, do electrical work, run a leaf blower, or design flyers? Tracks are often short-staffed and overstretched.
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Be Real About Entry Fees: If you want 2025 payouts, don’t expect 1990 prices. Respect the hustle it takes to put on an event.
Thunder Valley: More Than Just a Track
Thunder Valley has hosted legends, juniors, grudge matches, and everything in between. Its signature layout, friendly staff, and small-town vibe made it a favorite for Midwest racers for decades. Losing it isn’t just a local blow—it’s a national warning sign.
Tracks are disappearing faster than new ones can open. And once they’re gone, they’re gone.
If you love this sport, protect it. Show up. Pay up. Speak up—with gratitude, not entitlement.
Thunder Valley may be the latest loss. Let’s not let it be just another in a long list. Let it be a wake-up call.
