Holiday Raceway, aka “The Beach,” has been family-owned and operated since opening in 1968. Their passion is for the sport of drag racing, but they host many different events each year including Street Outlaws, Grudge Fest, music festivals, Pro Mods, car shows and open track night. 

“We strive for excellence in everything we do, and our entire team is committed to providing racers and fans with the best experience possible,” track operator Chris Bateh said. “We are extremely excited to partner with the IHRA in 2023. We wanted to give our racers the opportunity to showcase their skills at the bracket finals. Week-in and week-out some of the best racers in the country compete at Holiday Raceway.”

The 1/8-mile, all-concrete drag strip has concession stands, pit sides and bleachers on both sides of the track. “The Beach” nickname comes from decades ago. The property has a lake with a beach that started as a resort in the 1950s. It was originally called Holiday Beach and Raceway. The beach was closed to the public in 1992 as the family focused on the drag strip.

One of the greatest things about Holiday Raceway is its accessible location. It is located between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, right off Interstate 20/59. If you’re traveling on I-20/59, take exit 97 and go west onto US11 (4-lane) for about 2 1/2 miles and the race track is on the right.

“We all grew up at the track and consider ourselves track family-oriented,” Bateh said. “My father and his partner started the track in 1968. We try to keep it where you can feel safe with your family.”

For more information about Holiday Raceway, click here to check out the track’s website.