“It’s a big deal because everyone is chasing that Ironman trophy,” Cherry said. “A lot of guys will travel for that chance to get that Ironman. Typically, we’ve done one per year like last year we did one Sept. 9-10. This year, we’re doing the Spring Ironman Classic and then another in the fall on Sept. 9, so there are two chances at Beacon Dragway to race for an Ironman.”
It’s exactly what the Ironman Classic program is designed for. Available to all IHRA-member tracks, a racer could previously only win one at a divisional or national event. This gives the local track the ability to create excitement in their bracket program and offer their grassroots, Sportsman racers a chance to win the prestigious Ironman trophy.
Saturday’s races also feature $2,000 prizes for the Super Pro (Box) and No Box winners and $500 to the runner-ups. The Sportsman winner receives $750, while the top prize for Junior Dragsters is $500. Ironman trophies are awarded to all four class winners.
The event allows double entries, and buy backs are available. Gates open at 11 a.m. with time trials to start at noon. General admission is $10 for spectators with kids 12-under free.
Cherry believes those who have never visited the Paducah, Kentucky drag strip are in for a real treat.
“The facility layout at Beacon Dragway is awesome,” he said. “We have over 120 paved parking spots, the Horsepower Café, a small restaurant that we’re very proud of, and A/C and heated bathrooms. Overall, it’s wide open, easily accessible with easy parking and even handicapped parking. The fact we’re an old quarter-mile track, you have 2,200 feet of shutdown for the fast guys.”
They’ve been using LJ1 products to prep the track and have had rave reviews. Besides Saturday’s race, they’ve got a full schedule of events including several IHRA Summit SuperSeries points races.
“We’ve got a bunch of points races this year,” Cherry said. “If they want to travel a little for big-money races they can. We’ve tried to make it manageable for everybody and the IHRA Summit SuperSeries is working well for us.”
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