Hilo Drag Strip, a 1/4-mile drag strip Southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, has been in operation since 1978. Now, the Hawaii facility has renewed its commitment to the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) through a new sanctioning agreement.

Formerly known as Pana‘ewa Drag Strip, the first ever race at the facility was the eighth annual Island Memorial Day Race in 1978.

In addition to the drag strip, there are motocross, kart and oval racing tracks. Operated by the County of Hawaii, the facility has gone through a major upgrade in recent years with over $5 million in renovations.

New bleachers were installed as well as improvements to the oval track and work on the track’s timing system. Other upgrades include the drag strip being repaved, work on the restrooms and making the facility more friendly for the disabled.

Showing how much the track means to the community, around 60 volunteers worked to mow overgrown grass and clean up the grounds to hurry up the renovation work.

“It speaks volumes of the tremendous work done to Hilo Drag Strip,” IHRA Division Director Frank Kohutek said. “There is truly a great passion for drag racing on the islands and it is great to see such a commitment to the racers. We are pleased to have Hilo as an International Hot Rod Association member track.”

Click here to visit the Hilo Drag Strip Facebook page.

To become an IHRA member, click here for the IHRA membership page or call (561) 337-3446.