The track received quite a boost by being a part of the IHRA Summit SuperSeries program, the most prestigious national championship in bracket racing with over $275,000 in payouts and prizes. 

Buff commented on how many of the bracket racers are excited to now participate in the IHRA Summit Team Finals and also to have a chance to qualify for the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals in Holly Springs, Mississippi. That excitement can be seen through increased car counts.

(Photos courtesy of Spoold-Media)

“It seems like it’s helped more people run our points this year,” he said. “We’ve picked up some drivers who have never raced with us before so the competition is better than it’s ever been. It seems the car counts are growing every race.”

That’s saying something in the Carolinas where there’s always fierce competition and other great facilities nearby. It’s the area of the country with the highest concentration of race tracks. With so many options for racers to choose from, it forces track operators to be on the top of their game.

“We’re very blessed to have so many tracks in North Carolina especially,” he said. “There are five tracks within two hours. Any time you get good cars, it speaks volumes about your track.”

Shadyside features an 1/8-mile drag strip with concrete barriers down the track and an Accutime system. There is 2,000 feet of shutdown area and camping both on-site and also a couple of miles away.

While they’re enjoying the success the first half 2023 has brought, they are still working hard with several big events coming up. It includes the Classic Gear Jammers on Aug. 19, which includes an IHRA points race, a huge Labor Day event with both points racing and a Pro Mod Shootout, and the Nitrous Nationals on Sept. 22-23.

For more information about these and other great Shadyside Dragway events, click here to check out the track’s Facebook page.