Owners Wayne and Patty Styles have done a lot over the past few years to make Centerville a great place to race with upgrades like concrete walls and new lights. Recently, the return road has been paved thanks to the help of track supporters Mel Collier of Collier Drug Stores and Shawn Silvey with Silvey Construction. Most of all, there is an appreciation for those who come to race with them.
“It’s a special place because we’re a welcoming track,” Patty said. “That’s what Centerville is all about. It’s not just saying it, but this is our family. Our relationship with our racers is A-plus.”
There’s a great relationship with the IHRA as well. The 1/8-mile Arkansas drag strip was first opened in 1977. The track was resurfaced in 2016 and after years of being independent, joined the IHRA in 2021. The move has been excellent for both sides.
“We like the promotion, helping us get our information out on Facebook,” Patty said. “We have two different points programs, the first half with eight races and eight the second half. The IHRA Summit SuperSeries points, we started back in May. Everybody started signing up and it was hard to keep with all of them.”
The IHRA Summit SuperSeries track champions for 2023 were: Kirk Cunningham (Box), Cody Rogers (No Box), Roy Cook (Sportsman) and Ian Gilkey (Junior Dragster).
Centerville Dragway competed in the IHRA Division 2 (Heat Wave) Summit Team Finals where they were honored with the special award for Best Appearing Team and won the Track Operators Race. In addition, Centerville Dragway hosted an IHRA Sportsman Spectacular in 2022.
The track is a great place to visit with the concessions featuring racer favorites like a breakfast menu and Polish Sausage smothered with peppers and onions.
There’s also an emphasis on the sport’s future with Centerville Dragway working closely with those who race junior dragsters.
“We’re unique in the way we take care of our juniors,” Patty said. “Matter of fact, we just had another junior do a private test. We take our time with them.”
The New Year’s Bracket Showdown set for Jan. 6 or 7, 2024 is a major event coming up weather dependent. It is $60 to enter with a $30 buyback and a $2,024-to-win Box and No Box combo race. There’s a full schedule of events throughout the year which include: Outlaws races, Small Tire Nitrous races, races for ATV’s and motorcycles.
Click here to check out the track’s Facebook page for more information about this and other great Centerville Dragway events.
