WVD HISTORY – By Nick Agresta:
The track formerly known as “Action Dragway” was the collaborative effort between Dr. Craig Hane and Dr. Dean Hill, both professors at the Rose-Hulman Institute in Terre Haute IN. Craig owned the Hoosier Auto Parts Store in town and Dean was responsible for developing the fuel check procedures for the NHRA nationally. Together, they both co-owned H&H Racing Fuels.
NHRA founder, Wally Parks and Dr. Hill were both intrigued with 1/8 mile dragstrips. Mr. Parks wanted to build a new facility close to Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) to hi-lite the 1/8 mile distance. Talks began in 1972 with the Vigo County Fair Grounds and shortly construction began on the new facility.
A full season of competition began in April 1973. The first Saturday night race was held May 10th 1973 with a Funny Car Match race between Radici-Wise and Jim Paoli, two nationally known cars and drivers. The hook was set and the first ever 1/8 mile Record Drags were held August 18th with the top racers from every state in competition. Every 1/8 mile National Record set initially in NHRA competition from Top Fuel through X/Stock was established at the new Action Dragway!
-
1973-1978 – Operated by: Dr. Hane & Dr. Hill – “Action Dragway”
-
1979 – Pat Kelly (Kelly’s Speed Shop) – Conducted events occasionally as they could
-
1980-1984 – Track lie dormant – Nick Agresta & Bill Austin of “Kelly’s Speed Shop” petitioned the Vigo County Fair Board to re-open the facility and received approval. During this time the track was shortened for the building of “Bogeys” and MSA softball diamonds.
-
1985-1995 – Operated by: Kenny Zigler & Family – “Action Dragway” (renovated a dilapidated facility)
-
1996-2001 – Operated by: Myron & Faye Thomas – “Terre Haute Action Dragstrip” (name change)
-
2002-2005 – Operated by: Harry Eversole – “Wabash Valley Dragway” (name change)
-
2006 – Operated by: Jim Graham – “Wabash Valley Dragway”
-
2007-2008 – Operated by: Dallas Montgomery & Marty Sabla – “Action City Dragway” (name change)
-
2009-2021 – Operated by: Randy & Tami Peters – “Crossroads Dragway” (name change) – Awarded NHRA “Track of the Year” in 2015 & 2017
-
2021-2023 – Operated by: Troy Mann, Jay Eversole & Doug Smith – “Wabash Valley Dragway” (name change)
-
2023-present – Operated by: Freddy Melecio – “Wabash Valley Dragway” – Track’s 50th Birthday!
Our Marketing and Advertising Partners
