It’s a Drag!~North Star Dragway

The air is heavy with the mixture of white smoke and the pungent smell of burning fuel.  Roaring engines, strained to the max, claw at their metal cages with impatience.  Then the light turns green, and just as soon as it has started it is over.  The whole cacophony of sounds and smells combine and ignite in less than five seconds.

With this barrage of the senses, you might get the feeling that something special is going on, but it’s just another typical Saturday night at the North Star Dragway.  Located just outside Denton, TX, the North Star Dragway is a 1/8^th mile track where souped up street cars and thrilling dragsters race at top speeds for the big prize and braggin’ rights.

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about the whole event.  Of course, my only real experience with race cars involves John Travolta singing Greased Lightening.  <swoon> Still, I was concerned that the race would only hold the kids attention (and mine for that matter) for a few minutes.   I was also somewhat concerned that a drag racetrack would not be family friendly.  I was wrong on both accounts.  (Here that honey?  I admitted I was wrong)

Admission was $10 for adults, while children 12 and under were free. Score one for family friendliness.   Bleacher seats were available, but most families just pulled their cars right up to the fence and the kids hung out in the back of the truck to watch the race.  We were the odd Texans out with our minivan, so we just popped the kids up on the roof for a bird’s eye view.   Cars raced two at a time and the races continued constantly, making sure there was no downtime to get bored.

I’m not sure how you could get bored. Cars of every shape, size and color roared down the track with their tires squealing and the occasional flames shooting out the sides.   The race began with the street cars, which were interesting in their own right, but it really heated up with the top fuel dragsters. (Look at me being all technical!)  The dragsters went upwards of 300 miles per hour and produced sounds at 150 decibels.   As they roared past, the sound actually reverberated in our chest, creating quite the exhilaration.   Honestly, the feeling was so intense that it was almost painful, but in an instant it was over and we were staring down the track, addicted to the next roar.  Sound crazy? Don’t knock it till you try it.

Know Before You Go:

Hearing protection is a must for all kids.  This is hearing damaging loud.

Concessions are provided on the opposite side of the track from the viewing stands.  You must cross the track entrance to reach the concession stands.  Cars are constantly zooming across the track a pretty quick pace, so be sure to hold hands and look both ways.

Drivers and crews are eager to share their cars with spectators, especially after they have been disqualified.  Wander over to the pits at some point in the evening to get a closer look.

If you want to get some really cool pictures, show up before dark.  Keep in mind though that the races don’t really hit their highpoint until sundown.