Story By: NHRA – ONAWA, IA – NHRA and Onawa Dragway teamed up to welcome the Iowa track to the network of NHRA Member Tracks, within the thriving NHRA West Central Division (Division 5).
Onawa Dragway, which opened in 2018, was purchased by the Richards family in 2022. The family, along with dragway manager Rod Wolter, worked together to put on a successful racing season in 2023, and the group knew joining the NHRA Member Track Network would be the best step for their growing facility.
“We have been a part of other sanctioning bodies, and we believe NHRA brings stability and legitimacy to our track, racers, and customers,” said Justin Richards, Onawa Dragway owner. “The NHRA membership and name will increase diversity among our racers, customers, sponsorship opportunities and community. We are excited about becoming a part of the NHRA brand that provides a larger sanctioning body with Division 5.”
As one of the over 110 NHRA Member Tracks, Onawa Dragway will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events including the NHRA Summit King of the Track and NHRA.tv Challenge, where racers will have the opportunity to compete for a coveted NHRA Wally trophy.
Heading into the 2024 season, the facility is also aiming for continued development on its property and dragway as the track continues to grow and hold successful events.
“We are very excited about Onawa Dragway joining the NHRA family,” NHRA Division 5 Director Nick Duty said. “Having known Rod for more than 10 years and getting to spend some time with him and Justin at their facility this year, I know they are focused on providing their racers and fans with some great events in 2024 and beyond. I can’t wait to see the amazing things they do for the sport of drag racing in the Iowa area.”