South Butler drag strip to open

In 1957, Paul Jackson leased land from Raymond Warrick in South Butler and built a drag strip. The strip brought car enthusiasts together every weekend during the spring, summer, and fall for many years. It was a popular spot to hang out at on Sundays. The roar of hot cars could be heard around the hamlet of Butler.

When Jackson decided to close the strip, King's drag strip was started and the fun continued for a few more years. The strip has been idle for years. The paved strip remained, but was not used except for an occasional test drive.

Ron Warrick farmed the land around the dragstrip for years, but didn't want to remove the pavement. There were too many memories associated with it. The Iron Horsemen rent the dragstrip one day a year to hold a motorcycle drag in July; this brings hundreds of bikers each year.

The Warricks belong to the Timeless Classics Car Club and have invited the club members over to try their cars out on the strip a number of times.

On August l-3, a nostalgia weekend was held at the strip. A large crowd of former racers showed up to re-try their racing skills and remember the old days of hot cars and burning rubber. The Warricks opened their land for camping and sons, Jeff and Jim, raced their cars and provided food and drinks for the whole weekend.

On September 27 at 8 a.m., the drag strip will re-open as Warrick's Dragstrip in South Butler. Rain date will be Sept. 28. Heads-Up racing starts at 10 a.m. Port-A-Tree by Eastern Speed Association is sponsoring the event along with area merchants. All cars and trucks are welcome (hot rods, custom, family, stock, etc.). Food and beverages provided by JW Catering. Everyone is welcome to come and race or just watch the action.

There are plans for snowmobile drags this fall and winter, and car drags during the rest of 2004. Get your old cars fixed!

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