Southern Members - Drag Strip In Benton Arkansas

Hey Guys Tomorrow Night At Jcpennys On Miltary Rd In Benton They Are Gonna Talk About Having A Drag Strip On The Old Benton Airport Everyone Needs To Come And Support It Will Be At 6:00 That Night

WTF?!? are you serious! directions cause i don't know how to get there. This could be sweet... and what night, like wed. or thursday?

that is a great idea, finally someones trying to do something about a lack of tracks. are they talkin about doin a 1/4 mile or 1000 ft.???

I heard it was going to be Thursday night at 6. Im not sure what exit the benton one is, but i will check. I wonder why they are doin this in Jc penny parking lot?

i have no clue. and who's "they". I just looked at it on google earth and it's really residential. Like not even a quarter mile away are neighborhoods.

i have no clue. and who's "they". I just looked at it on google earth and it's really residential. Like not even a quarter mile away are neighborhoods.
It is close to a neighborhood and a church so the people that live close will probably vote it down kinda like they did when someone wanted to build a strip about a mile away from the airport. But maybe the city officals will realize that we need a track close by and do something about it.

The Manns Who Are Gonna Talk To The Mayor Of Benton We Just Need To Help Support Them So Let The Word Out To Everyone Wee Need As Many People That We Can Get

awesome. I already started a thread on arrides to let them know to come out. I'll def. be there.

I Dont Know If Its Gonna Be In Jcpennys But Meet In The Parking Lot Of Jcpennys

i agree sounds odd that its gonna be in jcpenny parking lot....but ima spread the word to everybody i know, maybe we can finally get a local track.

I'll prob make it out for this one. Out of curiosity, what are you guys expecting to accomplish with this meet, petition/just meeting or what?

^^^+1

Saw the link on arrides...interesting concept, I'll try to make it down there after work tomorrow. I'm scheduled to get off work at 4, so I should be able to make it. Is this just going to be some sort of a meeting or something?

edit - how far out of little rock is this place? I'm up in searcy, so I need to get a rough estimate on when I need to leave to get there on time.

I will try and make it...might be a little late.

Saw the link on arrides...interesting concept, I'll try to make it down there after work tomorrow. I'm scheduled to get off work at 4, so I should be able to make it. Is this just going to be some sort of a meeting or something?

edit - how far out of little rock is this place? I'm up in searcy, so I need to get a rough estimate on when I need to leave to get there on time.

ABOUT 15 MILE SOUTH OF LITTLE ROCK

I will be there.

Saw the link on arrides...interesting concept, I'll try to make it down there after work tomorrow. I'm scheduled to get off work at 4, so I should be able to make it. Is this just going to be some sort of a meeting or something?

edit - how far out of little rock is this place? I'm up in searcy, so I need to get a rough estimate on when I need to leave to get there on time.

dude if I were you I would leave as soon as you get off work. 45 min to North Little Rock, then about 30 to Benton.

Hey Guys Tomorrow Night At Jcpennys On Miltary Rd In Benton They Are Gonna Talk About Having A Drag Strip On The Old Benton Airport Everyone Needs To Come And Support It Will Be At 6:00 That Night

We are contacting everybody in the East End Areaa, to come and support. Thanks for letting us know.

wow this will be great if it works out.

If it were me i would start an online link to a petition and post it here in the southern section. Just my opinion tho. I think that whoever was trying to get this going would try and touch base to as many southern/arkansas car owners/investors!

I've driven by the old airport recently...says on a sign that it's property of the church nearby or something. An investor(s) will have to make a proposal to the city/county and all that legal mess. Definitely an uphill battle .... but would be worth it to Benton and Saline county. Bringing alot of business to the area....everybody wins.
The locals just have to tolerate a little noise on the weekends. I live near I-30 raceway...it doesn't bother me at all.

Blackhawk

1999 TransAm WS6
1993 Firehawk
2000 Camaro
1974 Camaro TypeLT/Z28

I'll definitely try to make this one. LR | AR needs a REAL track to run.

i shud be there..maybe

From what I was told(I dont know how much truth there is to it) the meet at JC Penny's is a petition signing which will be presented to the city counsil. Suposedly the mayor is backing the idea of making the old airport a track 100% to keep racing off the streets. I also heard he will be at JC Penny's at 6 to listen to any comments. If this is true we all should make it a point to be there and not showing out in the parking lot, we need to prove we are responsible enough for the track. Rumor has it that it will be 1/8th mile, street legal cars only! And it is not up to the mayor but to the city counsil to make the decision. This will be awesome as long as its not a bunch of punks starting rumors! But I have heard about this from so many different people i believe it to be true and will take off work to go and sign. Hope to see you guys at 6!

The only way they are gonna do it is if they use the same loopholes that Bee Branch found. I hope it goes over, but I don't think I can go to Benton tonight.

1/8 mile??? fuck that...

Been there done that several years ago except everyone met at city hall and look at the track that came out of that. Hopefully, this time it carries more weight and will go through. I'll believe it when I see it...much like the track that was going to get built at the fairgrounds.

Sorry, but I'll pass, it's not worth my drive for 1/8th mile. I know, it's a track at least....but I've never cared for anything less than 1/4 mile, hence my one visit to Centerville.

On a side note, the guy that owns 89 raceway is talking about putting in a 1/4 mile strip. I've talked to him in person. I think we have a better chance there. He was serious about it and showed me where the track would be layed out. I'm putting my hopes there.

I called a buddy of mine who works for the city of Benton and he said that from what he has heard the 1/8th mile track will be a start. He said that if enough interest is shown in going to the track instead of street racing that they would possibly extend the track and make the facilities better. But as you all know it hinges on what happens with the city council. They way I see it is it doesnt hurt to at least try to make it happen. There are a lot of things that are up in the air about all of this but an 1/8th mile track is definetly a start.

Come On Guys Yall Need To Come Out Tonight Because That Airport Runway Is No Less Then 3000 Ft Long So They Could Make It A 1/4 Mile If They Want To We Really Dont Know If Its Gonna Be 1/8 Or 1000 Ft Or 1/4 Yet So Please Come And Show Them That We Want A Track That Is Close Bye

Most races are OVER by 1/8th mile anyway. Don't get me wrong I run 1/4 mile stuff too but the push nationally is going to 1/8th. Watch nearly ALL the fast "street car" stuff and its 1/8th mile. So you guys are telling me that if a NICE PREPPED 1/8th mile track was 25-70 miles from you (or CLOSER!), you'd bypass it to go to Centerville, or Memphis for a test n tune?

I believe I said It is rumored that it will be an 1/8th mile track. It has the potential to be whatever. That is probably going to be one of the things discused 2nite. Anyway an 1/8th is a start, I see people racing at shakleford all the time and it is not a 1/4 mile. The reason they are asking people to show up is really just to show support of the track.

I called a buddy of mine who works for the city of Benton and he said that from what he has heard the 1/8th mile track will be a start. He said that if enough interest is shown in going to the track instead of street racing that they would possibly extend the track and make the facilities better. But as you all know it hinges on what happens with the city council. They way I see it is it doesnt hurt to at least try to make it happen. There are a lot of things that are up in the air about all of this but an 1/8th mile track is definetly a start.

You can't open up some make shift shitty track and say "if people show we'll make it longer, better, etc..." That's the same bs plan that the fair grounds opened with and you see people did show/race and everyone knows how god awful that track was and where is it today?

Most races are OVER by 1/8th mile anyway. Don't get me wrong I run 1/4 mile stuff too but the push nationally is going to 1/8th. Watch nearly ALL the fast "street car" stuff and its 1/8th mile. So you guys are telling me that if a NICE PREPPED 1/8th mile track was 25-70 miles from you (or CLOSER!), you'd bypass it to go to Centerville, or Memphis for a test n tune?

Well said Frank. I've always stated that I'd take a NICE 1/8 miler that's close by over anything that's currently in state. Seems like the "new track" rumors come around about every 2yrs or so and nothing ever happens.

Yeah I like me some 1/8 stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't say I wouldn't use it. But I personally would rather drive 2 hours to Memphis for a good 1/4 mile track versus a so so 1/8th mile track. This is just my opinion. I've had several good races at Memphis where I was ahead at the 1/8th and behind at the 1/4. Not that it matters. Good luck to you all!

Ben don't be a party pooper :chug: j/k. I'm with you on driving to memphis for a good 1/4 track. It's a nice cruise up there and it's worth it I think. But I'm all for the MAYBE of a track being built in Benton. But alas, based on the past it will probably fall through IMHO.

You guys are pathetic. I will be there, 1/4 or not. Its gonna be a long hard road to get a track in Central AR. Maybe if its 1/4 one day thats great, all they would have to do is extend it.

I hope it went well, Im in louisiana so I couldnt make it. I have known Nathan and charlie a long time. If they can make it happen they will. It will just take people showing up to keep it going. Just think no bracket fags to deal with, just street cars

i work swing shift...2-10...sooo obviously i couldnt make it...man i honestly really didnt like going to the track(fear of breakin shit, but it is bound to happen one day)....but i think it is damn worth it for them to build an 1/8th mile track...besides its an airport i think they could extend it if enough business rolls through it....the reason it may start an 1/8 mi has to do with insurances...it can get really expensive to cover and prep a a 1/4 mile track..mainly b/c faster cars will join(hence the insurance deal)...im ALL for it though!!!!

If there was something I could sign later on, I'll sign it for a track. I can't show up because both of my kids somehow got each other sick from school (stomach flu):bang:

Its been a LONG time since Memphis was a "good" 1/4 mile track my friend, as far as TNT goes, thats for sure.

Its been a LONG time since Memphis was a "good" 1/4 mile track my friend, as far as TNT goes, thats for sure.

Maybe for you... I went 12.6 w/ 1.8 60' on that track running on 18" street tires. Its not the best 1/4 track out there mind you but certainly not the worst.

The best track IMO is HRP in Houston, TX.:nod:

Its been a LONG time since Memphis was a "good" 1/4 mile track my friend, as far as TNT goes, thats for sure.

I know I'm making measly power compared to some of you guys, but it dead hooked for me with 17" MT ET Streets. It's never busy and you can run as many times as you could possibly want. That's a "great" track to me. I was stationed in WA before here and ran on a "great" NHRA track there too. I compare Memphis to that track (Pacific Raceways) and it's every bit as good. I'm not trying to start anything, I'm just saying that I like Memphis and I'll continue to go there when I need my 1/4 mile fix.

Well there was a huge turn out guys. There was a tooooon of cars in the JCPenny parking lot. We then went to the court house and everyone signed some petition thing. There was a news reporter asking everyone questions or something, and the lady that worked there said it will be like a week or two before the first official meeting cause tonight we just kinda showed up and they were like ok.... sign a petition then we'll get a meeting next week. BUT, it def. looks really really promising judging by the amount of people at the court house. Peace.

Well guys I personally talked to the guy who is going to be the owner/operator of the track. He said that he has a few investors who want to see this thing done right if it goes through. They had to postpone our part of the city council meeting because the mayor of Benton wasnt there. They are going to give plenty of notice for the next meeting so they can have more people show up and sign the petition. The guy who will own the track said that as long as this goes through, here is what he has planned. He will be using all wireless digital timing equipment. He said that the system he priced out will be around $20,000 just to be able to time the 1/8th mile. There is a church right next to the airport that owns the rights to the hangars that are left from the airport. If he can get them on our side then we will have use of the hangars for the track. He said that he definetly wants to make the track 1/4 mile eventually but the insurance is too expensive to try to make it 1/4 mile right now. He said that as long as he can get support and help with the track that he wants to try to make this the best track in Arkansas. He said that the first year or so will be a definite learning experience for him but he does have experience working a drag strip. In the early 90's he helped Wayne and Peggy at Centerville start their street car shootout program and he also helped Prescott raceway do the same thing. He was amazed at the turnout tonite. He said that he made 2 phone calls to try to get some support for this thing and better than 200 people ended up showing up with a days notice. I know that some of you guys would rather go to a 1/4 mile track and I do understand that. I would just like to see this guy get some support so that it may eventually be that. I know what ended up happening with the track at the fairgrounds but I think this has a better shot. The track at the fairgrounds didnt have near the support from the city that this does. The mayor of Benton has said that he realizes that the reason we street race is for a lack of convenient places to race legally and that he plans to do something about it, not just try to make the cops crack down on it. The mayor is on our side for this so I think we have a shot. Sorry for the long post but I figured that those of you who couldnt make it out would like to know what went on tonite.

Now that sounds promising. I've heard there's gonna be a local track so many times that I was kind of skeptical. I think I might be more willing to attend the next meeting. I wish we could have the 1/4 mile from the get-go, but I understand that they have to start somewhere. Post info on the next meet when you find out more info on it.

The mayor ended up showing up as everyone was leaving. Nathan should have a commitee go up there, 200 people aren't gonna get anything done. Dad (the cop that was making sure we all behaved) said that it would be next week for the next meeting. If needed we should sign a petition, he was amazed at the people that showed up.

Maybe we should take a donation to help Nathan get this thing off the ground. It takes money to make money.

Haha Zak now I remember his name. I started typing that post and completely spaced out what he said his name was. I agree that 200 people wont do much but with more notice Im sure that number can be doubled. The donation thing is a hell of an idea. Like if 400 people showed up and everyone donated like 10 bucks, thats 4 grand. I know that sounds optimistic but it wouldnt hurt to give it a shot. I also talked to my Dad about all of this. He has been doing contract photography work for the Benton Courier shooting some local sports for them. He said that if I can get in contact with Nathan that he would do an interview with him and get some pics of the airstrip to publish a story in the Courier Sports section that would also tell when the next meeting was so that we could have more people show up to support it.

damn sounds too good to be true! I was amazed at the #'s of people that showed up.

Well some people may not want to give as much but either way, I am good for $50. You get 500 people to do $50....some more and less of course. Either way, I think that with donations, and people wanting to invest in this that it could take off.

We cant sit on our hands now, we have to get this going. I dont know of a way to get in contact with Nathan, or anyway to set up a donation thing. Everyone that has ever wanted a 1/4 mile track needs to stop talking and start acting, I understand that people have lives, but donations would help our cause more than you could imagine.

Dude I am pissed now.....I left the Municipal Complex because everyone was just standin around and I didnt think anything was going to happen! So is it a for sure thing next week? I forwarded the message to a TON of car guys and alot of them showed up tonight, so with more notice as to when it will be for sure I can bring quite a few with me. And whats up with bein shady Zak!

jared- they on the shit of paper that was stating the proposal, it stated a 1/4 track, not a 1/8th mile. also, said they would use the old pavement, except for the burnout box and the first 100 feet. which would be concrete. that what that woman said to me.

They have measured the airport and the paved part is 3900 ft long! And it is alot wider than any track around so the chance of this being a 1/4 mile track soon is extremly high. They should make plenty of money the first year to extend it next year. Just look at all the people that went to Barton's HORRIBLE track, it wasnt even a full 1/8th mile long, was up and down hills, slick as grease, curved, and the timers hardly ever worked! It wasnt even safe! And still several people attended just because it was local racing. I would rather go race a 1/8th mile close to home on a nice track than driving all over Little Rock getting just a few races before the cops show up. Of coarse im sure we all will still go to centerville, memphis, prescott, and the street races from time to time but it will be so nice to have a legal place to go every weekend and race right here at home.

Well thanks to Lando I have a way to get in contact with Nathan. I will also let him know about your idea for the donation when I talk to him tomorrow. I know that the proposal stated it would be 1/4 mile but usually the proposal has to state the end result of what you are petitioning for. That way if it gets approved you can start with an 1/8th mile track but it could always be extended to a 1/4 mile track. Im going to run all of these ideas by Nathan tomorrow (or should I say today haha) and see what he says and I guess things will get figured out from there.

So by Nathan and the context of Prescott and Centerville, I'm assuming its Nathan Mann? I love the idea, but to think that this is going to STOP or even SLOW street racing is absurd. The people that want to street race are going to do it even if they pass a NICE track along the way.

Nathan does have some experience and he's been a racer so hopefully that means that the track will be better.

i told u fellas that it would probably be a 1/8 mile track first due to INSURANCE let some of us know when the next meet is in advance...i work on the flightline, i cant just bounce out lol.....sounds really good though!!!!

Yea..from what I looked into insurance in this state was the factor of it..

I was plannin on goin out there, but had something come up.

God I hope this happens...

God I hope this happens...

Yeah it would be nice for everybody, plus if we show we have enough interest someone else might get something else started if they know we will back them. I have heard in the planning of the new fair grounds they are talking of a nhra track. Thanks everybody for the turn out and if we keep up surely we can get something local, instead of driving 100 miles to race.

So by Nathan and the context of Prescott and Centerville, I'm assuming its Nathan Mann? I love the idea, but to think that this is going to STOP or even SLOW street racing is absurd. The people that want to street race are going to do it even if they pass a NICE track along the way.

Nathan does have some experience and he's been a racer so hopefully that means that the track will be better.

They need to have a night to street race without the lights and everybody can bet on the side. If they do it right i feel like street racers should get the worst peanalty's. But if they don't have a place to race I don't feel like their is much they can do about it.

Yea Frank I am talking about Nathan Mann. You are right that it is absurd to think that it will put an end to street racing, but the way the mayor sees it is that now there is no excuse for street racing. We all know that there will always be street racing but at least this would give us a place to legally race and hang out without worrying about getting tickets or being harrassed by the police. I did talk to Nathan's wife Shelly today and she said that they would be very greatful for any kind of support or help they could get. I told her about the donation idea that Zak had and she said that they would never ask for us to do it, but if we made it happen that they would be extremely appreciative.

Guys I have known Nathan for a long time. He has wanted to have a track that was more for the street car guys than race cars (bracket fags) for years. I havent talked to him about his plan but Ill tell you if it gets done he will make the track hook. I know it will be a ruff road at first but if everyone comes to race and not fight and whine it will workout for everyone. I hope everyone realizes this wont happen overnight. While Im on the subject Ill feel everyone in on a few other facts. If it wasnt for the Manns prescott would have never had outlaw street car race. The first few came out of there pocket. They also started the MASRA, Mid America Street Racers Ass. They tryed to get Prescott, Centerville and even Newport to be part of it. At this point They all had there own gig and wouldnt help him out with a place to race. He wanted to have a points fund and a hand full of races like the NMCA. It was a great idea but noone wanted to help with it. I pray that this works not just for him but everyone in the area. If you remember ever seeing post on the net about his races I was the one that posted it. I would spend hrs online trying to get people to show. I should have spent more time on my car,lol

If anybody can make it happen the Manns will! Especially with all our support. Jared when you talk to nathan ask if there is anything we can do to help, I will be glad to work or help with anything on my day off. The Manns have been in the drag racing since as long as I can remember so they know how important a well preped track is! Absolutely love the street car idea! And grumpy james the idea of having a so-called grudge race night with no times posted would be a big hit with street racers who dont want their times shown, Great Idea! I think the manns would think so too! We just need to do anything to help get it started and go from there. This track will be a great thing for central arkansas.:cheers:

Does anyone know if the meeting they are talking about next week is the just the city council meeting or if its one that a bunch of us need to attend. The city has already seen the number of supporters of the track. Someone needs to talk to the Manns and see if they want all of us to make a big showing or if they want to keep it simple this time.

I have no Idear. I would like to know as well.

Simple is the way to go IMO. They know that there is a huge intrest, there was enough people in that room that they all heard us. Now its up to Nathan and his group to get all this paperwork started and done. But if he wants a big showing I can be there again.

Simple is the way to go IMO. They know that there is a huge intrest, there was enough people in that room that they all heard us. Now its up to Nathan and his group to get all this paperwork started and done. But if he wants a big showing I can be there again. Yeah I agree.

The street racing is a moot point, what he can show Benton is the tax revenue that he can generate from a basically useless piece of property.

...especially if it goes NHRA.

Great ideas! I will be at the meeting.

I just read the article in the paper... what kind of "track" is this going to be? I'll come and offer support for it next Saturday, no matter what it is, but its sounding like a facility where cars like mine won't be welcome. Is this going to be a place for street tires, baggy pants and fart pipes? or fast cars?

It is going to be street cars only at first. They want fast but legal cars. That means DOT tires, mufflers, etc., etc. From what Nathan said that is what to expect at first. I would really hope that it isnt going to be more of a ricer scene because there are way to many fast/very nice rides around to have it be like that.

Yeah, 'cause no matter how convenient it is, people with fast cars (the kind that draw crowds and other fast participants) aren't going to show up if there's a bunch of losers playing loud music, dancing around and trying to act out a movie.

I'll be interested to see the rules. I have a muffler on my car and if all I have to do is put on a set of ET Street radials, I'd be cool with that. The main reason I want it to do well and be family freindly is my son. In a few years, when he's big enough, I plan on getting him a Jr. Dragster so I can take him racing on the weekends... even if I can't take my car, its the daddy & son time I'm really interested in.

I sure hope it won't turn into RICER track like NOPI or something.

I sure hope it won't turn into RICER track like NOPI or something.

id love for it to be a NOPI track. have u not seen there bikini models?????:D
all we have here is redneck girls with half of there teeth. lol I seen a girl at c ville one weekend with chigger bites all the way past her knees.:barf:

Those NOPI events always look like sausage fests on TV, 20,000 dudes and like 12 hoochies on stage.
A "Lifestyle" event would be the end of this thing before it ever got started.

Those NOPI events always look like sausage fests on TV, 20,000 dudes and like 12 hoochies on stage.
A "Lifestyle" event would be the end of this thing before it ever got started.

ya thats true. oh well. i really dont want to watch a bunch of imports anyway.
we have about 10 people coming down for the signing.

Watch the news tonight at 9pm on Fox 16.

They came out and inteviewed a few people. Its gonna be really good I hope.

Man I hope this works out for all of us.

It will I think. I hope.

The noise ordinace is 110db's if you dont know how loud that is. Its louder than a jet engine.

Cars will have to be liscensed and insured. Have to have mufflers.


Those are some of the rules, they are just like Centerville for the most part.

I hope it's a 1/4 mile.

Zak aka Mr. Hollywood. Can I have your autograph Zak? I keed.

I hope it's a 1/4 mile.

Me too.

The plan is to start it out as a 1/8th mile. Then hopefully come HRPT it will be 1000ft. The funds are just not there to start a 1/4. The funds are not there to build a 300ft concrete launch pad either. Both of those are issues with the track as is. But once the money starts flowing in then they can upgrade what needs to be, when they can. A few of the city councilmen, are still against this and they need to be informed that people outside the city are actually gonna come to Benton. They dont care about the track, they dont care about us......They care about the money. (Sad but true).

Mayor Holland is a nice guy, he wants there to be a track, he wants the kids to have somewhere to go. His daughter (16 or so) called him and told him come up to the meeting that we had a few weeks ago, so its not like his own kids dont care. I applaud him for doing this, and I can assure you he is 100% behind us. Its the councilmen that aren't. And its not all of them either.

Also:

WE CANT USE THE CHURCH FOR ANYTHING. THEY DONT WANT TO HELP US.

There is another way into the airstrip. You have to go to the next street down to get access to it. I will get the street names.

Its Fairlane Rd....

Go past the church and you will make a left on Fairlane RD. Then down Jackmon, through a gate. I am sure they will mark everything off for us, and others coming to the strip.



Map of the way in. (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=34.558615,-92.607386&spn=0.010143,0.017209&t=h&z=16&om=0)

It will I think. I hope.

The noise ordinace is 110db's if you dont know how loud that is. Its louder than a jet engine.

Cars will have to be liscensed and insured. Have to have mufflers.


Those are some of the rules, they are just like Centerville for the most part.
Thats fair enough.

leave it up to a church to be selfish and not want to be kind to one anothers. :eyes:

I need a show of hands...well posts, who is for this drag strip in Benton & who isn't. Will you be satisfied starting out with an 1/8 mile & later; when the funds are available going to a 1/4? We are getting some serious flack from one of the Alderman; Brad Moore; about reading on the boards how many people are complaining about it not having enough room for a 1/4...which he says looks bad to the council. That this deminishes our selling point. So please let me know how you feel; good or bad & sign your real name to the post. Thanks guys!

Shelly Mann

Check out MySaline.com...see what Alderman Brad Moore has to say about the drag strip idea. Sign up & post your comments. Every voiced opinion helps!

1/8 mile is fine with me, and I will be a regular participant whether 1/8 or 1/4. I just enjoy racing and want a place closer to home than Prescot, Centerville or Memphis. I'm also really hoping for this to get going so that when my son is bigger I can get him a Jr. Dragster and take him racing on a regular basis.
Being from just over in Sheridan... this place would be dream come true for me. I would dare say, you guys will probly be overun with Sheridan people. Lots of race fans, lots of hot rods over here.

I will probly be there on Saturday. I have already sent e-mails to all but 2 of the Aldermen including Brad Moore.

Robert Rowe

Found the news video: http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=3107bb1b-5053-46ee-8509-667fea1fa3ba

its more than likely not gonna be a 1/4 mile at first. Nathan plans on making it a 1/4 after it gets up and running and gains revenue. All I know is there has to be a shit load of people there saturday morning...

The trip to Benton is alot easier than anywhere else. I dont care if its 1/8th or 1/4. 1/4 numbers are easier to compare **** lengths on the internet but thats about it other than a car that has poor chassis work that cant get through the first 330' effectively. If the track works good, it'll be a hit for a long time. If its just somewhere to go, unfortunately it will die out like an '80s fad.

Frank Likert

You guy's know i'm for it either way. I would rather have a 1/4 mile, but will be happy with the 1/8th and will probably be there almost every weekend. I'll see yall at the airport on saturday.
-Landon Leonard

A good 1/8 mile track would be excellent and if it turns into a full 1/4 later on then that's just icing on the cake.

Jeff Thomey

I will support an 1/8 no doubt. Hell the track at Barton was the worst track I have ever scene and it had fast cars there every weekend. So i feel very confident that a good track with nice flat lanes where you dont have to hold the foot brake to stay still will be a hit!

Cheyenne Phillips

I prefer 1/4 mile tracks, but I'll definitely support an 1/8 mile track. This would be great if it happens. My last assignment had two tracks within 45 minutes of my home and I was racing two times a week all racing season. I will support this place in the same manner and race as often as you are open. I'll try my hardest to make it to the meeting on Saturday work permitting.

So what time Saturday? I will be there and I will bring others too.

So what time Saturday? I will be there and I will bring others too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/Wrenhaven/scan0002.jpg

Like a couple others said Ill support the track whatever length it is. 1/8th will be awesome and if it gets extended, thats even better. Shane do you think we can talk Kris and Able into showing up Saturday? -Jared Barron

i should be there.

If I can get off work, the locals should cruise over together. Eh Bene, Jesse, anyone else???

hells ya. meet at walmart at 8:45? Come on Bene and I know Nik is going.

i'll try to switch shifts with a guy at work and try to make it.

hells ya. meet at walmart at 8:45? Come on Bene and I know Nik is going.

Saturday morning?

yeshir

Cool..I get off of work that morning..hopefully I can get out there with you all.

i'll try to be there. i'll get some guys from work (the black mustang GT and the silver Z28) to come with me.

I think Kris will come and I think Todd, and I have a couple of others also

Cool..I get off of work that morning..hopefully I can get out there with you all.

I'm on stand by... I'll try to finish my weekend duties EARLY Saturday morning. The things that I do for you guys... :D Let's hope the FIREDAWGS won't call me that early.

I'm not calling you..that's on the Alarm Room guy...:cool:

count me in.

im pretty sure i can get off work so count me in

Hey Do Anybody Want A Glasstek 4 Inch Lift Off Hood For A 93-97 Camaro Let Me Know I Paid 400 After Freight I Will Sell For 250

Im down for the 1/8 because its certainly better than nothing, but 1/4 would be preferable!

Damn....

Damn....

???? Huh???

let those of us who dont go, know how it turns out.

The weather out my office window is shit-teh...

Tough day to be in sales huh?

Its just cold up here, spit for a few mins but basically dry. Weather might prevent a good turnout.

Have you seen the weather for tomorrow?

Its supposed to be sunny and 55 which for this past week isn't bad. I am going to Dallas next week were its gonna be 70 which I will absolutely love.

Yeah, I was wanting to cruise over in the other Camaro but I guess I'll just drive my truck.

High temp for tomorrow, sure. But if you've had any precipitation in your area and it isnt supposed to be above freezing until tomorrow mid morning sometime, it might still prevent some people from getting out. You know how people are around here. If it THREATENS sleet/snow/whatever then you gotta close everything.

I may not be able to make it because I'll have my boy and he's got an ear infection.

I'm seeing what the Weather does..I want to bring the Camaro down but if it's shitty I might not go and chill at the house with my girl.

If the road condition gets better tomorrow (DRY), I'll be there.

Looks like Nik and I will be working so we won't be able to make it. Good luck and have fun. If there's a way to sign without acutally being there, I'm all for it.

still ago no mater weather?

well damn. Bene, you still wanna meet up?

If the road condition gets better tomorrow (DRY), I'll be there.

You got Traction Control..:nod:

You got Traction Control..:nod:

ASR is useless on ICEY road.

so has anyone heard if this is still going today??

I assume its still on....
The sun is out down here.

I'll be there, probly bring my service mgr with me. Driving my truck for sure though. Its not icey, but its damn sure to nasty for my Hot Rods.


If anything changes before 12-12:30, someone post up.

Nice turn out..roads weren't bad at all.

hey i will be back from my deployment on the 8th i am down for any meet ups to support the track.

wat up matt. I could have sworn I saw your car driving this morning in the back part of jville, like coming from gravel ridge going to jville.

wat up matt. I could have sworn I saw your car driving this morning in the back part of jville, like coming from gravel ridge going to jville.

College at it's finest :bang:.

at least I'm sticking with it!!! ooooooooooooooooo.

I'm just on break......a 9 year break :jest:.

WTF with this meet? I went there granted a little later but I couldn't get in. There were still quite a few cars at the lanes so I know it wasn't close. GL with you guys. BTW, signs to where this place is at would be helpful for non locals.

WTF with this meet? I went there granted a little later but I couldn't get in. There were still quite a few cars at the lanes so I know it wasn't close. GL with you guys. BTW, signs to where this place is at would be helpful for non locals.

We saw you driving around. I asked Chy if he had your #. Sorry you couldnt find the way in. It was a street down. When you pulled out off Airplane DR, I thought you turned left. I didnt know you left.

I was there around 1-1:30, deffinately will need a different driveway when it opens.

Straight from Airnav.com the Runway is 3,980 ft long. so it is plenty big for a 1/4 mile. with plenty of braking area and burnout box room. plus it already has taxiways to drive back to the start too.

we can only hope that it will eventually make a 1/4 mile track.

I heard they got ~4700 signatures today!! That's great if that's accurate.

I wouldn't doubt it.

I called Nathan around 8 tonight, things look good. Im ready to see some good outlaw racing. Ill be more than happy with a 1/8 mile myself. Bring the DR's and lay it all out.

whats up jessie? man i hope it wasn't my car hahha i have a buddy watchhing it sitting in his garage and onsitting insurance. Boy i can't wait to drive my baby again!!!!! any new upgrades ot the bird?

does your car say camaro on it at the top of the windshield? uh, I just some guages put in thats it...

yeah in white. where did you see it at the lettering is kinda small
same rims? no pipes coming out the back

If you guys couldnt make it out to the airport I think I found a site that will let you sign the petition online.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/benton-ar-dragway-proposal

It was good to see everyone out there! What is the next step in this process?

If you guys couldnt make it out to the airport I think I found a site that will let you sign the petition online.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/benton-ar-dragway-proposal

I signed. I'll pass the word to some others so we can get more signatures.

If you guys couldnt make it out to the airport I think I found a site that will let you sign the petition online.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/benton-ar-dragway-proposal


This needs to be posted up on its own thread for everyone to sign.

It was good to see everyone out there! What is the next step in this process?

swamp, what time were you there??? i didnt see you??

swamp, what time were you there??? i didnt see you??

Dont worry about it Austin!:punch:

We got there around like 11 or so and it was freezing ass cold. And on top of that we were supposed to be running the lot that day and just kinda left it there soo we made a half assed pass in the cobra and left lol. We signed and were gone by 11:45. What time were you there man?

i left work early and got there at about 4. it was pretty cold so i didnt stay that long, plus i didnt see anyone there that i knew

I was told that Holland Chapel church has decided to try and buy the old airport from the city of benton in order to keep us from having a drag strip! I think this place has too much money or something. But hopefully the city will keep its word and say the land is not for sale. It seems like every time we get close to having a track something screws it up. But i am also told that there is a back up plan if the city does decide to sell. And the manns will build a track somewhere in central Ar. I still hope it happens in Benton though.

Does anyone know when they are going to vote on it?

You should probably put "If" in there more than "when".

there gonna have another meeting monday at the same place at 6:00

We Are Gonna Find Out Tonight A 6:00 If We Are Gonna Get The Track Or Not Nathen Want As Many People That Can Show Up. Its At The Same Place As The First Meeting That They Didnt Get To Have

Where is this meeting at? I haven't been up there yet.

I believe its at the Benton City Hall. Looks like I'll be heading out there.

Uh, yeah.....there was never a chance in hell for this dragstrip. That was a horrible meeting. Benton isn't my city and I don't have a voice there, but those people had a horrible misconception about drag racing. Some of them are pretty ignorant. I'm glad I don't mind the drive to Memphis!

I totally agree. That was pretty much an ambush. Benton= retirement city for OLD folks.

+1 :bang: I must agree with everything posted above. The meeting in a whole was a joke. The points that were trying to be made and being said over and over again are erroneous. It seemed like the towns folk of Benton have no idea what a drag strip will consist of or for that fact do for there community. One statement that really bothered me concerned the amount of traffic to be coming and going through the community. What about the baseball games that are held in the park beside where the proposed drag strip is to be and also there was mention that they would rather put businesses there instead of the drag strip. How much traffic do they think is going to be avoided by building houses or businesses on this plot. The drag strip would only cause traffic possibly 2 nights a week and with the curfew enforced in the city there would not be any real late racing going on. Also the thing about the noise... Some were even complaining about the freeway being in that area so how many cars will be able to be heard over the sound of the traffic. How will the citizens in there houses living 8 blocks away be able to differentiate between a car accelerating to get on the highway or one for 8-11 seconds on the track. Am i making any sense here?... :confused:

well it is over for benton to have a drag strip but somethings happen for a reason but i stayed after the meeting and nathen is still looking to builded a track in central arkansas they were talking about in the bauxite area so maybe something good will come out of it

This whole thing was ridiculous.


Simply Ridiculous

My name is Shelly Mann; I am Nathan's wife. In his defense I have to say that he went further with this than anyone ever has. We went into this meeting tonight with all the possible facts available to us; so please don't say we should have done this or that. We did all that we could to prove our idea to the City of Benton & they just didn't want to hear it. They had their minds made up before we even got to the meeting. I do have to voice my opinion and say that for those of you that were there & chose not to speak on the behalf of the idea; you have no room to get on here or any other board & say anything negative toward Nathan's efforts. He never had a chance up against all the "Bentonites" that were interrupting him. He never once spoke out of turn while an opposer was at the mic. But he was interupted several times while he spoke. Everyone that attended had the opportunity to get up & speak their mind. So please don't judge someones efforts if you didn't make any at all. For all the support that we had in the beginning it sure wasn't shown in numbers tonight. We do not blame anyone for our loss at the meeting. We came as prepared as possible & it was in vain to say the least.

We have decided to go forward with our idea & look for another venue that would welcome us with open arms. Not everyone is closed minded about drag racing or the people that do it. Most people & towns know what kind of revenue comes along with racing & would never turn down that kind of investment.

Finally; I want to thank all of those that supported us while we fought the council & the city. For those that chose to sit back & critize our efforts-feel free to do it yourselves next time if you think you would have a better chance of convincing the City of Benton.

If you have any comments to make please direct them to us personally. Most of you have our numbers. If you don't you can email them to
shellymann78@aol.com.

Thank you
Shelly Mann

Well Shelly, if it were me, I wouldn't build that track where Benton or Saline county could get one dime of revenue from it :) I'd build it in Malvern... but I'm the vindictive type.

See what the city of Cabot will say or the county of Lonoke, there are alot of racers in this area.

I was there and I didn't think or I got the impression that we don't have the voice of the matter. What am I going to say? Hi, I'm Mervin Brice and I'm from Dallas, Texas and live in Jax, AR and I'm for the drag strip. My voice to that hearing proposal automatically becomes null after I said I'm from Dallas,TEXAS and live in Jacksonville, AR.

wow! ive been away from the computer for a couple of days and i guess im surprised that it went down like it did. shelly, i think yall did a great job from the meets that i went to and i am still gonna suppot yall in lookin for a track.

I was there and I didn't think or I got the impression that we don't have the voice of the matter. What am I going to say? Hi, I'm Mervin Brice and I'm from Dallas, Texas and live in Jax, AR and I'm for the drag strip. My voice to that hearing proposal automatically becomes null after I said I'm from Dallas,TEXAS and live in Jacksonville, AR.

I kind of felt the same way.....who am I to tell the people who live in Benton what to do with their city. I might have to deal with it once a week. They have to deal with it every day. I thought this was another deal for signing the petition. Once I got there and saw that it was a meeting, I certainly wasn't going to stand up and say something.....I know almost nothing about this. I was there to learn more, not get pounded by questions I couldn't answer. This would have strengthened their cause even more, not that they needed any more strength. I still disagree with most of the people who spoke against it because they were grossly wrong in what they thought this was supposed to be.

I will say a huge thanks to those who tried to make this a reality. I just hope it keeps momentum. I will continue to support any effort to bring a track to central Arkansas.

well this sux

I watched the video on the public access channel (Channel 12 for local Saline County people that have Charter) and it was brutal, I am glad you guys kept your cool. Chances are I would of asked those people how old they were. If they thought they would last another 10 years. If you can answer yes then you are allowed to be in the meeting. Hell the alderman looked a little dusty.

Not to mention they got $600,000 to build a bridge and then changed their minds so now they are gonna spend it on a sidewalk in down town Benton. Way to go Aldermen, way to go ahead and screw your Grandkids out of a place to have some fun and be safe. Instead they will have one fuckin fancy ass sidewalk downtown WHERE NO ONE EVER GOES!

damn wish i coulda been there...i love debating..

Damn. This blows.

I watched the video on the public access channel (Channel 12 for local Saline County people that have Charter) and it was brutal, I am glad you guys kept your cool.


It was very hard to keep cool....hearing some of the things they said. 99ngc00 made several comments that people sitting around us heard. I thought he was going to blow up.

Were you guys sitting behind Nathan and them or on the other side, the video was pointed at the old people that were over there Shoulder, and there is one old lady that would clap her ass off whenever a fellow old person would talk bad about the race track. I bet my neighbors could hear me yelling at the TV when that old bag of bones was flailing her arms like two big dead salmon.

^^ LOL dead salmon. we were on the opposite side of nathan. There were old people all around us clapping, and I was just like wow, wtf, it's useless to try and say something. Nik def. shouted out some stuff which was awesome. There was one lady who looked just so old, and mean, (She looks like Ms. Havishum would look in the book Great Expectations) and she just had this mean ass frown the whole time, and would clap profusely at anyone saying the track would cause "noise" or the pollution.

There was one lady who looked just so old, and mean, (She looks like Ms. Havishum would look in the book Great Expectations)

I think you're officially the funniest person I've ever met. It's impossible to stop laughing when you're around :D.

wow that didnt sound like it turned out so well...lol i must admit i would have loved to see nic in there shoutin shit...he cracks me up when he gets mad:lol:

Yea this is pretty much shitty...... I was lookin foward to a new track. Has anyone heard anything about a track goin in at monticello?? Heard alot of talk about it

Havent heard of Monticello, I have heard Bauxite is next, the manns have my support. Those people tried their hardest to get this track, those old farts wanted to make sure their businesses (which coincidentally all the alderman have) go unchallenged.

wonder if ole joe wise would want a track in grant county...

Shitty..

wonder if ole joe wise would want a track in grant county...

He absolutely would.

where would we put it tho u think?

Out by Big T's

I think you're officially the funniest person I've ever met. It's impossible to stop laughing when you're around :D.

definately agree with this