DIALED IN
Weathering the Storm
Tennessee’s Crossville Dragway powers through challenging season by
improvising and adapting By Van Abernethy
PHOTOGRAPHS BY VAN ABERNETHY
When it comes to dragstrips
with “curb appeal,” you’d be hardpressed
to find another track that
has a more visible presence than
Tennessee’s Crossville Dragway. Positioned
directly beside the eastbound lane on
Interstate 40, roughly 36,000-40,000 motorists
drive past the track daily.
Truckers often honk their horns loudly in approval
when they pass by the track on race days,
while aspiring drag racers driving passenger cars
shift into neutral and hold it on the rev limiter,
sometimes until parts begin to scatter across
the interstate. Track owner Michael Newcome
insists there’s been far more engines blown on
the interstate by people showing off than by those
who are actually on the track racing!
The Volunteer State’s most visible dragstrip
dates back to the late 1970s, and was operated by
the Howe family from 1991 until 2015. Afterwards,
Tommy Fitzgerald purchased the track from the
Howes, and the facility underwent an extensive
remodeling about five years ago, which included
a new concrete racing surface and concrete walls,
remodeled tower, extra pit parking, LED lighting,
as well as other updates.
Three years ago is when Newcome and his
partner, Rick Wetherbee, entered the picture
and leased the track from Fitzgerald, but after
the two-year deal had expired, Wetherbee wasn’t
interested in continuing in the ownership role,
although Newcome’s opinion hadn’t changed.
August 2020
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