DIALED IN host a WDRA Team Finals event , so we ’ re excited about that ,” Rolison says .
The schedule of events for 2023 is actionpacked , with brand-new meets that have never been tested at Gulfport . The explosive popularity of the Southeast Gassers is causing a stir of excitement along the Mississippi Gulf Coast , as the series has been booked to visit Gulfport Dragway in 2023 . Rolison and Cummings ’ popular Great American Bracket Races will also be contested at Gulfport in 2023 . For fans of radial racing , Gulfport has also signed with the SoCo 275 series , which will make several stops this season .
The trio also wants to recapture some South Coast traditions with the return of the legendary Fat Tuesday event that was so popular in decades past . “ The track will be open for five consecutive
days because we have a King of the Coast event Friday through Sunday , then we ’ re gonna turn right around and extend the fun right on into Monday and Tuesday .”
While there are so many exciting lineup changes to the schedule in 2023 , the trio will bring back all the stuff that works , including the Footbrake 150 and the Wednesday King of the Hill program . “ My dad won the first King of the Hill that Gulfport ever had ! It ’ s legendary and dates back to the 1980s ,” says Rolison .
Another legendary gathering at Gulfport with other-worldly appeal is the Ford vs . Chevrolet event . Historically , it ’ s been held in October , but it ’ s now slated for March in 2023 . The Ford vs . Chevrolet gathering has been around for roughly three decades and packs the place over two days . “ There ’ s people around here who own race cars that only race once a year ... and this is the race !” says Rolison .
For those who wish to race a lot more than once yearly , The King of the Coast is an established brand that features seven bracket points races in 2023 , the Top Bulb 150 , the Footbrake 150 , and of course , the legendary Turkey Beach Bash .
The warm coastal climate offers pretty much year-round racing opportunities . “ With beaches , casinos , shopping , restaurants , and unlimited hotels – all 10 minutes away , we feel that we ’ ve got a real jewel here ; we ’ ve just got to polish it up ,” echoes Castanedo .
The trio believes the opportunity to do some really cool stuff is limitless , and they look forward to showcasing the excitement in the coming race season . DI
72 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 180