Coastal Plains Dragway looks ahead while celebrating its 50-year history By Van Abernethy

The 2023 season is an important milestone for a number of reasons , not the least of which is the fact that Coastal Plains Dragway celebrates its 50th anniversary of operation this year . Not only is the track showing no signs of slowing down , but it also just released what is possibly their most ambitious schedule to date . All the staple events are back on the schedule for 2023 , as well as new attractions that feature a total of three different opportunities to win a championship at Coastal Plains this year .

Among the notable new attractions this year is a point-earning series that will gather on Tuesday nights during the summer months , to complement the weekend Summit points series and also the inclusion of the special 50th Anniversary Race Series Champion . “ We couldn ’ t be more excited to go into our 50th season of operation ,” says track owner Ronnie Humphrey .

Also returning as general manager this year is Charles Myers , who ’ s had a long history with Coastal Plains Dragway , including winning his first Jr . Dragster race here 25 years ago . “ Charles is a young man who brings a lot of energy and great ideas , and as general manager his list of duties goes from A-Z . Since coming on board last year , he ’ s learned all perspectives of running a racetrack , and now he ’ s my right arm !” says Humphrey .

Myers ’ s influence can be seen on the schedule this year with the naming of many events that previously would have had no real identifiers . “ Charles sees value in titling our events to give them a little more character and interest ,” Humphrey says . “ The Gunslinger Shootout , for example , is something brand-new that he ’ s created and it resembles the Mean 16 , where the fastest dragsters and the fastest door cars are featured .”

The Father ’ s Day Extravaganza is another new event where Myers ’ s influence is seen , and will complement staple events such as the Valentine ’ s Day Classic , The St . Patrick ’ s Day Kick-Off , and the Thanksgiving Classic , to name a few .

Other returning favorites include the Carolina Class Racers Association and the Classic Gear Jammers , as both groups are slated to return twice in 2023 .

The summer will be sizzling with the Stars and Stripes Shootout – featuring a jet car – that ’ s slated for July 4 . It ’ s also an event that honors

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DELL PURIFOY

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