If I was tasked with allocating everything I love about my job as a traveling dragstrip explorer , it would most assuredly take more than a single column . That ’ s why I ’ ve always viewed this conversation as a work in progress . In addition to the usual dose of drag racing related topics , I also wanted to divulge a few other topics directly related to my job that also rock my world : American history , travel , and tow rigs ! I ’ ve seen much of the country over the last 15 years as a roving race reporter and I ’ ve learned that if you want to see some really cool and ingenious tow rigs , head to where the grassroots sportsman racers hang out and you ’ ll encounter some unforgettable stuff .
About a decade ago , I was knocking around Pennsylvania and I stopped to visit Beaver Springs Dragway , a scenic , off-the-beaten path track located in the central part of the state . Amazingly , this was on a Monday afternoon , as Beaver Springs was holding a Memorial Day Weekend event that extended right on past the weekend . The single most memorable thing I recall about this day was when I was strolling through the pits and came upon a gorgeous Buick Wildcat sitting on an open trailer , which was being towed by yet another Buick , a vintage 4-door Electra 225 , to be precise .
The state of Pennsylvania has proven to be a treasure trove of unique car and rig combinations , as the photo of the Ford Mustang with matching ambulance tow vehicle illustrates . This was a
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scene I came upon back in 2013 at Maple Grove Raceway . Track manager Sarah Gingrich tells me this unique setup belongs to Danny Boyer , to whom I tip my hat . The other photo was snapped in the staging lanes of Maple Grove just a few months ago , when I stopped by for an afternoon bracket race .
And when it comes to the aforementioned travel and American history
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that I find so fascinating , a trip to this part of America consistently offers a thrilling glimpse of a simpler time . It ’ s amazing to think that Maple Grove Raceway is an NHRA national event facility that ’ s situated in a setting so rural that it ’ s not uncommon to pass horse-drawn carriages just miles from the track . Signs are neatly placed at the edge of well-manicured lawns , advertising |
free-range chicken eggs for sale ... or if you prefer , the whole chicken !
The track is listed as having a Mohnton , Pennsylvania , address , but more accurately , it ’ s located 8 miles south in Brecknock Township . Mohnton actually measures just 0.77 square miles and is home to just over 3,000 residents , according to the most recent census records that I was able to access .
Among the most enchanting constructions I ’ ve ever seen out on the road chasing races is a magnificent structure known as Allegheny Union Church , founded 1767 , and it ’ s located a mere 10 minutes from the track . I just can ’ t seem to visit Maple Grove Raceway without also pulling off the road to take a closer look and walk the property of this ancient church ... and the weathered headstones in the church ’ s cemetery are equally fascinating .
While doing some research for this column , I accidentally stumbled upon a link that took me to YouTube , where I discovered a song written by an up-andcoming country singer named Trent Becker . The music video for this song ( released in 2021 , and appropriately titled “ Where The Lost Get Found ”) was filmed in and around Allegheny Union Church ! It ’ s as easy as going to You- Tube and typing in the song title if you ’ d like to give it a look .
And so it goes , the opportunities for adventure are made fresh every weekend , and they ’ re here for all to enjoy . So , take some time to explore a dragstrip you ’ ve never been to ... the road trip alone could produce lifelong memories ! DI
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