SKYVIEW DRAGS

Fast forward to 2023 , and rumors began swirling about new owners and new plans for our beloved track . Schrader described his commitment to bringing this track back to life , chasing leads since the day it closed for potential buyers . Years later when it finally sold , he continued searching for the buyer , determined to have a hand in the Skyview Drags revival story . When the owner was speaking with a mutual friend to find a manager for the dragway , their friend said , “ If there ’ s anyone in the triple cities that knows about drag racing , it ’ s Pat Schrader .”

While the new owners do not wish to be named , we do know they are looking to make some major upgrades , including a go-kart track and other activities to create a motorsports complex . Many weekends have been spent with local volunteers clearing brush , sweeping the track , and making repairs along with some more intensive projects , such as repaving the pits and renovating the tower , concession stand , and bathrooms to have the facility in peak operating condition .

The track was closed for six years , but it was neglected for years before that , creating a long list of basic repairs , about $ 500,000 worth before the reopening , before they can really focus on the major upgrades . Giving room for even more funds for these upgrades , most of the work so far has been done by volunteers looking to help their home track back on its feet in any way they can .

“ For a track to come back from being closed is pretty rare , and it ’ s big news for not only our area but in the race world in general ,” Schrader

says . “ Now I ’ m getting 400 emails a day from people interested .”

So , where does the first race fit into this comeback story ? After a six-year hiatus , Skyview Drags will be partnering with Sampson No Prep to host a no-prep race on the grounds on April 27 . Additionally , Skyview is now sanctioned for WDRA and will bring back the bracket series the locals loved , this spring , as well as a few Night of Fire events through the year , as the jet-engine-powered cars always bring a crowd . “ We want it to be open and stay open ,” said Schrader .

The new owners , Schrader , and volunteers are willing to make the necessary upgrades and changes to make sure the dragstrip on the mountain is here to stay , bringing race families together for years to come . The Teed family and many others can ’ t wait to start racing again in Owego , New York , in 2024 , running the same cars they had back in the day , with some upgrades , of course , in the Skyview Drags Saturday Bracket Racing Series . DI

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