and race heads-up with no breakout , in a true weight-to-cubic-inch format of yesteryear .
Tabitha Draughon and Leigh Anne Flynt , who jointly manage the CCRA , were instrumental in getting this series off the ground , and they have six events slated for 2024 . Reportedly , the new series is starting to gain traction , and with Liberty Gears recently named series sponsor , new cars are being built just for the occasion .
DIALED IN
“ These cars are still legal to run in NHRA competition , but this new format gives another opportunity to race these cars heads-up ,” says Robbie Draughon , who competes in the series . Kinston Drag Strip has a long history of involvement with this style of racing , and works to preserve the history of class racing .
Bracket racers also have plenty of opportunities to hone their skills at Kinston this year , with a full schedule of dial-in events on the calendar . Things usually get kicked off in mid-March and run all the way to early December , with a total of 12 bracket events scheduled in 2024 .
Through it all , Bobby Smith counts the friendships he ’ s made along the way as his most favorite element of dragstrip ownership . “ I ’ ve met a lot of fine people who ’ ve come through the gate over the years ,” he concludes . DI
78 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 189