LEAD FOOT CITY

plans and classified the property to fall under the county ’ s “ spectating and games venue ” category , which allows for a noise ordinance exception during any type of spectating events . With this classification , events can now run until 1 a . m .

“ Not too often do you get this type of support where they approve construction of a dragstrip but also give you that kind of noise clearance . I am blessed to get that from Hernando County ,” Thomas says .

In an effort to safeguard the up-and-coming facility , Thomas , too , has become an active member within the local business community . In recent years , he has served as Vice Chair on the Tourism Development Council as well as serving as a longtime member of the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce . In addition , Lead Foot City has gained a solid relationship with the Hernando County Sheriff ’ s Office , which has considered using the facility for emergency response driver training . The Sheriff is also anxious to get the

younger joyriders off the public streets by directing them to Thomas ’ sanctioned facility .

Currently , the construction of the eighth-mile dragstrip is in its final stages . From the burnout box to the finish line , the racetrack will be made up of 770 feet in length of concrete that transitions to asphalt through the shutdown area . While many people question why Lead Foot City will be an eighth-mile dragstrip instead of quarter mile , Thomas says that there are restrictions on the land that required his team to decrease the length .

In addition , Lead Foot City is catering to street cars and designing the facility to have a street racing feel , although it will be equipped with a Christmas tree and timing system . However , Thomas is open to feedback from the racers on what type of events should be hosted at the facility . On their website , there is an online form that Thomas encourages everyone to fill out to see what the majority type of racing is desired – prepped , unprepped , bracket , roll , etc .

Above all else , Thomas wants visitors of Lead Foot City to understand that this a family operation built purely for the car community . The team under Thomas ’ leadership is doing this on their own because they feel that there is a need . Lead Foot City is not trying to compete with other tracks for customers . Rather , they are providing a unique facility for their local community to enjoy family fun entertainment focused on motorsports .

“ It ’ s going to be a really fun place ,” Thomas says . “ We have more surprises in store for everybody .”

To show your support of Lead Foot City , follow them on social media @ LeadFootCity or check out their website , www . LeadFootCity . com . DI

32 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 190