PLATES AND 28S

the atmosphere crackled with energy . Even as the evening transitioned to racing , spectators stayed glued to the action , creating a vibrant , electric atmosphere under the lights .

Saturday morning dawned chilly but clear , as nearly 100 cars lined up for a mandatory two-hour cruise , a testament to the event ’ s street-legal ethos . Engines roared to life , and spectators lined the streets , awed by the sheer horsepower on display . Upon returning , racers found Edgewater ’ s parking areas overflowing with fans eager to watch them compete . This camaraderie and shared excitement lightened the mood , making the prep work feel less like a chore and more like a celebration .

The main event featured a packed lineup of classes , including 13.0 , 11.50 , and 6.50 Index , Stick Shift , Daily Street , and the headliner – Plates & 28s . Over 250 cars competed well into the chilly night , their roaring engines and glowing headlights creating a spectacle . Racers and

fans alike marveled at the park-like atmosphere of Edgewater , with its spacious grounds perfect for camping and close-up access to the action . Sick the Magazine provided promotional efforts , while Strange Engineering , H . A . R . M . Mufflers , Bunker Hill Fab , and Hanlon Motorsports sweetened the pot with a little prize money as well . The NHRA even stepped up with custom Wally ’ s for the Index winners .

What set this event apart was the joy it sparked . Smiles were everywhere , from racers sharing stories to fans marveling at the cars . Families of all ages , from 5-year-olds to a 92-year-old greatgrandfather , found themselves swept up in the excitement . Memories were made , old and new , in an atmosphere of genuine community .

During the pre-race invocation , someone pointed out to Hoskinson that this event might be his true calling . As he absorbed the overwhelming positive feedback , Hoskinson ’ s mind raced with ideas for the future . With six months of planning , he wondered , what could they achieve next year ? As the sun set on the weekend , one thing was clear : grassroots racing had found its spark again at Edgewater Sports Park .

The story of Plates & 28s wasn ’ t just an event ; it was the beginning of a new chapter . Plates and 28s is returning to Edgewater in 2025 on September 25-27 , and several other similar ( but different ) events are under development as well . DI

24 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 192