By Scott Roblin

Slow economy forcing MHDRA to cut back on 2019 schedule

May 27, 2019 | 10:50 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Fewer dates dot the Medicine Hat Drag Racing Association’s schedule in 2019, but they’re hoping to see attendance and competitor numbers rebound this summer.

The first weekend of races wrapped up with final heats on Sunday afternoon, which presented the first opportunity for racers to pick up points.

MHDRA president Dave Toth said overall the association was pleased with the opening weekend adding it sets the stage for a strong 2019 schedule.

“We had a good turnout this weekend, the Friday Night Street Legal was good,” said Toth. “A little bit cold [Saturday] night, we didn’t know if we were going to get it off with the rain. But, it was a good turnout for our first weekend.”

The final heat of Sunday’s points races featured Toth matching up against Strathmore’s Mike Brown in the Pro Bike class.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

In a heat that came down to the wire, Brown edged out Toth by the slimmest of margins to capture his first Wally trophy.

“I looked over and we couldn’t tell who won,” said Toth. “Seven ten-thousands of a second stripe, so it was close. I’m really proud of Mike, it’s Mike’s only second year of racing and his first final, and he gets to win a Wally.”

It’s going to be a season of change for the drag strip, as they’re cutting back on the number of race weekends from 10 to eight.

Toth said it’s still tough financially for non-profit groups like theirs and hopes it will encourage more people to attend races with fewer dates available.

“The economy hasn’t been the best for the last few years, we’ve been seeing a decline in everything,” he said. “So, we thought, ‘You know, let’s try something different.’ We’ll cut back a couple of races, we’ll see if we make it bigger.”

There’s still plenty of season left, but the MHDRA is feeling confident with that decision.

Opening weekend numbers saw 92 cars sign up, which Toth said is an encouraging sign moving forward.

“It makes me feel like we made the right choice as an executive,” said Toth. “We’re up on average over 10 cars from where we were last year, so that makes me feel really good. Hopefully, we can continue and bring the numbers back up a little bit more yet.”

The next race weekend at the drag strip will get underway on June 14 with the Jet Dragster races, which will lead into the NHRA National Open the following month from July 19 to 21.

Two race weekends are planned for August with the fan-favourite Mud Bog on August 17 and the Funny Cars following shortly after from August 23 to 25.

The CMDRA Bike Drag class will take over on September 7 and 8, before the MHDRA season wraps up with the Street Car Shootout in mid September.