While many students spend their summers working jobs, traveling, or relaxing with friends, one local family hits the racetrack together — living life a quarter-mile (or in this case, an eighth-mile) at a time. For the Wilson family, drag racing isn’t just a hobby. It’s a tradition passed down through generations. Their story offers a look into a unique, high-speed world built on family bonds, adrenaline, and fierce dedication.
Drag racing is a sport driven by adrenaline and nitrous oxide and it is where powerful cars dominate the eighth-mile track with speed and precision. However, in all of the excitement of high-speed racing, there are so many things that could go wrong with the car at any given moment.
“When things do end up going wrong, you just have to take it as it comes,” Douglas Wilson, Head of Crew for Wilson Racing, said, “You just have to look at the car, and its parts, and figure out what went wrong.”
Even though though drag racing is a popular sport, the future of the sport feels uncertain. Especially since according to reports from KSNT News Heartland Motorsports Park was closed permanently in 2023 due to rising property taxes and a property tax dispute. The facility is now owned by Topeka 77 LLC and is being considered for redevelopment.
“We’re not sure what the future holds, because all drag strips are shutting down around the Midwest,” Wilson said, “So we’re not sure if drag racing is gonna be around in the Midwest or in the future.”
Despite the challenges, racers continue to pour their passion into their vehicles, making constant improvements and modifications.
“I race a 1985 Chevy El Camino,” George Wilson said, “I’ve Replaced the motor with a larger, more horsepower motor.”
According to Drag Illustrated a magazine and media source focused on drag racing there are currently over 420 drag strips actively operating in the United States. One of those stirps being the US 36 Raceway located in Osborn, Missouri.
“There have been a lot of tracks that have shut down over the past few years,” George Wilson said, “and US 36 has stayed open and true to the race fans and racers so we spend a lot of time up there.”
For those who choose to get involved, the sport’s pull is undeniable.
“I think everyone should try the sport,” George Wilson said, “It’s fun and addictive. The speeds are really addictive. You learn lots from other racers and you develop really, really awesome friendships with people.”
Although drag racing has traditionally been male-dominated, many women find the sport welcoming and deeply rewarding.
“It’s not what you think when it comes to racing and being a female,” Candice Brock said, “Everyone who races is like family. Everyone is very accepting of each other.”
Driving down the eighth-mile track can be pure exhilaration, a brief escape from the pressure of everyday life.
“For those nine or less seconds, I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I felt so free” Brock said, “When you’re there, it’s like you forget your daily life of 9-5 and you get to let loose and enjoy life.”
