Established in 1955, Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove Wisconsin has a storied history, and the 2022 race reason will mark another milestone for the iconic track with the completion of its all new racing surface.

Work began at the completion of the 2021 season with the wall-to-wall demolition of the existing 40-plus-year-old race surface.

Overseen by Total Venue Concepts, the new racing surface features concrete from before the burnout box, to 200 feet beyond the starting line. From there, the transition to new asphalt goes to 100 feet beyond the finish line, and seamlessly meets up with the shutdown asphalt that was laid 2 years ago. With imperceptible transitions, TVC and local contractors A.W. Oakes and Payne & Dolan have provided racers with a safe, smooth surface.

In addition, the entire timing system has been rewired, with new beams and improved mounting to assure accuracy at every incremental.

With winter-like weather clinging into late April, preparation of the new surface by dragging rubber has ended up being a lengthy affair, 

Open 6 days a week, the 2022 season at Great Lakes Dragaway has a full calendar of unique special events, as well as recurring races throughout the year. And with these improvements, the wide variety of associations and groups that call Great Lakes Dragaway home look forward to crowd pleasing competition and entertainment throughout this season and into the future.

GLD’s 2022 season kicks off in earnest with Memorial Day Classic on Saturday May 28. Among the groups and features, the Pro Mods of the Chicago Wise Guys begins their points chase. 2021 season champ Troy Pugesek (near lane) will defend his title.

GLD’s newest special event, the Out-A-Sight Drags presented by the Brew City Gassers, returns for its 4th edition on Friday and Saturday June 24-25. Featuring pre-1967 drag race cars of every description and category, this growing event will also feature a nitro cackle, vintage car show and swap meet.

Great Lakes Dragaway has a storied history with legendary drivers like Doug Rose and the Arfons Brothers blasting down its quarter mile. That tradition continues when the Jet Spectacular opens the Independence Day weekend on Friday, July 1, with the likes Dave Moder and Danny Sullivan and up to a dozen others in a single day 

The Labor Day weekend brings the long running nostalgia themed Time Machine Nationals on Saturday September 3. Groups representing every category of nostalgia racing will be present, including fan favorites Midwest Nostalgia Pro Stock Association and the rails and altereds of America’s 1320 Legends.

The Big Walker Memorial Race, presented by the Midwest Gassers, will take place on Sunday September 11, where those who have recently passed are celebrated. GLD co-owner Randy Henning (left) and Rodney Daniels honor legendary Funny Car driver and friend of the track, Ron Colson

Other special events on the 2022 schedule include Midwest Truck Invasion on July 3, BugFest on July 8-9 for air-cooled VW fans, the MOPAR/AMC Festival on July 30-31.