Texas Motorplex owners Billy Meyer and Christie Meyer Johnson officially kicked off the Countdown to the Stampede of Speed on Tuesday, welcoming media, sponsors, and local officials for a ceremonial event featuring a driver burnout, a new event logo, and a signature dessert unveiling.
The event, held at the historic dragstrip south of Dallas, featured NHRA Funny Car driver Buddy Hull performing a ceremonial burnout in a 40th-anniversary-themed Funny Car before unveiling the throwback Stampede of Speed logo. Meyer Johnson called the moment “officially off the starting line,” as the track prepares for the 40th annual NHRA Texas Fall Nationals later this year.
“We are thrilled to have so many significant drivers join us to share their stories leading up to the 40th NHRA Texas Fall Nationals,” Meyer Johnson said. “We are excited for people to see the new-look Stampede of Speed logo as well as the special Funny Car, which will go on tour across the Metroplex to promote the event.”
Several NHRA champions and Texas-based drivers joined the festivities, including eight-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, six-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson, and four-time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence. Also in attendance were six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey, and Hull, who grew up racing at the Motorplex.
Hull, who drives for Jim Dunn Racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, said it was a privilege to debut the Stampede-themed Funny Car and start the Countdown.
“To be able to have a Stampede of Speed-themed Funny Car do a burnout and then go on tour is cool, and I don’t think any other track has done anything like this,” Hull said. “I have a ton of memories from racing at Texas Motorplex, from the Texas Invitational and the Street Car Shootout to the Fall Nationals.”
The Texas Fall Nationals, scheduled for October, will again serve as the fourth race in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, with world titles on the line. Torrence, from Kilgore, Texas, reflected on his personal history with the event during Tuesday’s program.
“I have been racing at Texas Motorplex my whole life,” Torrence said. “I have won championships and lost championships at the Texas Fall Nationals. I remember racing Super Comp and seeing drivers like Erica Enders and Spencer Massey coming up through the ranks with me. Being part of a day like today with Greg and Tony is great. These guys are the real legends, and I want to thank Billy and Christie for everything they do for NHRA and this track.”
As part of the event, Meyer Johnson introduced the track’s new signature dessert, the “Burnout Bun.” The dish is a baked and deep-fried cinnamon roll drizzled with glaze and Nutella, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and pecans, and served in a tire-shaped bowl, available only during Stampede of Speed events.
“We wanted to offer the fans a special treat that would be delicious and also have a racing vibe,” Meyer Johnson said. “The staff came up with several ideas, but we all thought the Burnout Bun was the best and tastiest option. We served them today along with Jambo’s BBQ, and everyone loved them. We hope more tracks follow our lead and come up with signature food items for their races.”
The Stampede of Speed will run from October 3–12, starting with a cattle drive through historic downtown Waxahachie. The Texas Fall Nationals and other special events will fill out the 10-day schedule.
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