During the course of more than 50 years in operation, Byron Dragway has been home to many memorable events, from the Manufacturer’s Funny Car Showdown of the 1970’s, to the Byron Bracket Nationals to the Power Wheelstand Championships beginning in the early 2000’s.
Eight years ago Byron became the established home to the Meltdown Drags, a vintage drag meet designed to authentically mirror those of the early 1960’s, in appearance and spirit. In these eight years, the Meltdowns have developed from a regional event into an international phenomenon. This is said without exaggeration, as racers cross borders to race, spectators cross oceans to attend, and thousands across the globe view a live webcast from Division 3 TV over the internet.
Over 500 entries were received within 72 hours as registration opened. 518 vintage race cars towed through the gates. Hundreds of show cars cruised in, and dozens of vendors sold their wares.
See more in the Meltdown Drags 8 Event Gallery
The 9th Meltdown Drags will be held July 20-22 2018 at Byron Dragway.
THE THRILLA ON THE ROCK RIVER – In the days leading up up to the Meltdown Drags, a best of 3 match race was taking shape. Billed as “North vs. South”, “Ford vs. Chevy”, the match between the 1955 Ford “Skairlane” of Jeff Jacobson and Greg Porter’s “Night Stalker” Chevy almost didn’t come off. The big 427 SOHC in Jacobson’s Ford had valve train issues and unless it could be fixed, Porter would have to find someone else to race. After a lot of effort, and help, Skairlane was determined to be fit to race.
At dusk the 55’s pulled into the water box. Porter, the 2017 March Meet winner, lays down an impressive fog bank burnout. The crowd roared their approval as Miss Cassandra backs the popular South Carolina driver’s car to the starting line. When the tree came down it appeared Porter got the jump on Jacobson, but a case of premature acceleration gave Round 1 to the Skairlane. The Wisconsinite’s numbers, 9.63 at 101.71 to Porters 9.68 at 92.75 MPH.
Darkness had enveloped Byron Dragway by the time the pair was called back to the lanes for Round 2, and it was “do or die” for the Night Stalker”. Porter acknowledged this in the pits saying “I need to stay in the box just a little longer, and I think I’ll get him.”
As the last yellow light came on, both cars left hard, with Skairlane’s bulb showing green, but Night Stalker’s burning red. Match to Jeff Jacobson and the big Ford, with impressive numbers. 9.14 at 143 MPH.
A very exciting way to cap a memorable day.
