“Street Racing Paradise” - Street Legal Dragway
Photo Credit - Dare-Devil, Inc.
Southern California, the birthplace of heads-up hot rodding, is notorious for street car takeovers. California law enforcement agencies and other public safety officials have long sought to curb these high-speed thrilling street contests as they've asserted that they pose a serious risk to public safety. In a commendable effort to address this issue, the Street Legal Dragway opened its gates on September 22nd, 2023. This privately owned drag strip, just Southeast of Riverside, California, stands as the nation's first purpose-built no-prep only 1/16th mile (330 ft.) drag strip catering primarily to street legal rides.
Situated at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, this World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) sanctioned track offers a nostalgic nod to the old-school street races that once captivated Southern California's highways. Between the fact that Street Legal Dragway is a traction compound free facility and that the track is asphalt versus concrete, racers are presented with a unique challenge, requiring adjustments to tire pressures and suspensions to maximize traction. Although the track welcomes both racers with street legal cars and those with strictly race cars, the aptly named Street Legal Dragway is truly a venue for crowning masters of the street.
Despite having just opened the gates to the Street Legal Dragway less than a year ago, owner Andy Marocco already has numerous exciting events planned for the upcoming racing season. In addition to Friday Night Drags, Test and Tunes, and various car club events, the dragway also promises heart-pounding excitement with the Bias-Ply Drags, an action packed day of pre-1960 hot rods, customs and stockers lining up for ultra-competitive races as reaction times and traction are even more crucial to winning a 1/16th mile contest. And with a pit capacity of 100 cars and stadium seating for over 500 fans, the Street Legal Dragway is sure to provide racers and spectators a phenomenal experience.
The Street Legal Dragway is without a doubt, a street racer’s paradise. The dragway, while somewhat unconventional with it’s shorter racing distance, provides a fantastic and legal opportunity for street racers to indulge in their appetites for tire-screeching action. The future at Street Legal Dragway is certain to bring even more exciting races and specialty events to Southern California.
