“Fastest Track in Michigan” - US 131 Motorsports Park
Just South of the small town of Martin, Michigan, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, is one of the most prestigious drag strips in the entire Midwest, the US 131 Motorsports Park, originally known as Martin Dragway. US 131 first opened in 1962 by the drag racing legend, John Grivins. Mr. Grivins worked tirelessly to quickly establish US 131 as a regional hot spot for elite racing events. In fact, by 1969 US 131 hosted the Hot Rodding Magazine Nationals, one of the most highly esteemed races in the country at that time. Due to its success, the Hot Rodding Nationals became an annual event at US 131, drawing some of the most famous racers of the time, including “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, female racing pioneer, Shirley Muldowney, and Dick LaHaie. Mr. Grivins continued to grow the track with top events for nearly 40 years until 2000 when he sold US 131 to Canadian businessman, Alec Pinsonneault. After the acquisition, Pinsonneault completely rebuilt the track with a $14 million renovation, reopening in 2002.
One of the most unique aspects of US 131 is the diversity of events that it hosts. Since joining the track in 2003 as general manager and VP of operations, Jason Peterson has devoted the past 20 years to not just expanding the diversity of races at US 131, but also to hosting events with generous purses. In 2020, US 131, in partnership with SFG Promotions, hosted the largest paying bracket race in history, shelling out $1.1 million to winner Steve Sisko. For the past 22 years, the track has been home to the Northern Nationals, a heart-pounding two day race series with a plethora of classes including Modern Day Top Fuel, Front Engine Top Fuel, Outlaw Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Dragsters and Jet Trucks. In 2023, US 131 added the Professional Drag Racing Association (PDRA) to the event. PDRA brought the excitement of Pro Nitrous Pro Mods, Pro Boost Pro Mods, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, Outlaw 632 and Junior Dragster classes. Another top racing event that draws racers from across the country to US 131 is the Funny Car Nationals, a race that has continued for the past 19 years. The Funny Car Nationals features Nostalgia and Modern Race cars in one event. The track has also been host to the infamous Street Outlaws No Prep Kings as well. This year is sure to be action packed at US 131 as NMRA/NMCA Power Fest will take over the track as part of 80 event days planned for the year.
It’s no surprise that as one of the few tracks in the US with the capability to run a 1/4 mile contest with two 10,000 HP cars side-by-side, US 131 Motorsports Park has earned the title of “Fastest Track in Michigan”. Locally grown racing talent, brothers Bobby and Dom Lagana broke Michigan’s records with 4 second passes and 1/4 mile runs at over 300mph. In addition to the two 1/4 mile well-prepped racing lanes, US 131 also offers abundant stadium seating with a capacity of 15,000 fans. The track also features a large groomed grassy pit area which has accommodated over 800 cars for a single event. US 131 also features clean, modern restroom facilities, ensuring the comfort of racers and fans alike. Whether you’re a racer or an enthusiastic spectator, US 131 is guaranteed to offer top-rate facilities with world-class entertainment.
