April 19, 2024

REPUBLIC RACE TRACK HOPES FOR JUNE OPENING

REPUBLIC, Wash. — Better late than not at all.

Eagle Track Raceway in Republic plans to operate in 2024, but just somewhat delayed.

With former track promoter Jason Pestka deciding to no longer operate the track, the Eagle Track Racing Association is stepping back into running the nearly 70-year-old 3/8’s mile dirt raceway.

Everything became official April 8 when the Ferry County Commissioners agreed to let ETRA operate the track which the county owns.

Eagle Track Racing Association is the group that built and started the track decades ago according to Wendy Braun who is spearheading opening the track.

“Looking at June for the first race if we have everything we need,” ETRA spokesperson Braun wrote in an email.

This effort reunites ETRA and Braun who both have deep raceway roots.

The ETRA has ran the track back when it started in the 1950s. “I myself started coming and racing at the track back in the 90’s,” Braun said. “I have many relatives that have raced at the track, uncles, cousins, my dad and myself.”

ETRA is a non-profit organization composed of officers and a board of directors.

The association has been behind a myriad of upgrades and improvements over the years. Back in 2015 the ETRA did all the upgrades around the track including new buildings, opened up and added more spectator parking, moved and enlarged the pit area.

“I know the county was working on a grant for lights, but I haven’t been updated on that as of right now,” Braun said.

Fever Four class racing at Eagle Track Raceway in Republic. Brenda Starkey photo

Former Street Stock champion Darrin Metcalf celebrates at Eagle Track Raceway in Republic. Eagle Track Raceway photo

RENEGADE RACEWAY: CENTRAL WASHINGTON’S ONLY DRAG STRIP

Wapato, Wash. — Tucked in right along old U.S. Highway 97 south of Yakima is Central Washington’s only drag strip called Renegade Raceway.

The track is sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association and is a member of NHRA’s Division 6.

Renegade features a 36-date schedule in 2024 reports Lynnette Chinn who provided highlights of some notable dates.

• May 11, Funny Car Frenzy. Lady Elaine, etc. Show up for testing on Friday, racing on Saturday.
• May 24, Dee Adams Memorial Fire and Thunder. Summit ET Bracket Series plus 2 Jet cars battle it out.
• July 4, Jet cars are back to start 3 day weekend of racing.
• July 5, is Street Legals.
• July 6, the Mini-Wally trophy Index race.
• August 2, the Vintiques are in town. Renegade has a parade down the track, car show, and drag racing.
• August 3, is Hot August Nights with the 1st ever Gasser wars, some nitro funny cars, and a footbrake race.
• September 21, 22, and 23 is the Summit ET Bracket Series championships, Street Legal championships, and the Jr drag racing league (JRDL) challenge.
• October 5, and 6 is the NW Reunion Drags. Jerry, “The King” Ruth is usually in attendance, along with various other old racers. NW Nostalgia Tour makes its final appearance.

Further information is available by visiting renegaderaceway.com.

Typical drag racing at Renegade Raceway near Yakima. Renegade Raceway photo.