I just spoke with the Barona Track Manager RJ Simrock and as told they are repaving the entire track and the shut down area. They plan on completing the project in the next few weeks. The mud pit (water box) and the first 90 or so feet will also be repaved (concrete) at the same time.

All the work is scheduled to be completed prior to the first track rental T&T February 6th.

Bob

Now if they could just figure out a way to extend it another thousand feet or so.....

Charlie, the only way that can happen is by moving the starting line further backward toward Wildcat Canyon Road. That would take a ton of money and a ton of work.

The area West, beyond the sand trap, is a Federal Conservation Park, the Barona Indian Tribe doesn't own that land. Even if they move the starting line I don't see them gaining more than an extra 100-150 feet. Better, but not enough for 160+ MPH cars. Bakersfield, Vegas and Phoenix can handle their speeds.

135 mph is about the safe braking limit at Barona, and that mandates the use of a parachute. I know there area cars that can exceed 135+, the problem is that if the parachute doesn't deploy the car is going to be "Beached" in an ugly way.

I'm willing to take the small victories one at a time, repaving is a big victory. No matter what improvements the owners make Barona will never be a 1/4 mile track.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by RPROGAS:
I just spoke with the Barona Track Manager RJ Simrock and as told they are repaving the entire track and the shut down area. They plan on completing the project in the next few weeks. The mud pit (water box) and the first 90 or so feet will also be repaved (concrete) at the same time.

All the work is scheduled to be completed prior to the first track rental T&T February 6th.

Bob

That's good news I guess, but I didn't have a problem with the old surface. I got down it on a 9" slick slowing the car by ripping the throttle early, for low 5.80 passes.

I'm thinking about the track rental & the next day race on Feb 6 & 7. Might be a little interesting on a virgin track!

Bob, are you planning on being out there?

2BKING

Good Morning Bryan;

I'm locked and loaded for the T&T on the 6th, if you are thinking about dropping by let me know. I'll keep you updated as the paving project progresses.

Bob

We used to race there with the WCNA 10.5 bunch. Our first pass down the track was .10 under the small tire track record at the time, we went 5.06. Our issues was more with the lack of equipment to prep the track with. Basically back then it was the spray and pray method, which we all know is not ideal for a small tire slick. I hear they have some sort of drag now. Good to hear they are making some improvements to the track. Not sure we will ever get back there but if so we will make the tow. FWIW we went 140+ at 2750 and had no issues stopping. Lamb Brakes TTF

My 7.50 dragster with rear brakes only and a parachute that doesn't blossom until 160-180 put me in the sand like 9 out of 10 runs..Not dangerous just dropping the front tires into the sand....still a pucker moment though lol

Cant what until I get one of my "street" cars done so I can go there and get my drag racing fix

quote:

Originally posted by RPROGAS:
Good Morning Bryan;

I'm locked and loaded for the T&T on the 6th, if you are thinking about dropping by let me know. I'll keep you updated as the paving project progresses.

Bob

Bob,

Still planning on coming for 6th & 7th & will try to do the same thing I did last time. Arrive early afternoon on the 5th. I will make the final decision around Jan. 31st.

2BKING

Here's a FB link about a very generous organization stepping in to help with Barona Drags repaving.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ay4u2o3Z/

2BKING

Here's some work being done.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17dvFLFReG/

2BKING

every help we get is welcome to SoCal drag racing.

quote:

Originally posted by B KING:
Here's a FB link about a very generous organization stepping in to help with Barona Drags repaving.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ay4u2o3Z/


2BKING

Love to see this. Never been that far west, but love seeing folks stepping in to help keep good racing going for y'all.

The paving will be in two stages beginning with digging out both water boxes then laying down fresh concrete. That portion has been completed as seen in several of the previous posts.

The second phase will involve digging up both lanes of asphalt starting at the end of the existing 90 feet of concrete, (the first 90 feet will remain concrete) then re-paving asphalt in both lanes beyond the finish line. That work will start in two to three weeks and be completed in time for the 2026 season on February 20th.

The other news is the 5.80 (Pro .400 tree), the 6.00 and 6.50 (pro .500 tree) classes will draw many of the Southern California, Nevada and Arizona Index Racers. These index classes will be run in conjunction with the Summer Series events beginning in June.

The last issue to mention is that Barona purchased a new track sweeper and a tractor equipped with a gable that has 6 rows of rubber belts similar to drag slicks material to lay down a consistent and safe surface.

The 2026 season schedule is posted on the Barona web site.

Bob