Drag races, car show celebrate 50 years of speedway

By RENA MALAI/For the News & Messenger
Published: August 17, 2008

The 50th anniversary at Old Dominion Speedway was like a kaleidoscope scene; at this turn it was part “Days of Thunder,” and at another turn, it was part “Grease” as Ford and Chevy classics from the 1950s were getting glossed and buffed right next to the drag racing track where cars of every make and model, from pick-up trucks and hatchbacks to BMWs and Mustangs, got ready to race.

Family-owned and managed by the Gore family since 1959, ODS showcased thousands of car owners, drivers, and fans that all came out to soak up the sun, tailgate, and enjoy the deafening sound of cars zooming down the 1/8th of a mile drag, complete with burnt rubber.

“We’ve got nearly 300 cars out here today competing for the grand prize of $2,000,” track manager Dick Gore said. “That’s not including the 300 cars we have out here being showcased for the car show.”

Although ODS holds drag racing every weekend, the 50th anniversary Nostalgia Race and Car Show is a big deal for the race fans who frequent the speedway on a weekly basis.

“My husband has been coming out here since he was a kid, but because today is such a huge deal I decided to come along as well for the whole day,” race fan Cheryl Haga said. “I like walking around and seeing all the funny cars.“

There has been talk of Dominion closing down due to noise pollution for the neighboring housing developments that have been springing up in the Manassas area, yet the Gores don’t seem too concerned about the possibility just yet.

“Oh, they’ve been talking about shutting us down since 1961,” Gary Gore said. “Actually, this speedway has been here since about 1945; back when it was called Longview Speedway before our family took it over.”

“Sure, they may very well shut us down, but I don’t really see that happening until 10 or 15 years from now,” Dick said.

Car and race fans can visit the track on weekends and Friday nights from March through October at 10611 Dumfries Road, Manassas. The price for entering a race can run anywhere between $25-$45, depending on the type of race or show.

“Car racing is a huge part of American culture,” Gary says. “Putting all that effort into a car and seeing your efforts being rewarded on the track is a great experience … it’s this love of cars and racing that got our whole family running this business.”