As we get ready to re-open Cordova Dragway, after a short pause for paving work and as we prepare for the O’Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing, we need additional team members and are hiring! Positions include: Gate Attendants, Ticket Sellers, Grounds Clean-up and Maintenance, Trackside, Security, Concessions, Merchandise, Bar, and more.
Visit our CAREERS PAGE or contact Shelby or Teagan on weekdays at 309-654-2110 for more information. Cordova Dragway is a great place to work!
With the large-scale track surface improvement coming along, plans are in place for to re-open the dragstrip beginning with the Midwest Junior Super Series event. See the flyer by selecting the READ MORE link on this post. The event features all-junior drag racing on Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7. See details for this event attached here.
Following a marathon 15+ hour work day on Monday, the crew from Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc. lead by Dan Beale completed pouring concrete for a new very flat race surface. Special thanks goes out to Centennial for working this project into their schedule and for such a quality finish.
The next phase of track surface work is to grind finish the concrete surface while the asphalt contractors work in the extended shutdown area. Everything is moving together nicely!
We are super excited to announce that the new Cordova Dragway website is now up and running! The website is complete with latest news, guest and racer’s pages plus a dedicated World Series of Drag Racing page.
The new site contains much more information and will be updated on a regular basis. Special thanks to Todd and Laurie Silvey for their efforts in getting the site built and operational.
The recent BEHIND THE CHAOS video from Cordova Dragway SUMMER NATIONALS is out! See the historic event where piston powered and turbine powered went at it in this exhibition competition on the Funny Car Chaos 2022 season. Select the READ MORE on this news post to watch the video.
With an early morning start, contractors began work on the race track surface at Cordova Dragway. It’s out with old as the contractors are grinding out the asphalt in preparations of replacing it with an all-new hard hooking concrete surface. Cordova Dragway is temporarily closed for the resurfacing of portions of the race track and shutdown area. The re-opening date is August 5-7 with the Midwest Junior Event. We’ll keep you updated on the progress! We can use old drag slicks or stock car tires to use to season the new surface in. If you are interested in donating tires, please reach out to Dan Driscoll on Facebook Messenger. Here are some key Metallurgy terminology nuggets to help you understand how the apply various manufacturing processes.
“The granddaddy of them all is coming August 25-28, 2022 and we have created dedicated web pages with all of the info fans and racers will need to attend the event. Go to cordovadragwaypark.com/world-series to see the PRO SHOW, TICKET INFORMATION, EVENT SCHEDULE, and SPORTSMAN RACER information pages.
A major resurfacing project will interrupt races scheduled in July as paving/concrete contractors will take over Cordova Dragway.
The plan is to mill the asphalt surface and replace it with concrete just past the eighth-mile mark. In addition, a section of the top-end shut down will be milled and resurfaced.
During recent events, it has been brought to our attention that the surface applied in 2017 will not hold up for the long term.
We must ensure that Cordova has the premier surface we all expect. Having a concrete surface beyond the 1/8 mile will create a racing surface that will hold up for many, many years. Just imagine what your E.T. slips will read on this new surface!
While we know this is an interruption of planned events, we want to be sure Cordova has the smoothest, best hooking, and safest racetrack for all of you. I’m confident our racers and fans will understand that we are investing in the future, and when doing so, it sometimes requires a change in plans.
I am truly sorry for the need to change the schedule, but rest assured it will be worth it as we create the track we all want.
Events Cancelled:
Friday, July 15, Fun Night
Saturday, July 16, Bracket Points Race
Sunday, July 17, Bracket Points Race
Friday, July 22, Fun Night
Saturday, July 23, Test-n-Tune, Low-Roller, Etc.
Friday, July 29, Fun Night
Event Postponed: Saturday, July 30, River Redemption moved to Oct 8, 2022
Cordova Dragway will re-open on Friday through Sunday, August 5 – 7, for the Midwest Juniors event and move forward with events as scheduled.
The KAMPER KORNER, R.V. Bracket Series, will now be based on the best 7 of 9 races.
Having been contacted by two of groups that planned on participating at River Redemption that they are not planning to attend based on the forecast plus the latest weather predictions that now show an increasingly high chances of rain throughout the day tomorrow (Saturday), the River Redemption race has been cancelled.
“We are aware of the ever increasing expense involved with transportation/towing for events like the River Redemption Series where many of the competitors are from a distance away, said Dan Crownhart. Knowing that we took the most sensible approach based on the forecast and elected to cancel drag racing for Saturday” he continued.
The good news is that the Mud Bog event on the mud track will go on rain or shine on Saturday as rain and wet conditions doesn’t change that game plan.
Gates for Mud Racing open at 8 AM and mud flyin’ action underway just after 11 AM. Admission is $15 for adults.
Our first major event is in the books. The energy and momentum at Cordova Dragway is off the charts following the Summer Nationals! Everyone helped play a role in building a successful event. The show was on time, racing was intense and the track crew went above and beyond. We am confident the fans got a good “bang for their buck”. We plan to carry this momentum into the rest of the season and especially the World Series in August!
We hope to announce the World Series lineup very soon. The drivers list will be full of many fan favorites. Some have been to Cordova many times, some are new to our track. You might want to tell your boss you will not be at work the Monday after, because there is no way you will be able to focus after a weekend that intense.
Thanks for your continued support as we all restore our church!
Cordova Dragway will be hosting the 1/8th mile River Redemption Series for four big events in 2022. The events will be held May 28, June 25, July 30, and Sept 3. These events will host OUTLAW 28” TIRE, LIMITED 28” TIRE, 5.00, 5.50, 6.00, 6.50, 7.00 & 7.50 INDEX CLASSES. The events will also host Real Street competition by Central Illinois Street Cars.
Midwest Top Sportsman will also be held on Saturday’s on May 21, June 25, July 30 & Sept 3
River Redemption Series Class Information
OUTLAW 28” TIRE – Entry Fee $275 Winner $3000 – Runner Up $1000 – Semis $ 275 – PAY BASED ON 16 entries Winner $2200 – Runner Up $700 – Semis $ 150 – PAY BASED ON 11-15 entries Winner $1500 – Runner Up $600 – PAY BASED ON 5-10 entries 4 or less entries is 100% payback against entry fees. Winner 75%, Runner Up 25%
LIMITED 28” TIRE – Entry Fee $220 Winner $2500 – Runner Up $600 – Semis $ 220 – PAY BASED ON 16 entries Winner $2000 – Runner Up $500 – Semis $ 100 – PAY BASED ON 11-15 entries Winner $1400 – Runner Up $400 – PAY BASED ON 5-10 entries 4 or less entries is 100% payback against entry fees. Winner 75%, Runner Up 25%
OUTLAW RULES – 28” or 29.5” tires, no W’s – Open to any power adder – Must be a Door car Card Draw – first round, Ladder for remaining
LIMITED RULES – Stock body lines Door Car – 26” or 28” tires, no W’s = +/-2” wheelbase from stock Standard bore space, Small blocks: Single Turbo, Single Blower, Nitrous Big blocks: Single nitrous, cast intake – No Billet Card Draw – first round, Ladder for remaining
5.00 & 5.50 INDEX CLASSES – Entry Fee $150 80% Payout against Entry Fees
6.00, 6.50, 7.00 & 7.50 INDEX CLASSES – Entry Fee $75 80% Payout against Entry Fees
Real Street by Central Illinois Street Cars on Saturdays; May 28, June 25, & Sept 3 For information specific to Real Street Rules see their Facebook page or email cistreetcarshootouts@gmail.com Winner $1200 – Runner Up $500 – Semis $ 200 – 12 Car minimum for full payout Entry $ 135 (includes tech card fee)
GENERAL OPERATING INFORMATION Gates Open 10 AM. Track Hot 12 Noon & Eliminations Follow – Adults $20, Kids (6-12) $5
2 run sessions per class. Cool down time; 28” Tire minimum of 45 minutes; True Street & MWTS not to exceed 30 minutes, Index classes vary. Track committed to run a safe yet timely program.
The Cordova Dragway 2022 Kamper Korner Bracket Points Series will feature 13 points race events with the final points race scheduled for Saturday, October 1st during the OktoberFest of Drag Racing event.
Racers leading points at the conclusion of the O’Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing (all points count/no dropped events) will represent ‘Team Cordova’ at the IHRA Team Finals at Eddyville Raceway Park, September 9- 11, 2022.
The Cordova Bracket Points Series Class Championships will be based on the best 10 finishes of the 13 points races scheduled to allow racers to attend other race events and/or non-racing activities.
Classes contested at Cordova Dragway Kamper Korner Bracket Points Series events include Top ET, Modified, Sportsman, Super Junior, Novice Junior and Trophy (no points in trophy class). Top ET and Junior Dragster classes will be contested on the one-eighth mile format with all other classes being quarter-mile competition.
“Deciding the details of the bracket classes and format has been one of the more difficult decisions for me thus far as the new operator of the track,” said Dan Crownhart.
In addition to the Bracket Points Series, on select non-points race events (see schedule) Cordova Dragway will feature a Low-Roller Bracket Class. The Low-Roller class will feature a modest entry fee and payout with box and no-box racing separately until the final round. More information will be coming soon specific to Low-Roller events. Work also continues on structure for competition classes specific to motorcycles and quick style formats. “Having only owned the track now for just over 3 weeks, it’s been a challenge to get everything completed as quickly as we would have liked” mentioned Crownhart.
The IHRA Summit SuperSeries remains one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding programs available to the Bracket racer.
“We chose to remain an IHRA Member Track for 2022 based on the incredible awards opportunities offered to the racers at the Team Finals and Summit World Finals plus the convenient location of the Team Finals at Eddyville Raceway Park just 150 miles from Cordova,” continued Crownhart.
“We chose to remain an IHRA Member Track for 2022 based on the incredible awards opportunities offered to the racers at the Team Finals and Summit World Finals plus the convenient location of the Team Finals at Eddyville Raceway Park just 150 miles from Cordova,” continued Crownhart.
It should also be noted that Cordova Dragway is now solely and independently owned and operated with no ownership affiliation with IRG or the IHRA sanctioning body.
To punch your ticket as a racer to qualify for the Summit World Championship with a $200,000 cash purse, Cordova’s Top ET, Modified, Sportsman and Jr Dragster Class Champions as well as the four class winners at the Team Finals held at Eddyville Raceway Park will have an opportunity to attend the World Finals if you join the Summit SuperSeries by the May 1st deadline.
SUMMIT SUPERSERIES WORLD FINALS
Holly Springs Motorsports, Holly Springs, MS October 12-15, 2022
Race for World Championship!
CORDOVA DRAGWAY 2022 BRACKET POINT SERIES CLASSES & PAYOUT
Top ET (0-7.49 1/8th Mile – Box)
WINNER
$1000
RUNNER UP
$400
SEMI-FINALS
$200
4th Rd Win
$125
3rd Rd Win
$80
2nd Rd Win
$40
Entry Fee
$80
Buy Back
$50
40+ Entries $1500 Win, $500 R/U & $250 S/F
MODIFIED (4.50-7.99 1/8th Mile – NO Box)
WINNER
$1000
RUNNER UP
$400
SEMI-FINALS
$150
4th Rd Win
$100
3rd Rd Win
$65
2nd Rd Win
$30
Entry Fee
$65
Buy Back
$40
40+ Entries $1200 Win, $500 R/U & $200 S/F
SPORTSMAN (12.00 & Slower 1/4th Mile – NO Box)
WINNER
$250
RUNNER UP
$125
Entry Fee
$45
Buy Back
$30
$25 per round beginning with Rd 2 win up to the final round.
25+ Entries $400 Win, $200 R/U
32+ Entries $500 Win, $250 R/U
SUPER Junior Dragster
Winner $50 Runner Up $25 Entry Fee $30
*Complimentary entry for first round losers into a combo consi class (time permitting).
NOVICE Junior Dragster
Winner $25 Runner Up $10 Entry Fee $25
*Complimentary entry for first round losers into a combo consi class (time permitting).
TROPHY Class
(1/4 Mile) Winner and Runner-Up Trophies!
Entry Fee $30
BASIC BRACKET RACING RULES
TOP ET
0-7.49 ET 1/8 Mile Dragsters, cars, and motorcycles. Delay Boxes Allowed. Entry Fee $80 Buy Back $50
MODIFIED ET
4.50-7.99 ET 1/8 Mile Dragsters, cars, and motorcycles. No Delay Boxes Allowed. Trans-brakes, 2 steps, and electric shifters allowed. Entry Fee $65 Buy Back $40
SPORTSMAN
12.00 & Slower 1/4 Mile Door Cars Only. No delay boxes, trans-brakes, air throttles, or two-steps allowed. Line-locks permitted for burn-out process only. Entry Fee $45 Buy Back $30
TROPHY / TEST-N-TUNE
All Run Entry Fee $30
SUPER Junior
10 years old or older up to rulebook age limitation. Entry $30
NOVICE Junior
Limited to 7 to 9 years-olds or first year competition of another age. Entry $25
POINTS RACE EVENTS SCHEDULE
SATURDAY Open 12:30 pm Time Runs 2 pm Eliminations follow 2 time runs sessions & Reaction Time Challenge.
SUNDAY Open 8 am Time Trials 9:30 am Eliminations follow 1 time run session (no reaction time contest)
Note: Best 10 of 13 count for final points standings.
#1 Saturday, May 7, 2022 #2 Saturday, May 21, 2022 (deadline to enter for retroactive points) #3 Sunday, May 22, 2022 #4 Saturday, June 4, 2022 #5 Saturday, June 11, 2022 #6 Saturday, July 16, 2022 #7 Sunday, July 17, 2022 #8 Saturday, August 13, 2022 #9 Sunday, August 14, 2022 #10 Saturday, August 20, 2022 #11 Sunday, August 28, 2022 – WORLD SERIES OF DRAG RACING 1.5 Points! NOTE: All above event totals count for participation at Team Finals. #12 Saturday, September 17, 2022 #13 Saturday, October 1, 2022 – OktoberFest of Drag Racing
POINTS MEMBERS GET THESE GREAT BENEFITS & MORE!
Champioinship Points Fund plus Prize Packages from Kamper Korner (Top, Mod, and Sportsman classes)
Grand Championship Run-off for bonus $$$ and Gold Card!
Eligible for Contingency Connection Banquet Awards!
Cordova Points Membership only $45 (does not include IHRA Membership)**
Cordova Points Membership Jr Dragster only $20 (does not include IHRA Membership)**
** Must join IHRA Super Summit Series by May 1, 2022!!
2022 CORDOVA DRAGWAY POINTS FUNDS
TOP
MOD
Sportsman
Super Jr
Novice Jr
1st
$1000
$1000
$400
$100
$50
2nd
$400
$400
$100
$50
$25
3rd
$200
$200
$50
$25
–
4th
$150
$150
$25
$25
–
5th
$100
$100
$0
$0
–
Note: Special Prize Packages will also be provided to the class Champions in Top ET, Mod and Sportsman from our friends at Kamper Korner. Total additional value is $2000!
CD GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Awarded to the winner of a run-off at Saturday of Oktoberfest between TOP, MOD & SPORTSMAN CLASS. Class Champions Winner receives at 2023 Gold Card & $1000! Run-Off will be contested on an 1/8 mile format.
CD JUNIOR GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Awarded to the winner of a run off at Saturday of Oktoberfest between Super and Novice Jr Class Champions. Winner receives at 2023 Gold Card!
Plan your vacation time, reschedule the family reunions, practice calling in sick. Do whatever you have to do to get to the track.
“We are very excited to present this schedule. Work is still going on to add events, so keep checking in.
An announcement about the bracket series and River Redemption will come in a few days. I want to invite you all to come back to Cordova and “collect memories – not just time slips”
– Danny
Cordova Dragway 2022 Season Schedule – Text Edition
APRIL Saturday, April 23 Volunteer Day Sunday, April 24 Volunteer Day Rain Date / Employee Training Weekend, April 30 – May 1 Ignitor Season Opener Test N Tune / Swap Meet / Chassis Day
MAY Friday, May 6 First Friday Fun Night Saturday, May 7 Kamper Korner Points Race #1 Friday, May 13 Fun Night, HS Points #1 Saturday, May 14 Test N Tune / Lo Roller / Juniors / Trophy Sunday, May 15 Battle of the High Schools Friday, May 20 Fun Night Saturday, May 21 Kamper Korner Points Race #2 / MWTS Sunday, May 22 Kamper Korner Points Race #3 Friday, May 27 Fun Night & Midnight Mayhem Saturday, May 28 River Redemption #1Central IL Street Cars
JUNE Friday, June 3 Fun Night Saturday, June 4 Kamper Korner Points Race #4 Friday, June 10 Fun Night, HS Points #2 Saturday, June 11 Kamper Korner Points Race #5 / Verified Street Weekend June 17&18, Thisted Shifters/360 Steel Funny Car Chaos SUMMER NATIONALS Friday, June 24 Fun Night Saturday, June 25 River Redemption #2 MWTS / Central IL Street Cars / Mud Bog Race #1
JULY Friday, July 1 Fun Night & Midnight Mayhem Friday, July 8 Fun Night, HS Points #3 Saturday, July 9 Test N Tune / Lo Roller / Juniors / Trophy Friday, July 15 Fun Night Saturday, July 16 Kamper Korner Points Race #6 Sunday, July 17 Kamper Korner Points Race #7/ MWSC Friday, July 22 Fun Night Saturday, July 23 Test N Tune / Lo RollerJuniors / Trophy / Mud Bog Race #2 Friday, July 29 Fun Night Saturday, July 30 River Redemption #3 / MWTS
AUGUST Weekend, Aug 5 – 7 Midwest Juniors Friday, Aug 12 Fun Night Saturday, Aug 13 Kamper Korner Points Race #8 / MWSC Sunday, Aug 14 Kamper Korner Points Race #9 / MWSC Friday, Aug 19 Fun Night, HS Points #4 Saturday, Aug 20 Kamper Korner Points Race #10 Saturday, Aug 25 World Series parking Weekend, Aug 25 – 28 ORELLY AUTO PARTS World Series of Drag Racing Sunday, Aug 28 WORLD SERIES Kamper Korner Points Race #11
SEPTEMBER Friday, Sept 2 Fun Night / Midnight Mayhem Saturday, Sept 3 River Redemption #4 MWTS / Central IL Street CarsFriday, Sept 9 Fun Night / AMC Nationals Opening Night Weekend, Sept 9 – 10 AMC Nationals by AMC RACES Weekend, Sept 9 – 11 ET Finals at Eddyville Raceway Friday, Sept 16 Fun Night Saturday, Sept 17 Kamper Korner Points Race #12 Sunday, Sept 18 Battle of the High Schools Friday, Sept 23 Fun Night, HS Points #5 Saturday, Sept 24 Buick / Olds / Pontiac Nationals Friday, Sept 30 Fun Night
OCTOBER Saturday, Oct 1 OktoberFest / Kamper Korner Final Points Race #13 Sunday, Oct 2 OktoberFest / Iron Man Classic Friday, Oct 7 Fun Night Weekend, Oct 8 – 9 TBA Weekend, Oct 14 – 16 Triple 777’s Bracket Event Friday, Oct 21 Fun night Saturday, Oct 22 Fall Fun Day / Mud Bog Race #3 Saturday, Oct 29 Hallowierd with Car Show
NOVEMBER Saturday, Nov 5, 12, 19 Fun Day (weather permitting)
Are you ready for some drag racing action? We have two great programs just for those in High School.
Spring and Fall Battle of the High Schools – Sundays – May 15 & Sept 18
plus our
High School Points Race Series – Fridays – May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug 19 & Sept 23
For more information check out the flyer. Start making plans with your friends for our high school drag racers, friends and fans!
The opportunities that are in front of us far too great to list. I want to take a minute and try to express the emotion and enthusiasm I have for this facility. Now that the sale is closed and final, I can speak of my vision for Cordova Dragway.
First things first, I am humbled at the chance to be the caretaker of its long history. Cordova has been the setting for many memories in all our lives. This is not just a racetrack. Cordova is truly a way of life. What started as just a piece of asphalt on farmland has become the backdrop of Midwest drag racing history. – Danny
We now have the opportunity to write the next chapter. Every car, every team member, every fan and every member of the staff will play a role. My hope is to provide the setting, so you all can write your story.
Over the next week we will announce our 2022 schedule with exciting new events and many of the staples of Cordova. Events like: Summernationals with Funny Car Chaos, 777 bracket event, Midwest Junior Drag Racing League, Hollowierd, Demo drags, Midwest Super Comp Series, Oktoberfest, Hangoverfest and of course the World Series of Drag Racing. We will also be able to announce the bracket program, along with my vision for improvements to the track.
There is a great deal of work ahead of us. However we need to remember when we work hard for things we love it is called passion.
I am beyond gitty at the chance to help create something special for all of us. I hope you join me.
The opportunities that are in front of us far too great to list. I want to take a minute and try to express the emotion and enthusiasm I have for this facility. Now that the sale is closed and final, I can speak of my vision for Cordova Dragway.
First things first, I am humbled at the chance to be the caretaker of its long history. Cordova has been the setting for many memories in all our lives. This is not just a racetrack. Cordova is truly a way of live. What started as just a piece of asphalt on farmland has become the backdrop of Midwest drag racing history.
We now have the opportunity to write the next chapter. Every car, every team member, every fan and every member of the staff will play a role. My hope is to provide the setting, so you all can write your story. – Danny
Over the next week we will announce our 2022 schedule with exciting new events and many of the staples of Cordova. Events like: Summernationals with Funny Car Chaos, 777 bracket event, Midwest Junior Drag Racing League, Hollowierd, Demo drags, Midwest Super Comp Series, Oktoberfest, Hangoverfest and of course the World Series of Drag Racing. We will also be able to announce the bracket program, along with my vision for improvements to the track.
There is a great deal of work ahead of us. However we need to remember when we work hard for things we love it is called passion.
I am beyond gitty at the chance to help create something special for all of us. I hope you join me.
