The Future of a South Florida Drag Strip Might Be in Jeopardy, as Immokalee Regional Raceway Could Lose Its Land Lease
The news for drag strips has already had some good headlines this year, as well as some bad ones.
And while we recently reported on plans for a South Dakota drag strip to reopen in 2025, a track in southern Florida could also make its final laps in 2025.
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According to two different sources, Immokalee Regional Raceway, which is located on a runway section of Immokalee Regional Airport, faces an uncertain future due to a planned expansion at the airport.
Originally, the track was created from a closed section of runway at the airport by accomplished racer Ralph Hester. Opened in spring of 1999 by Ralph and now run by son Thomas Hester, the track features WDRA sanctioning, and holds several events a year.
For the Hesters, this is not the first time the track has been tasked with a move. About three and-a-half years ago, the track was forced to relocate to a new section of runway due to airport expansion.
Despite the consideration expense and the time lost due to moving, the track was able to make the change, and agree to a new three-year lease.
That three-year lease has since expired, and although the Hesters have been renting from the airport on a monthly basis, the airport has plans for an expansion for hangers on the property where the track currently resides. This could be the final season for the track at not only Immokalee Regional Airport, but possibly, overall.
The Hesters have worked out a deal with the new occupants to stay where they are until March 2025, and are looking for a new piece of property.
But the costs involved could still put up a huge roadblock to the track’s survival, meaning possibly the second drag strip to close in Florida in the last three years.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Immokalee Regional Raceway.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com