About the Redding Dragstrip
"It was about 1948 when local hot rodders,
including Roger Whipp, first sought a safe place to drag race their
cars, and in Roger’s words, “…offer encouragement to be legal”.
That search lead to the dusty but straight abandoned
runways at
Today, we are the oldest continuously operating NHRA drag racing facility in United States. Redding Drag Strip signed up in the Fall of 1955 to become an officially sanctioned NHRA track, and has run ever since. In the early 1960s, the Redding Dragstrip became the place to race for locals and other Northern California events. Early films have been converted to video HERE. The NCDRA (Northern California Drag Racing Association) actively made improvements to the facility over the years. Redding is a very automotive oriented town, and community support for our Dragstrip has always been very enthusiastic.
Today the dragstrip is leased to the NCDRA, a non-profit corporation, and managed by Bob and Joye Lidell. Recent improvements include the resurfacing of the start area, the moving and refurbishing of the control tower, and new and expanded westside seating. The dragstrip under the leadership of Bob and Joye seeks to become the premiere facility for far northern California racers, while retaining our family friendly and welcoming environment.
Our facility hosts several big events during the year. Our biggest event is the racing during Redding's Kool April Nights car show and parade. Attracting nationwide attention and participation, Kool April Nights weekend is widely recognized as one of the West Coast's not-to-be-missed auto premiere events. We also host Big Bike Weekend, and Hot O Rama weekend.
As a Division 7 NHRA facility, our racers participate in ET Bracket Points Racing in the Summit Super Series, which includes Junior Dragsters. We also host bi-monthly community Street Racing events designed to keep street racers safe and legal by giving them an opportunity to race the track instead of the streets.
Bob and Joye and the entire community of Redding invite you to race here, or to just come and enjoy the spectacle. We guarantee that our spirit and friendly atmosphere will impress.