|
Theresa Welcome to
BracketNews!!
Thank
you
Theresa give a brief history lesson in Gulfport Dragway.
Gulfport
Dragway was built as a dragstrip in 1972 by the Cospelich
family. The original name was Magnolia Dragway.
Later the Cospelich family changed the name to Deep South.
Check out David Cospelich’s website for pictures:
http://davidgreysmusic.com/Davidsphotos/thumbnails.php?album=13
After
the Cospelich family, I think Jim and Julie Dickerson
acquired the track. The Dickerson’s renamed it
Gulfport International Dragway Inc.
Charles
& I bought the track from Jim and Julie Dickerson in
October 1984. We renamed it Gulfport Dragway
When did you acquire Gulfport Dragway?
October
1984. We actually looked at it on September 1, 1984.
It was my Dad’s birthday.
As a track owner, what are some of the challenges that you
address on a frequent basis to keep Gulfport Dragway a great
facility?
The
WEATHER! Rain is not the only problem. Too hot,
too cold, too foggy. These conditions can play havoc
on getting the track prepped for the racers. Even
trying to make sure the grounds are proper for the
spectators can be difficult. Never do we want to call
a race. However when we do think we need to call a
race, we do try to call it early enough for people to cancel
their plans to come racing. This can be a really
difficult decision.
Gulfport Dragway's Wednesday Night King of the Hill program
is one of the longest if not longest tenured programs in the
South. What is the key to success to that program as far as
the spectator and racer goes?
Jim
and Julie Dickerson actually started the King of the Hill
Wednesday night program. Gulfport Dragway kept the
program going.
The
success to the program is simple. The CUSTOMERS!
I appreciate each and every one of the customers.
What are the yearly featured events that are hosted at
Gulfport Dragway?
Gulfport
Memorial Day Blowout in May (now opened to all
makes and models of motorcycle, no longer only Harleys!)
Scrapin’
the Coast After Party in June
Cruisin’
the Coast in October
Ford
vs. Chevy in October
C&M
events throughout the year
BracketNews.com
bracket races that are scheduled throughout the year
Gulfport Dragway utilized the Accutime Timing system which
is considered the premiere timing system my many. What is
your experience with the utilization of Accutime and what
made your decision to go with Accutime?
We
checked out different timing systems. We went to
different tracks that had different systems. We went
over to a track west of Houston, Texas. We were
impressed with the simplicity and accuracy of the equipment.
Rusty Crawford has a great system!
There seems to be this misconception that scooters, golf
carts, four wheelers and etc are not allowed at Gulfport
Dragway. The way that BracketNews understands the policy is
that scooters and golf carts are allowed and even four
wheels. The exception to four wheelers is that it must be
used to transport a race car to and from the staging lanes
or from the return road. Furthermore only licensed drivers
can operate these pit vehicles with obvious understanding.
Is that correct.
You
are correct. All are allowed with exceptions. All must
be driven by a legally state-licensed person. Four
wheelers are to be a TOW-vehicle only. This means no
going to the restroom or concessions or tower without a
RACECAR attached! NO pocket rockets, skates, or
bicycles are allowed.
Race
cars always has right of way. Then spectators. Lastly
the scooters, golf carts, and four wheelers. Racers
cannot always see someone. The racer’s peripheral
vision is hindered by the helmet.
The Annual Ford vs. Chevy
event is coming up in October. That deal is one of the
biggest of the year. What is the attraction for the
spectator and racer for this event?
Jet
cars, exhibition school bus, and the pure fact that this is
a competition for the Ford lovers versus the Chevy lovers!
What the remaining Special Event at Gulfport Dragway this
year and what is store for 2010?
The
remaining of 2009 will be :
Every
Wednesday night program
Cruisin’
the Coast October 9 & 10
Ford
vs. Chevy October 24 & 25
BracketNews.com
King of the Coast Bracket Series November 7 & 8
2010
schedule is a full one. Just about a weekend race or
two every month starting in February. Even going to
have an air-cooled engine only race! 2010 schedule is
being set up now!
Thanks for your time Theresa.
BracketNews wishes Gulfport Dragway, yourself and the staff
of Gulfport Dragway a future filled with success!!!
Thank
you |
