NHRA officials have announced that Walla Walla Drag Strip in Walla Walla, Washington, has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of Division 6, the Northwest Division, after a stint with the IHRA.

Walla Walla Drag Strip, formerly known as Bonanza Raceway, has been hosting races since the summer of 1970. In 2008, the drag strip, located just west of the Walla Walla Regional Airport off East Highway 12, was set to close until five local businessmen, who are also racers and race fans, intervened by purchasing the track.

The group of five die-hard racers wanted to keep the track going for the avid spectators and racers in the area. After they purchased the facility, they renamed it Walla Walla Drag Strip.

“Walla Walla Drag Strip is proud to rejoin the NHRA Member Track network,” said Walla Walla Drag Strip President Bryan Watts. “The NHRA has a great Summit E.T. Program and a lot of other great grassroots programs for our racers. We’re looking forward to being back with the NHRA this year.”

Since it was purchased in 2009, the track has undergone various improvements through the support of local businesses, spectators and racers. In 2011, a new eighth-mile concrete track was laid and in 2013 new display signs were purchased.

“We’re excited to have Walla Walla Drag Strip back in the NHRA Member Track family,” said Matt Levonas, NHRA Division 6 director. “It’s a great grassroots track that has a lot to offer local racers around the area. Walla Walla Drag Strip is a great addition to the Northwest Division and we are excited to offer NHRA-sanctioned races at the facility.”