Photo courtesy of NHRA

Houston Raceway Park, the 1/4-mile dragstrip in Bayton, Texas, will close following the 2022 race season.

The 35th annual Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil, set for April 22–24, will serve as the final event for the Houston-area track. 

Immediately following the event, the new property owners will repurpose the drag racing complex into an industrial business park.

“Our family is extremely proud to have showcased the top level of professional drag racing for 35 wonderful years,” Track Operator Seth Angel said. “It’s been a dream come true to meet and work with all the incredible drivers, team owners, and NHRA executives who come together each year to entertain the millions of racing fans in our area.”

“We at the NHRA want to thank Houston Raceway Park and the Angel family for their commitment to the sport of drag racing,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Our race teams, partners, and NHRA officials look forward to celebrating the track as we close out this chapter of NHRA history.” 

Houston Raceway Park first hosted a national event in 1988. At the time, the 500-acre facility was co-owned by the Gay family of Dickenson, Texas, longtime friends of brothers Greg, Gary, and the late Glen Angel. The Angel brothers then bought out the Gay family’s interest in 2004.

The track has been the site of many memorable moments, including NHRA’s first four-second run set at the 1988 race. Texan Eddie Hill quickly topped that record by running a 4.93 in the final round of Top Fuel to win the race. 

For more information, visit nhra.com or houstonraceway.com.