Racer Jim Hughes Takes Over Tucson Dragway


Racer Jim Hughes Takes Over Tucson Dragway

Words by Shayna Keller

Photos by Bob Snyder

 

IRG Sports + Entertainment™ (IRG) has announced that three Tucson businessmen, Jon Bradford, Tom Koenan and Jim Hughes will take over the operations of Southwestern International Raceway effective immediately, with entrepreneur Jim Hughes as Track Operator.

“IRG felt that SWIR was too remote from its other operations to devote the time and attention the facility deserves. We felt it was in the best interest of SWIR to turn it over to local businessmen that can be more hands on with the facility and help SWIR grow to its fullest potential,” remarked IRG COO Royce Miller. “This transition will benefit the racers, fans and sponsors in the long run. We are happy SWIR will be in good hands.”

Ed Middlebrook - Jerry Hall near1

With the transition, the facility has been renamed Tucson Dragway. Tucson Dragway is located on the Pima County Fairgrounds, 10-miles from downtown Tucson, Arizona and features a dedicated quarter-mile drag strip. Over the last 18 years, the facility has hosted such premier events as the IHRA Nitro Jam, Super Chevy Show, Fun Ford Series, Import Face-Off, and Tucson Dragway Reunion. Driving schools, professional testing sessions, private rentals, and corporate team-building events are also held at Tucson Dragway year-round.

Jim Hughes
“Taking over Tucson Dragway is a great opportunity for me. It’s a new challenge I haven’t addressed yet in my life,” stated new Track Operator Jim Hughes. “I’ve lived at drag strips for the last 38 years of my life as a racer. I see this as an opportunity to stay closer to home, stay involved with Don Davis racecars and Hughes Motorhome and Trailer Sales. I believe we will make the sportsman racer experience second to none for the Tucson and Arizona community.”

The facility will be closed during the month of September for business restructuring and facility maintenance and will reopen in October. A new website page has been created to keep fans, racers and sponsors up-to-date about the activities at Tucson Dragway. Please visit www.tucsondragway.net for additional information.


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