(Words and photos by Benoit Pigeon) – The end of the season has become a nostalgia tradition at Elk Creek Dragway’s last race of the year allowing only older cars to participate. Located at the far western end of Virginia, the track is a charming little place sitting in the mountains, just outside a national forest park.

Performances, forget it. Yes they race, but mostly it’s a fun event. Some rust, weird cars for some, very gasser inspired, a few rails and one fast blown flathead powered Altered typically make the bulk, however, this year a contingent of nostalgia Super Stockers showed up as well. Rick and Terri Osburn famous all over the East Coast for their ’38 Special pick up also came to race and have fun with wild wheelstands.

A couple of hot rods came to race from the Roanoke, VA area to replay a little racing challenge started at last year’s edition. In 2017 Bruce had his grey ’34 coupe tuned up for performances and gave hard time to his friend Gary driving his yellow ’36 Ford who just came not expecting his friend’s surprise. This year, it was Gary’s turn to surprise Bruce by bringing his car on a trailer and quick the fun one notch up. But there was more, Gary had made enough changes on his car to show Bruce that he too could soup it up a little. In the end, it was good camaraderie and while Gary had enough to out power his friend, Bruce went farther in eliminations leaving each with great memories until next year’s edition.

For 2019, look for the 3rd weekend of September to head to the mountains. NC and WV are both within 50 miles, and the race track is not too far from Bristol, TN and the eastern border of KY for any gasser out there and lots of cool time.