A while back we told you that Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio had been sold and that we knew who bought it but at the behest of the buyer we were going to hold off on announcing any deal until it was 100% finalized. Well the deal is done and we’re happy to report that NHRA Stock and Super Stock competitor Ron Matcham is the buyer of the track and he plans on sprucing up the old girl in fine style for the 2014 season. It is always heartening when a racer buys a facility, especially someone as well traveled as Matcham. Why? Simply put, they can identify issues and “see” things that non-racers would miss. If you are a person who has been attending races and facilities all over the place for years as a competitor, you know how to improve the experience for the racers and the fans.
Ron Matcham’s Mustang Cobra Jet.
Dragway 42 has a long history and admittedly, the track has gotten a big long in the tooth over the last few years. Matcham’s commitment to improve the surface itself (which is reportedly in kind of tough shape) along with a new timing system, renovated pits, and other work will give the facility a new lease on life. There’s nothing better than seeing a historic track like Dragway 42 experience a renaissance under new ownership and that’s what we foresee happening here. Joe Gambino has been names as the new GM for the track and a man that we have experience working with Skeet Peaco will be the announcer. Peaco is the father of the IHRA’s Skooter Peaco and we’ve shared the mic with Skeet at multiple tracks over the years. Fans are surely in for a treat with him doing the squawking.
Congrats to the Matcham family on the purchase and we wish them all the best in 2014 and beyond. Read the release below because these guys are going to kick it off in fine style come January 1, 2014….BE THERE!
We got this statement from Kyle Matcham (son of Ron who bought the track) regarding their plan for 2014!
The legendary Dragway 42 in West Salem Ohio has been sold. An agreement has been reached to purchase Dragway 42 from the Ehrmantraut Family to Elyria, Ohio businessman and NHRA Stock and Super Stock racer Ron Matcham and his family. The General Manager of Dragway 42 will be Joe Gambino and the track announcer will be Skeet Peaco. There will be many improvements to the entire facility including the track itself along with a new timing system. The pit area will be renovated to accommodate larger rigs and lower stance racing vehicles. Those are just a few of the many changes that will be done over the winter to give Dragway 42 a much needed makeover and are expected to be completed and ready to race by the end of April 2014. We look forward an exciting 2014 season and hope to see all of you at the Hangover Nationals on January 1st 2014! Be sure to keep checking for the newly revamped Dragway42.com website in the coming weeks for the latest news and information and also make sure to find us on Facebook by searching “Dragway 42” and follow us on Twitter at @Dragway42.
Awesome!! Been waiting for this!!
Good luck. It will be nice to see someone own the facility that has a plan..Ive campaigned a lot of cars there in the last 10 years.. Maybe Doc, Mike Jones crew chief and driver of my car for the last 5-6 years and I will put something back on for 2014.. For sure we’ll have a stickshift car,2010 Camaro and ????. Good luck and maybe I’ll find some sponsor money.. Ed Stanley
Congratulations to the new owner and the managing team at Dragway 42. As a former son of Elyria Ohio, Class of EHS 1961, we spent many a Sunday down in West Salem enjoying the competition and making a few runs down the quarter ourselves. I wrote some “freelance” drag news for the track back in the late 60’s early 70’s and dropped them off at the Chronicle for the Lorain County fan base. Had to be careful in posting names of the pure stock guys though so as not to void their new car warranty. (smile). Names of the era are still fresh in the old mind, Hart Automotive, Vanke, Montgomery, Eddie Faro, Beswick, etc. We are now in Brighton Michigan but look forward to a road trip back to Amish country next summer to check the old digs out! Good Racing !
cool
Its always good when there is a track for sale. Then when the sale is completed, its stil gonna be a track. Here in Ca and my former state Az. This kinda news doesn’t happen this way. Congrats to all of you who will benefit from this sale.
Good to hear this. Have to come back and try it out when the improvements are complete.
Great news…please keep us informed.
I hope they have full time fuel to many times i tried to spray only to find my stand alone cell empty and no place to get fuel but a amish gas station with slow people working.
Good news! Dragway 42 is my home track, looking forward to more visits.
I’ll give that a big two thumbs up!!
I’m happy to hear that the track was bought by a racer! I’m looking forward to the improvements! DW42 has always been one of my favorite tracks. Yes, Norwalk is in a class of its own and I love going there to watch serious events. But, when I want to race, I go to 42. It offers a place for those who just want to go out and have a fun night playing. Some of us just want to see what our DD will run. The hassle and minimal runs available at Norwalk just doesn’t match what 42 can offer. Thank you DW42 for years of fun!
I can assure you that with !st class ownership, and a seasoned racer Joe Gambino as General Manager, the results will be astonishing. I recommend all of the current and former racers support these efforts by attending the !st of the year event in January. This is a very complicated and expensive project. Let’s all show our appreciation this coming year to Joe “Bag of Donuts” Gambino, and the whole Ownership Team at Historic Dragway42!
Ron were the two guys pushing calverts car at the CJ shootout.We have considered 42 our home track with our One Eyed Jack fairlane.We are extremely happy a racer bought this historic track. It has endless possibilities.For those naysayers about the starting line, type in “1964 fairlane wheelstand” on youtube. This is on a Friday test on tune with a 9″ tire.See you soon good luck.