(Words and Photos by Joe Grippo) Arguably the biggest bombshell news story that came out of last year’s PRI show was the legendary Pennsylvania drag strip Maple Grove Raceway being acquired by the newly reinvigorated IHRA sanctioning body. The seismic ripples were felt throughout the drag racing world, but none more than in my neck of the woods. Maple Grove Raceway is my home track, I have been going there since I was child, watching my dad Joe Sr. racing his Mach 1. I was finally able to race at the Grove myself for the first time in 1987, during the High School Challenge in my own Mach 1. For 2026 Grippo Racing is celebrating 30 years of participating in the Grove’s bracket ET Series. We live a mere 20 minutes away, so it really is our home away from home. The off season brought many questions and of course internet fueled rumors of doom and gloom. I’m here to say all is well at Maple Grove Raceway, or as it has been rebranded Darana Raceway Maple Grove Park. Although Mother Nature hampered the start of the season washing away two of our ET Series races and pushing the IHRA Triple Crown National Event to September, a full schedule of events is underway.
This past weekend over 300 of some of the toughest bracket racers in the country filed through the gates for the official kickoff of the E.T. Series, all vying for the sizable payouts and IHRA points. Top, Mod, Sportsman, Teen Challenge, Jr Dragsters, Motorcycles and 8.50 Index were contested. General Manager Shane Sweigart and his staff put on efficiently run weekend of racing. Keeping the staging lanes full and moving the program along while always keeping the racing surface consistent and pretty much perfect. Even squeezing in a buyback round each day and a separate Gamblers race on Saturday night. Really the only negative was my driving, turning it red for early exits both days.
So, check out the gallery full of Darana Raceway Maple Grove’s local racers and their gorgeous rides. And if you have never tried it yourself, get out and try your hand at bracket racing. You can be competitive in anything, just cut a light and run the number. There are classes from beginners to seasoned veterans. At least hit up a Test & Tune or grudge day, give it shot, you won’t regret it.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DRAGSTRIP!
Darana Raceway Maple Grove Park
Additional photos by James Woodard:
The post A Weekend At The Drags with Joe Grippo: Racing, Photos, And Fun From Darana Raceway Park Maple Grove in Pennsylvania. appeared first on BangShift.com.
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