Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.
Update 9/19/2024 From Brian Ledford:
Kaleva-
It is season championship time at Northern Michigan Dragway. This Saturday, September 21st features the Authentic 231 Racing Series points championship finale. Next Saturday, September 28th will close out the 2024 season with the Statewide Towing Street Nights finale.
Of the five Authentic 231 Racing Series classes, three championships have already been decided. Travis Mardlin of Kaleva decided to pursue the SK Customs Pro Trophy championship at the beginning of this season. He dropped out of Bracket I, after several seasons with Top 5 finishes, due to a rule that racers can only race in a maximum of two classes each race day. Prior to the season's start, Carter's Custom Welding and Hot Rod Shop in Frankfort announced their donation of a high performance racing engine, valued at over $10,000. Mardlin knew his chances to gain round points were best in Pro Trophy, and made the move. The switch paid off for him, as his 624 points through 15 events has clinched the top overall position in the points, which allows him first pick of the season's prizes.
Both junior division champions have already been decided. Skyler Randall of Bear Lake took his 7th Mini Junior win of the season last week and had the championship locked up weeks before. Ann Cerka of Free Soil locked up her first championship, clinching with a semi-final finish last Saturday in Advanced.
Bracket I is anything but locked up. Tom Whitaker of Muskegon is tied with Benzonia's Kyle Kidder for the points lead. Each of the top 8 drivers are still in the running. Team Chris Gee is only 4 points behind, in third, with Mike Stokes representing the team at the season finale. Bracket II has three racers still in the hunt for the top spot. Kyle Kidder holds a 47-point lead over Dale Mardlin of Kaleva, and Maple City's Phil Anderson only a point behind Mardlin in third.
Time trials are set to begin at noon Saturday, with one time trial per racer. Eliminations will follow at approximately 2 pm.
NMD is located three miles north of Kaleva on Potter Road. More information, including points standings, can be found at NorthernMichiganDragway.com
AKA Manistee County Dragway
Eighth-mile dragstrip in Manistee County. Owned & operated by Tom & Sharon Ledford. Track managers Wayne & Brian Ledford. Track first opened Memorial Day 1970. TSI timing system. Fully lighted for night racing. 30 acre paved expansion spring 2017. 120' new concrete launch pad for 2016 season. New concrete burn boxes, expanded staging lanes and tower expansion in 2018. Complete resurfacing of race track from 60' to finish line in 2021 in addition to more paved pit roads, return roads and staging lanes.
This time, it's Ford's turn to take on all other contenders. A great forecast has racers eager to get on track with this weekend's Blue Oval Battle 10.0 at Northern Michigan Dragway.
This Ford vs. World scorecard has been a nail-biter the past few seasons. Last year's event ended in a tie score, as an 8th-round Pro Trophy final decided the outcome.
Sponsored by C. Petersen and Sons Trucking and Excavating, along with Manistee Ford, this event will determine the championship for NMD's Top Doorslammer 2022 season.
Sean Nagy of Houghton Lake took a convincing championship at Mopars Against the World last month, setting another new track record for doorslammers. With his Ford Mustang's victory and bonus points for being #1 qualifier, Nagy moved into 3rd place in the season standings with 51 points. Ron Brow of Belmont is holding onto the lead in the class with his "Blue Mamba" '66 Chevy II, while Bill Heiges of Beulah is currently 2nd with his classic '37 Chevy. With up to 41 points up-for-grabs in the $2,500 to win race, any of the top 6 racers in the standings have a legitimate shot at taking the championship. Two qualifying rounds will take place Friday evening, and the 3 round main event goes down throughout Saturday evening.
A whopping $10,000 will go to the winner of Bracket II on Saturday evening, and $3,000 to the Bracket I winner. Friday evening will have great competition in both classes, as each competes for $2,000 to win. Over $40,000 in total payouts is set to be disbursed.
Action begins on Thursday evening with time trials starting at 4 pm for all classes, and will feature eliminations for Street Trophy and Junior divisions. Friday and Saturday both feature an 11am start time, with eliminations set to be underway at approximately 2 pm each day.
More info can be found on the NMD website at NorthernMichiganDragway.com. NMD is located three miles north of Kaleva on Potter Road.