Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals
Gainesville, Fla.
(March 18-21)
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35th Annual
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Gainesville Raceway
Gainesville Raceway opened in 1969 and held its first Gatornationals event in 1970. Long considered one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit, it was from this legendary launch point that drivers clocked the first 260-, 270- and 300-mph Top Fuel runs. It also was from this starting line, during the 2000 Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, that eight of 10 national records were set in the professional classes. Following the 2003 season, Gainesville Raceway underwent some significant renovations. The concrete launchpad at the starting line of the ultra-quick drag strip was extended to the 675-foot mark and the remainder of the racing surface, the shutdown area, as well as areas in the professional pits, were repaved. A new television compound was constructed for the ESPN crew on the north side of the drag strip, which frees up space in the pit area. The timing tower had the restroom facilities upgraded, and new carpet and windows were installed in several of the corporate suites. The storm drainage system in the parking lots was upgraded and several of the access roads to the sportsman pit areas were improved.
ADDRESS: 11211 N. County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
ELEVATION: 180 feet
WEBSITE: www.gainesvilleraceway.com; www.nhra.com
TICKET INFORMATION: (800) 884-6472; (904) 353-3309
HOW TO GET THERE: The track is located on County Road 225, eight miles north of Gainesville Regional Airport. If traveling south on Interstate 75, use exit 399 and turn left on U.S. Highway 441. In 12 miles, turn left on CR 121, and in three miles, take right fork onto CR 231. In three miles, turn right on 156th Ave. (CR 340). After 3.8 miles, take right fork onto CR 225 and continue 2.7 miles to the racetrack. If traveling north on I-75, use exit 382, Williston Road (CR 331). Turn left (east) to Waldo Road (State Route 24) and go north. Turn left on N.E. 53rd Ave., then immediately right on CR 225 and continue 3.5 miles to the racetrack. Alternate route from I-75 North: Use exit 390, 39th Ave. (CR 222). Turn right (east), then left on Waldo Road (SR 24). Turn left on N.E. 53rd Ave., then immediately right on CR 225 and continue 3.5 miles to the racetrack.
VISITOR INFORMATION: Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau, (352) 374-5231; Gainesville area Chamber of Commerce, (352) 334-7100, gainesvillechamber.com
GAINESVILLE RACEWAY RECOMMENDS PLACES TO STAY: Gainesville: Bambi Motel, (352) 376-2622 • Best Western, (352) 331-3336 • Cabot Lodge, (352) 375-2400 • Comfort Inn-13th St., (352) 373-6500 • Courtyard by Marriott, (352) 335-9100 or (800) 321-2211 • DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center, (352) 371-3600 • EconoLodge, (352) 373-7816 • Fairfield Inn-Marriott, (352) 332-8292 • Gator Lodge, (352) 376-4667 • Hampton Inn, (352) 371-4171 • Holiday Inn-West, (352) 332-7500 • Knights Inn-13th St., (352) 376-1211 • Motel 6, (352) 373-1604• Orchard Park Motel, (352) 468-1211 • Ramada Limited, (352) 373-0392 • Red Roof Inn, (352) 336-3311 • Residence Inn-Marriott, (352) 371-2101 • Rush Lake Motel, (352) 373-5000 • Super 8-13th St., (352) 372-3654 • Super 8-40th Blvd., (352) 378-3888 • Sweetwater Branch, (352) 373-6760 • Villager Lodge, (352) 372-1880
CAMPING: Travelers Campground, (904) 462-2505