May 21-30 has been declared Kansas NHRA Drag Racing Week. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed the proclamation April 1, 2004. Senator Ruth Teichman, whose district includes Great Bend, Kan., introduced the resolution on the floor of the senate to commemorate the 50th anniversary of NHRA's first national event in Great Bend in 1955. The resolution was then adopted by a majority vote of the senate.

The date coincides with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event scheduled at S.R.C.A. Drag Strip in Great Bend, May 21-23. The NHRA West Central division returned to S.R.C.A. Drag Strip with the divisional event last year.

Officials from NHRA Member Tracks in Kansas, as well as officials from NHRA's West Central division attended the April 1 ceremony. Raymond and Nancy Irwin, Bill Griffin and Butch Felker representing Heartland Park Topeka were in attendance and S.R.C.A. Drag Strip operators R.C. and Donna Williams made the trip to the capitol. West Central division director Rob Park and division coordinator Ron Conner, who worked closely with Senator Teichman to get the resolution passed, were also present.

"This is an important day for NHRA drag racing in Kansas," said Park. "I believe it demonstrates that our state officials see the importance of the sport here. And to have Kansas NHRA Drag Racing Week coincide with our Lucas Oil event in Great Bend is great. The race last year boasted more than 500 cars and I expect this year's to be even bigger. It just shows that racers are excited to return to Great Bend and, with the support we saw from the residents and merchants, it seems Great Bend is eager to have us back."