Texas Motorplex is one of three all-concrete dragstrips on the schedule (the first of its kind when it opened), which provides optimum traction and allows crew chiefs the opportunity to achieve national record performances. The event, which is the second chance for Countdown teams to earn points, takes place just a week after the Charlotte event, making for a long tow and a quick turnaround for the championship-hungry teams in all four Full Throttle classes.
2010 recap: A thrilling Sunday of racing at the silver-anniversary event tightened the points battles in all four classes when Tony Schumacher, Matt Hagan, Greg Anderson, and LE Tonglet scored victories. Three of the incoming points leaders — Larry Dixon in Top Fuel, Mike Edwards in Pro Stock, and Andrew Hines in Pro Stock Motorcycle — had their leads trimmed, but the latter two mitigated that somewhat by being in the final. Incoming Funny Car points leader John Force increased his lead by reaching the final but found a new rival in Hagan, who took over second place.
How to Get There: The track is on Highway 287, two miles west of Ennis and eight miles east of Waxahachie between interstates I-35E and I-45. From Dallas, take I-35E south to Exit 403, then Highway 287 South (east) 10 miles to the track, or take I-45 South to Exit 251B, then Highway 287 North (west) five miles to the track. From Fort Worth, take Highway 287 South (east) eight miles past Waxahachie to the track.
Visitor Information: Texas Motorplex, 972-878-2641; Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau, 972-878-4748,
www.visitennis.org