The once-uncertain future of a legendary NHRA, central-Pennsylvania national event drag strip has greatly stabilized since the Koretsky family purchased it.
Tickets are now on sale for the 38th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, which again serves as the opening race of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship on Sept. 14-17 at Maple Grove Raceway.
The historic track has been a staple on the NHRA tour for nearly four decades and has been home to countless memorable performances over the years, and last year marked a special moment in track history as well. Kenny Koretsky and his family, including current Pro Stock driver Kyle Koretsky, purchased the track in 2022, making several upgrades to the track and facility.
It helped lead to a spectacular weekend with massive crowds, including a sellout crowd on Saturday during the Koretsky family’s first national event. Building on that momentum, the passionate fans in the area will again be able to enjoy another thrilling weekend of 330-mp racing action at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals in 2023.
“To see the support of the racing fans last year was incredible. It was a fantastic first national event for our family and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals in 2023,” Kyle Koretsky said. “We’ve built a strong team and we’re continuing to work hard to give our customers a top-notch facility. There are so many great racing fans in this area, and we’re determined to always make this event an incredible one for every fan and race team in attendance.”
The 38th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals from Maple Grove Raceway is the first of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the 16th of 21 races during the 2023 season. Austin Prock (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year’s event, which was shown on FOX as the NFL adjacent broadcast, drawing the biggest viewing audience in NHRA history.
All four professional classes will again be on hand in Reading to open the postseason in 2023, with drivers looking to get a quick start on the road to a championship. Enders went on to win her fifth world title in Pro Stock, also picking up her first career victory at Maple Grove Raceway, while both Hight and Gladstone finished second in points. It was one of two victories in the Countdown to the Championship for Prock, who finished a career-best third in points.
Located in the heart of Amish country, the fan-favorite facility boasts a wonderful, scenic backdrop for the huge fanbase that turns out to see one incredible run after another. Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force made the quickest run in NHRA history in 2019 with a pass of 3.623-seconds, one of many marquee moments at the track over the years. Tony Schumacher, who made his return to full-time racing in 2022, has posted five Top Fuel wins at the facility over the years, while John Force’s seven Funny Car victories are the most for any professional driver at Maple Grove Raceway.
In Pro Stock, Greg Anderson, who picked up his 100th career win in 2022, has three wins in Reading and Eddie Krawiec has five in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Krawiec, a multi-time champ, is also one victory away from his 50th career win entering 2023.
The can’t-miss action at Maple Grove Raceway will include four rounds of qualifying, including two on both Friday and Saturday. That leads into eliminations on Sunday, where fans can witness all the thrilling side-by-side action as the stars of the NHRA race for the coveted Wally trophy.
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