New owner launches other events at site until track can reopen

by Tina Cole-Mullins

With the coming of warm spring days, there also appears to be new activities and excitement at the embattled Onondaga Dragway on Bellevue Road in Onondaga.

Recently, even the “Save the Onondaga Dragway” Facebook page has a breath of fresh air about it, with the announcement of a new track owner and a stated goal of reopening the facility.

“Right now, we have no definitive date of reopening the dragway itself, although that is the initial plan,” said Dana (Sloan) Martin, daughter of new owner Woody Sloan. “My dad is out there daily making preparations to reopen the dragway.”

Improvements at the grounds are off to a good start. A new timing tower is going up and guardrails should be installed shortly, according to sources working on the site.

“Until we are ready to (reopen the dragway), we will be hosting ongoing events, starting April 3, 2021, with the Onondaga Dragway Swap Meet and Vendor Craft Show,” Martin said. “We will have 70 acres for cars, parts, arts and crafts. Come on out and show your support; gates open at 8 a.m.”

Martin said as the new owners, they look forward to engaging with supporters and answering questions throughout the day and at upcoming events.

The new owner brings signs of hope to the once-struggling business. It’s been a long and rough road for the Onondaga Dragway after several neighbors filed a lawsuit to close the track, claiming it was a nuisance. The legal battles lasted for years and drained away money for operations.

In March 2019, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against the facility. About the same time, former owner Dan Pranshka died after a brief battle with cancer. The dragway closed with  hopes of reopening after raising the necessary funds. At that time, all the money raised totaled more than $70,000, and was applied toward the outstanding legal debt.

When asked about the expectation of legal issues that may loom on the horizon, Martin said with a chuckle, “Yes, we are aware there could be issues, and all I can say is we are prepared to address them.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the track and fans of drag racing eagerly await the reopening.

Terry Anderson, a drag racing enthusiast from Munith, said, “We loved Onondaga when it was opened and we plan on running again when it opens. Come December, we will have had our Dart 41 years, and not street legal.”

James Wood, a longtime supporter and advocate for the Onondaga Dragway, testified in prior legal proceedings.

“I am a former school board member and I helped get kids jobs at the track,” Wood said. “It helps keep young people out of trouble, especially on the road.”

Wood lives just down the road from the dragway. His son grew up attending township meetings to open the track, Wood said.

“Me and my son will be racing again. We are a father and son racing team. I have a number of old Fords to race,” he said, as evidenced by his Mach 1 Mustang photo.

Local supporter Nick Fay calls himself the “official nobody,” not affiliated with the dragway, just a simple fan trying to get the word out.

“I am very pleased to see all the positive comments from people all over the state whom support Onondaga Dragway reopening,” Fay said. “Not just racers, but spectators and folks that remember the good times there in the past.”

Through public comments made within social media posts, Onondaga Township confirms that proper channels and permits have been obtained. Township officials also are aware of the plans for the upcoming swap meet.  

At a time when many small businesses are closing their doors or hurt by the pandemic restrictions, activities such as drag racing, car shows and outdoor events are a much-needed draw. The township has long stood in support of the economic boost and asset brought by the dragway’s racers and spectators, who are coming into the area from across the state.

If you go
Onondaga Dragway Swap Meet and Vendor Craft Show
4186 Bellevue Road, Onondaga, MI 49264
70 acres for cars, parts, and arts and crafts
Saturday, April 3
Gates open 8 a.m.
$5 per person entry fee

$35 for parts spot, if paid that day at gate (must have own table)

$25 for parts spot, if paid in advance

$20 per arts and craft spot (must have own table)

$10 per car for car corral
To register, call Dana at 734-482-2224.