Legal speed vs. street danger: Why some believe Sloan Onondaga Dragway must survive
by Tina Cole-Mullins
The roar of engines has fallen silent once again at Sloan Onondaga Dragway—not in anticipation, but by court order. The latest ruling echoes a decade-long history of legal battles that have repeatedly forced the track to close, leaving racers and supporters questioning its future. The track, located about 20 miles south of Lansing in Onondaga, is more than just a strip of asphalt. It has been a gathering place where legacy meets passion, where classic cars roar back to life, and where a community fights to keep history alive.
A legacy interrupted
Originally opening in the 1970s, Sloan Onondaga Dragway had shut down before being revived in 2013. Immediately, the dragway faced opposition from local residents who were concerned about noise and property values. The legal battle played out in courtrooms with numerous twists, culminating in its purchase by Woody Sloan. Now, as yet another legal fight unfolds, the question remains: Will the track find its way back, or is this the final chapter?
The deadly cost of street racing
With the dragway closed, the consequences may extend beyond the courtroom to spill onto the streets. A tragic crash in Jackson on Sept. 28, 2024, left one man dead and several injured after the driver of a Ford F-250, allegedly drag racing, lost control and struck five UAW picketers. More recently, Lansing officials responded to another devastating street-racing accident. A five-vehicle crash injured 13 people, ranging in age from 3 to 52, and claimed the life of a 15-year-old.
When Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina recently issued an injunction halting races at Onondaga Dragway, frustration boiled over. A protest calling for its reopening circulated on social media, reinforcing the belief by some in the community that legal racing spaces might help to prevent street-racing tragedies. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Police Chief Robert Backus responded, stating their readiness to act against reckless driving.
A fight to keep legal racing
Despite the challenges, dragway owner Woody Sloan remains committed to reopening the track.
“We got a new judge who stated that I knew it was a nuisance when I bought it. At the time of purchase, it wasn’t shut down,” Sloan said. “We’re fighting this, and I’m confident we’ll get it up and running again. We gotta get this opened; I can’t see it staying closed.”
Since purchasing the track, Sloan took steps to address neighbors’ concerns. He built a 6-foot berm with 300 loads of dirt to minimize the sound. He also offered to buy homes of residents involved in the lawsuit at fair market value.
Sloan is hopeful and seeking broader support for the dragway.
Scott Bean, senior adviser to Lansing’s Mayor Schor, issued the following statement: “The mayor is supportive of Mr. Sloan’s invitation to drivers who want to go fast and give people a place to race legally.”
A legacy worth preserving
Phil Hutchinson, supervisor of Onondaga, attended a news conference organized by Sloan.
Hutchinson first attended races as a child and recognizes the track’s significance beyond nostalgia. “In my younger days, I did a little street racing,” Hutchinson said.
He supports efforts to keep the raceway open as a safe alternative for young drivers. “It keeps the kids off the street,” he said.
He also emphasized the dragway’s economic impact on the community. Local businesses like Dollar General, food establishments, and gas stations may benefit from the weekend race visitors.
“Everything is gone, and there’s no room for change or new development,” he said, underscoring the track’s importance to Onondaga’s identity.
Street racing is growing, but so are the risks
Chad Lindsey, a lifelong supporter, understands firsthand the need for the dragway in Onondaga. As a former street racer, he also sees the growing risks.
“Street racing has been around for a long time, but it’s getting worse—happening at times and places it shouldn’t,” Lindsey said.
Young drivers who are struggling financially often lack access to legal racetracks located hours away, making Onondaga Dragway a crucial alternative. Lindsey believes uncertainty around the track’s status has only fueled illegal racing.
“People don’t even know if it’s open again,” he said. Lindsey cited the track’s central location—just 20 minutes from several nearby towns—as a key reason for keeping it operational.
The tragic UAW incident in 2024 involving a family friend reinforced the dangers, Lindsey believes. He also recalled his own brother breaking his neck in a racing accident in 1986, as another reason for strengthening his stance.
“If I went in front of that judge for [charges of] street racing, she’d give me high fines, maybe take my license, or even jail time,” Lindsey said. “Yet she’s closing the one place meant to prevent it.” For Woody Sloan and the racing community, in their minds, the fight to keep Sloan Onondaga Dragway open isn’t just about preserving history—it also could be about saving lives.
All photos by Tina Cole-Mullins.
