Barona gears up for Match Race Madness

The drag racing event known as Match Race Madness will return to the Barona Drag Strip for the 10th time on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This fun-filled family-oriented event draws drag racing competitors and spectators. Fans are encouraged to get up close and personal with their favorite racers to learn more about their machines by asking questions or lending a helping hand.

As a special treat for children, racers sign autographs. Youngsters who get 10 or more autographs will get a Match Race Madness sticker and a free hot dog.

Match racing has been around since the 1960s. In an effort to bring true, heads-up drag racing to the forefront of a bracket-dominated sport, racer Steve Sherman organized a Ford versus Chevy match race, which led to a San Diego versus Los Angeles 800-spectator event. Thus, the idea of 20 pairs of racers as opposed to one pair came to be, and Match Race Madness was born. Holding true to grassroots, heads up drag racing tradition, the racer with the best two out of three races wins.

Featured at Match Race Madness will be AFX cars, imports and motorcycles. New will be the 6.50 match up. Racers who run a time within that range will be paired up randomly.

Every ticket is a pit pass so fans can meet their favorite driver and see up close every car or bike that will be racing down the track. Camping is free.

Barona Drag Strip is at 1750 Wildcat Canyon Road. For more information, call 951-551-5118 or visit Baronadrags.com.