Dakota Raceway Southwest

01/10/2026

Kev’s Perfect Win
With the held over American Muscle Challenge, ‘Unfinished Business’ eliminator completed during the morning’s RWYB sessions … it was down to business one more time this year for a new race at Dakota Raceway’s end of season eighth mile no prep bash.
Based on the morning’s practice timings top of the chart was Bevis Allen’s all alloy 400ci small block Chevy Impala Super Stocker followed by Kevin Headon’s 461ci Pontiac Le Mans and Steve Kerti’s ‘Airfield Classics’ Chevy Nova SS.
With a full 8 car eliminator (the first of its kind in AMC) - on show to the many spectator who came out to view the days Drag ‘N’ Drift, the first round kicked off with a shock for top man Bevis who managed to run under his dial-in of 7.80 with a 7.778s brake out against the Nova SS of James Olpin who also went under but by the least - 9.289s on a 9.30 dial.
Next up Andy Hooper’s 327ci ’32 Roadster stayed on the right side of his predicted 9.34 dial to stay a nose in front against Steve Kerti’s Metal flake green Nova Super Sport – 9.430s to 8.414s. Previous round winner John Parker narrowly missed out on another chance win behind the wheel of his French Championship winning Mustang – 9.173 to Kevin Headon’s 8.375s.
Closing out the round was a surprise win for new boy Mike ‘Chips’ Palmer whose orange Dodge RT Challenger was gifted his first eliminator win in his first ever drag race by Ben Sampson’s 408ci Chevy Chevelle Laguna, all in part thanks to a -0.500 redlight.
With the semi-finals set, four drivers stayed on the right side of their predicted dial-ins without a single breakout being registered - surprised me! But it did set up the final between Andy’s Roadster and Kevin’s Pontiac. Sad to see James’s Nova and Mike’s Challenger on the receiving end of two losses it had set up a great final season ending shootout.
With dial-ins applied Andy was away first, thanks to his 1.24 second head start at the ‘tree but it didn’t take long for the red Pontiac to draw level at the 330 mark and cross the eighth mile stripe a winner. But, hey that’s not the story because with Kev dialling in 8.10, he probably surprised himself with the cars perfect and bang on 8.100s winner over Andy’s game 9.509s against the Roadster’s 9.34 dial.
Well done, Kev. A quiet literally perfect way to end season for the first ever American Muscle Challenge at Dakota Raceway. I promise you there will be more of the same in 2027.
Photos by CAJ Photos

30/09/2026

https://straightliners.events/articles/times-for-26th-sept-2026/

We’re Europe’s leading organisers of straight line events, drag racing and motorsport for anything on wheels. From motorbikes to supercars, we’ve got you covered.

29/09/2026

For those wishing to know what times some of the National Sprint Association riders and bikes were achieving over the eighth mile at last Saturday Dakota Decider here's the full timing data and the classes they were running in.

29/09/2026

These are the best individual RWYB Times from last Saturday's Drag 'n' Drift 26th September. There are a few missing details like names and car details that we haven't got on out system which you might be able help us with information. Just add to the comments and we'll amend accordingly. Thank you for your participation and continued support.

28/09/2026

Congratulations to John ‘Billy Boy’ Parker in taking the ‘Unfinished Business’ American Muscle Challenge win presented by Straightliners at Dakota Raceway last Saturday morning – a race that we couldn’t finish from our August meet.
John, a former Sportsman ET and French drag racing champion back in the day, used all of his bracket racing track craft to maximum effect having driven his fairly stock Mustang GT into the final to take out Andy Hooper’s small block Chevy powered ’32 Roadster.
With 0.34 of second between both drivers on elected dial-ins for the handicapped start John’s quicker reacting 0.139s on the light to Andy’s 0.308s was just enough for the Mustang to play catch up at mid track, pass and trip the eighth mile win light while not breaking out of his trusted dial in figure of 9.00s to carry off: 9.187s to cover Andy’s 9.382s. However, the ’32 Roadster was defiantly catching the Mustang having maxed out across the line at 75.46 mph to John’s 68.19 mph.
Photos by Jerry Cookson

23/09/2026

There’s some unfinished business taking place at this Saturday’s Drag ‘N’ Drift. As we were unable to conclude the August American Muscle Challenge race, we have decided for the semi-finals and finals to be run during the morning car sessions of RWYB subject to track and weather conditions permitting.

These will be run with dial-ins between Bevis Allen’s might Chevy Impala and Andy Hooper’s 1932 Model B Hot Rod and in the second semi John Parker’s Sportsman ET Ford Mustang and Zane Llewylyn’s ’70 Chevy Camaro. Who will make it through to the final shootout. Find out this Saturday. Then we’ll do it all over again with the day’s attending American Muscle Challengers. In affect two races in one day - now that’s valued entertainment!

Throughout the day there will be RWYB sessions for any make of car, motorcycle or vehicle. For event entries, advance tickets & information call Trevor: 07971 172210 or Helen: 07921 712266.
https://straightliners.events/all-events/.

Dakota Raceway can be found at Smeatharpe Airfield, Honiton, Devon EX14 9RF.

21/09/2026

So much going on with the NSA Max Power Shootout, American Muscle Car Challenge with 2 races in one fabulous day, and plenty of RWYB. Last one of the season. Dare you miss out this Saturday 26th September.

Dakota Raceway
Smeatharpe Airfield, Honiton
EX14 9RF

Saturday 26th September
REAL BIKES • REAL CARS • REAL RACING

👉 For entries and more information, visit:
www.nationalsprintassociation.org⁠ & https://straightliners.events/events/dakota-26th-september-2026/

21/09/2026

Last one of the season.

14/09/2026

Just under 2 weeks away to the final meet - the Dakota Decider at Smeatharpe Airfield Saturday 26th September. Details below.

09/09/2026

The Dakota Decider - everything motorcycle wise in just one day's drag and sprint racing - the Ruler of the 1/8th Mile and the Max Power Head to Head Shootout and NSA class action all in one fast moving day at Smeatharpe Airfield. Got your entry in yet! You'll kick yourself if you haven't.