Countyline Dragway opened in September 2007 at the former Opa-locka West Airport on the east side of US 27 just north of the north end of Krome Avenue. The owner is leasing the airport from the county until the county mines all the limestone underneath which will leave a huge lake someday. Countyline Dragway features 1/8 mile drags where anyone can run on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Racers can drag for $20 and regular admission is $10. The Countyline Dragway website is located at: < http://www.countylinedragwayinc.com/

I went on their one-year anniversary races on September 27, 2008 which was also their monthly "Beat the Heat" night where draggers can run against police cars that have been beefed up for the drags. If you beat the police cars in a drag they award you with a "I Beat the Heat" t-shirt.

I haven't been to drag races in many years and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening out there. It was crowded and the owner is one of the two friendly announcers who made everyone feel welcome and thanked them repeatedly for coming out to watch the drags. The concession stands had a large barbecue grill where the grilled burgers and hot dogs were delicious. I got to witness Doug Horween's Extreme Outlaw Doorslammer '68 Camaro, sponsored by Murray's Speed and Custom, set a new track record with a speed of 154.07 mph and ET of 4.78 seconds in the 1/8 mile.

I'll be back with a buddy or two because it's great fun that brings back memories of drag racing many years ago at Amelia Earhart Field, Masters Field, the illegal Krome Avenue "Midnights" and the Hollywood Sportatorium.