By Nick Harris
BONNE TERRE, Mo. -- (Feb. 27, 2005) In the 1970's, countless people in America started a hobby that would prove too expensive for their own good. Hours were spent welding, assembling, and building dune buggies to race on local dunes, in sand pits, and sugarbowls. People all across America bought and modified dune buggies for their own weekend enjoyment, and at the peak of this trend a new sport developed. Sand Drag Racing was introduced to Southeast Missouri in 1983, and has provided hundreds of enjoyable weekends for countless fans and racing enthusiasts.
What began as the Midwest Brush Busters later evolved into GORRA (Greater Off Road Racing Association), where racers would travel on occasional weekends to different tracks throughout Missouri. In 1983, businessman and racer John McCulloch (who ran a track in Desloge, Missouri) bought out GORRA and created the Missouri Sand Racing Association [M.S.R.A.].
The M.S.R.A. had numerous sanctioned tracks located in Southeast Missouri, and raced throughout the state in towns including Bolivar, Portageville, Lesterville, Bonne Terre, St. Charles, Rolla, Monroe City, and Ironton. What had started as a "few fun weekends a year with buddies calling races by flag" developed into a more modern form of racing throughout the mid 80's. A Christmas tree was built in 1984, and the Desloge track (a.k.a. "Counts'") started using timing cameras and a point system by 1986. In this time span however, other tracks/locations began to fizzle out, and by 1988 only one M.S.R.A. sanctioned track would remain.
In 1990, John McCulloch purchased several acres of land just south of Big River Hills, visible from US Highway 67. With help from employees, racers, and friends, John led the effort to construct a racetrack complete with an enclosed tower, inner and outer guardrail, a timing system, scales, a concession stand, and bleachers. The scheduled number of races seemed to grow every year, passing 20 in the late 90's. Weekly regulars stayed/developed, and local racers would only travel away from BRSD to attend the Sedalia State Fair and Gravelrama.
Racers came and went through the years, but some became fixtures. However, in the late 90's John McCulloch's health began to deteriorate, as did the number of racers and spectators. Track staff went to BRSD each Saturday not knowing if it would be the last week Big River would remain open. In a seemingly "last effort" in 1999, John McCulloch decided to hire Public Relations/Broadcasting specialist Jeff Mills to promote the track. The results were immediate and immense. A new wave of racing fans flowed into the bleachers week after week, and new competitors and racecars seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. Track records were set (Ken Barbee's amazing run of 2.72), along with attendance records (1,000 fans/121 racers). Big River Sand Drags was revitalized.
With the revitalization in progress, new fundraising techniques were utilized and funding became available to improve the track. Through the money made by front-row parking passes and advertising signs, a new P.A. System was purchased, the Port-A-Tree timing system's wiring was placed underground, the tower was moved, fencing and guardrail were upgraded, restrooms were built, and a Wall of Fame was constructed on the West Side of the Tower. In a tear-filled ceremony in 2001, John McCulloch became the very first member of the Wall of Fame. However, at the peak of this amazing run, John found that he was no longer physically able to manage his dynasty. In 2002, the sale of Big River Sand Drags was official.
One young Jason Waller Sr., of Ste. Genevieve, MO purchased the track in 2002, and has been successful in continuing the tradition and progress of Big River. Equipment improvements have been made, financial, property, and rule disputes have been settled, a new class was created [to influence outside racers to visit BRSD], and the Doe Run Project began clearing land, providing a scenic view of the rolling hills of Missouri. Big River Sand Drags is constantly finding new ways to draw tourists and visitors. Fearlessness to progress and reluctance to forget our past have contributed greatly to the new movement of Big River Sand Drags, and the entire sport of sand drag racing.
Twenty-two years ago, no one could have guessed that the M.S.R.A. would slowly fizzle out leaving one single track. No one could have guessed that the one remaining sand drag track in Southeast Missouri would gain national attention. It has been survival of the fittest, and Big River Sand Drags has weathered the storm. Other tracks throughout the United States may offer a larger number of more amazing cars. They may join forces to develop huge sand racing associations with big sponsors and promotions, but they are only successful through the creation and evolution of this sport. Undoubtedly, a large contributor to the evolution of sand drag racing has been Big River Sand Drags, and we too will continue to evolve.
This year Big River Sand Drags will officially open it's 2005 racing season on Saturday, April 9th. However there will be a couple of events prior to the opener. On March 26th there will be a "Work Day" to clean-up the facility and get it ready for the season. Then on April 2nd the annual "Play Day" will be held from 1 p.m. until dark.
For more information about Big River Sand Drags visit the track's website at: www.bigriversanddrags.com or phone public relations director Jeff Mills at (573) 747-0566.
BONNE TERRE, Mo. -- (Feb. 27, 2005) In the 1970's, countless people in America started a hobby that would prove too expensive for their own good. Hours were spent welding, assembling, and building dune buggies to race on local dunes, in sand pits, and sugarbowls. People all across America bought and modified dune buggies for their own weekend enjoyment, and at the peak of this trend a new sport developed. Sand Drag Racing was introduced to Southeast Missouri in 1983, and has provided hundreds of enjoyable weekends for countless fans and racing enthusiasts.
What began as the Midwest Brush Busters later evolved into GORRA (Greater Off Road Racing Association), where racers would travel on occasional weekends to different tracks throughout Missouri. In 1983, businessman and racer John McCulloch (who ran a track in Desloge, Missouri) bought out GORRA and created the Missouri Sand Racing Association [M.S.R.A.].
The M.S.R.A. had numerous sanctioned tracks located in Southeast Missouri, and raced throughout the state in towns including Bolivar, Portageville, Lesterville, Bonne Terre, St. Charles, Rolla, Monroe City, and Ironton. What had started as a "few fun weekends a year with buddies calling races by flag" developed into a more modern form of racing throughout the mid 80's. A Christmas tree was built in 1984, and the Desloge track (a.k.a. "Counts'") started using timing cameras and a point system by 1986. In this time span however, other tracks/locations began to fizzle out, and by 1988 only one M.S.R.A. sanctioned track would remain.
In 1990, John McCulloch purchased several acres of land just south of Big River Hills, visible from US Highway 67. With help from employees, racers, and friends, John led the effort to construct a racetrack complete with an enclosed tower, inner and outer guardrail, a timing system, scales, a concession stand, and bleachers. The scheduled number of races seemed to grow every year, passing 20 in the late 90's. Weekly regulars stayed/developed, and local racers would only travel away from BRSD to attend the Sedalia State Fair and Gravelrama.
Racers came and went through the years, but some became fixtures. However, in the late 90's John McCulloch's health began to deteriorate, as did the number of racers and spectators. Track staff went to BRSD each Saturday not knowing if it would be the last week Big River would remain open. In a seemingly "last effort" in 1999, John McCulloch decided to hire Public Relations/Broadcasting specialist Jeff Mills to promote the track. The results were immediate and immense. A new wave of racing fans flowed into the bleachers week after week, and new competitors and racecars seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. Track records were set (Ken Barbee's amazing run of 2.72), along with attendance records (1,000 fans/121 racers). Big River Sand Drags was revitalized.
With the revitalization in progress, new fundraising techniques were utilized and funding became available to improve the track. Through the money made by front-row parking passes and advertising signs, a new P.A. System was purchased, the Port-A-Tree timing system's wiring was placed underground, the tower was moved, fencing and guardrail were upgraded, restrooms were built, and a Wall of Fame was constructed on the West Side of the Tower. In a tear-filled ceremony in 2001, John McCulloch became the very first member of the Wall of Fame. However, at the peak of this amazing run, John found that he was no longer physically able to manage his dynasty. In 2002, the sale of Big River Sand Drags was official.
One young Jason Waller Sr., of Ste. Genevieve, MO purchased the track in 2002, and has been successful in continuing the tradition and progress of Big River. Equipment improvements have been made, financial, property, and rule disputes have been settled, a new class was created [to influence outside racers to visit BRSD], and the Doe Run Project began clearing land, providing a scenic view of the rolling hills of Missouri. Big River Sand Drags is constantly finding new ways to draw tourists and visitors. Fearlessness to progress and reluctance to forget our past have contributed greatly to the new movement of Big River Sand Drags, and the entire sport of sand drag racing.
Twenty-two years ago, no one could have guessed that the M.S.R.A. would slowly fizzle out leaving one single track. No one could have guessed that the one remaining sand drag track in Southeast Missouri would gain national attention. It has been survival of the fittest, and Big River Sand Drags has weathered the storm. Other tracks throughout the United States may offer a larger number of more amazing cars. They may join forces to develop huge sand racing associations with big sponsors and promotions, but they are only successful through the creation and evolution of this sport. Undoubtedly, a large contributor to the evolution of sand drag racing has been Big River Sand Drags, and we too will continue to evolve.
This year Big River Sand Drags will officially open it's 2005 racing season on Saturday, April 9th. However there will be a couple of events prior to the opener. On March 26th there will be a "Work Day" to clean-up the facility and get it ready for the season. Then on April 2nd the annual "Play Day" will be held from 1 p.m. until dark.
For more information about Big River Sand Drags visit the track's website at: www.bigriversanddrags.com or phone public relations director Jeff Mills at (573) 747-0566.
