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IHRA: Dragway 42 Signs as Newest IHRA Member Track

22 January 1998

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- International Hot Rod Association officials announced Tuesday the addition of Dragway 42 in West Salem, Ohio as the newest IHRA member facility. The quarter- mile track is owned and operated by Jack Ehrmantraut.

Dragway 42 has operated under IHRA sanction on two different occasions in the past, and was the site of the 1972 IHRA Summer Nationals. The track, NHRA sanctioned since 1994, also hosted several American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) national events in the early 1980s.

Track spokesman Toby Ehrmantraut said Dragway 42 wanted to be the first new track to show support of Bill Bader's recent appointment as IHRA president and majority stockholder.

"We're really excited about the future of IHRA with Bill at the helm," Ehrmantraut said. "He has done great things for racing in the past and we believe he is going to do great things with the IHRA. When we heard the news, we couldn't make the call fast enough."

Ehrmantraut said his plans are to focus primarily on the IHRA bracket program.

"We're going to an all no-delay box program this season," he said. "The IHRA bracket program is better suited for that. Our racers have proved that they can be competitive in any sanctioning body's bracket program. We just feel that Bill has plans to elevate IHRA's bracket program and we definitely want to be a part of that."

The addition of quality race facilities is one of Bader's top priorities.

"I am pleased that Dragway 42 wanted to be the first track to come on board during this exciting time for IHRA," Bader said. "Their show of support really means a lot. Obviously Dragway 42 is a facility that we are proud to add to our family of tracks."

Dragway 42 is located one mile northeast of US 301 in West Salem on US 42.