One Oklahoma man's "need for speed" has led to what might be the next big thing in motorsports throughout the region.
Matt Neill, who lives in Pittsburg County, says that he "might" have participated in some "less than legal" street drag racing activities in his past, but his effort to organize and promote "sanctioned street drag racing" helps him get his racing fix and adrenaline rush without the hassles associated with the underground scene.
"I hate sanctioned drag strips, because it's all about who has the most money," said Neill. "When you are racing the streets it's more about the driver and who can do the best job of getting their car ready."
"Me and the circle of guys I race with are getting older, and I have a job with the federal government that I can't afford to lose, so underground racing just isn't worth the risk anymore", said Neill.
Neill started his organization last year out if concern for some financial problems the Pittsburg County town of Hartshorne was going through.
And the "H-Town Throw Down" was born.
"We were wanting to street race so I approached them about holding an event with their blessing with all of the money going back to the town," said Neill. "We held two events last year and we have three scheduled in 2019."
Neill said at the last event held in Hartshorne, there were over 900 paid adult admissions at $10 per person. Every cent of that money went to the town, but the benefits to the community far exceed just that revenue.
"We had 126 drivers and cars at the last race, and every one those represents people eating in restaurants, shopping in local stores, buying gas, excetera," said Neill. "We shut down a local 24-hour convenience store because they ran out of stuff...not even a single bag of ice left in the place."
Neill said he had heard about similar street races being held in Wagoner, Oklahoma and reached out to their organizers, resulting in a "point series" between the two venues.
"A lot of guys were racing in both places, so we just figured we would give them something to race for," said Neill. "It's created a lot of interest."
Neill says he is holding a new event in Muskogee called "Muskogee Cash Dash" (September 22) and just signed a three-year contract with that city to use Herbert Field airstrip for other races as well. In Hartshorne, the races are held on Apollo Street, adjacent to the Hartshorne Youth Baseball Complex, with police and fire presence during the events.
"We are fully insured and we make things as safe as we can for our drivers and spectators," said Neill, who said some of the cars are generating speeds up to 160 miles-per-hour. "And it's more competitive in some of the classes because dragging on a street surface puts a real emphasis on the driver and car set-up."
The second Hartshorne event this year will be held on Halloween weekend in October, Neill said the drivers bring bags of candy, the kids (who are admitted free) are urged to dress up and in costumes and that the races are shut down long enough for trick-or-treating in the pit area.
"We're big on families," said Neill. "It's a good time for everyone."
Neil and his wife Katlyn are reaching out to other communities in an effort to get more venues and expand sanctioned street racing in both Arkansas and Oklahoma.
You can contact Neill for more information by calling 918-617-0029.
You can check out some of the action from one of the events by clicking below...
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