BAILEYTON – You looking for a good time? Then head out to the races in Baileyton, Alabama!
The Baileyton “Good Time” Drag Strip was started back in 1966 by Mr. Jack Walker, who named drag strip because he wanted everybody to have a “Good Time” while enjoying the racing action. Today, after nearly 50 years, he continues to operate the strip today and folks from all over the state come to race, holler and have a good time!
While Jack runs the place, he’s got a great team of help that ensure things run safe and smoothly. Sharron Walker, Jack’s wife, handles the concessions, while Vance Easterwood, his daughter Lou Ann Easterwood, grandson Russ Easterwood and Russ’ wife Sasha do the rest. The place is great fun for the whole family – because as you can see, it is run by family!
Not everyone can drive a race car at the track, so there’s always something for everyone going on. Children, as well as the adults, go nuts over the drag strip’s mascot. When it makes an appearance, the crowds go wild!
“The track mascot is the Ole Tater Hauler,” Vance explained. “This is a 1953 GMC truck, driven by Russ, that does a wheel stand all the way down the track,” he said with smile.
As if the Ole Tater Hauler wasn’t enough, there are usually some really interesting people there. The best part about this is – they usually bring their souped-up cars with them.
“A lot of known drag racers have passed through the Good Times. Bill ‘Grumpy’ Jenkins and ‘Dyno’ Don Nicholson was a big event back in the 70s when Grumpy was king of NHRA Pro Stock. Various Funny Cars have been to the track including the famous Bunny Burkett,” and with a twinkle in his eye, Vance told all about it. “Annually in June we have a favorite Jet Car at the strip. The jet car runs a J85 Westinghouse right out of a fighter jet. This car approach speeds of near 200 MPH in the 1/8 mile!”
Not only is the “Good Time” Drag Strip a local favorite, but it’s gotten national attention too.
“Last year Doc and Monza from the Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws paid us a visit, back in September,” Vance added. “Monza had just broken his hip and could not run, but he brought the nasty split bumper Camaro to the track,” he chuckled as he thought about it. “The guys were impressed with the people in Cullman and in the area and want to return this year. We will see…”
According to Webster’s Dictionary, drag racing is “a contest in which people race cars at very high speeds over a short distance; an acceleration contest between vehicles.” There are all sorts of different variations of drag racing and “Good Times” Drag Strip’s a great place to go to see the different ones in action.
“Special races are held for the street scene throughout the year,” Vance began. “Regular racing runs every Saturday night from the first Saturday in April until October or November, depending on the weather. Pro Bracket, Foot Brake and Motor Cycles/Jr. Dragsters classes all run on Saturday. Friday night are reserved for the grudge racing, testing, tuning and the guys and gals that want to practice and get into the hobby.”
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Baileyton “Good Times” Drag Strip, you should take a visit to the eastern portion of the county to see what it has to offer. The Baileyton “Good Times” Drag Strip is located at 1682 County Road 1719, Baileyton, AL 35019. For more information you may contact them at (256) 796-2892 or visit their webpage at www.baileytondragstrip.com.
Sharon Schuler Kreps may be contacted at sharon@cullmansense.com.
