Brown County’s no-prep drag race brings racers and spectators to Brown County from across the world.
Before the small tire premiere class begins, the Brown County Dragway pauses for the national anthem and a prayer.
If racing is not enough, crowds can enjoy vendors and live music during War in the Woods weekend.
Last year between 5,000 and 6,000 people attended the event at the dragway.
Does anyone smell burned rubber?
Something is stirring in the woods of Bean Blossom. No worries, it’s the Brown County Dragway’s annual War in the Woods back for its 11th year.
The no-prep race is scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14 with gates opening at 9 a.m. and races starting at 3 p.m.
Brown County Dragway Owner Jeff Thomas explained that a no-prep drag race is different from a typical race because it is not prepared for traction. It is similar to street drag racing.
Last year the dragway saw between 5,000 and 6,000 people during the War in the Woods weekend.
Thomas bought the dragway in April to ensure the longevity of War in the Woods, he said.
“That’s the only way that you control your own destiny, is that you own it,” said Thomas.
This will be his sixth year organizing the event.
“We don’t turn anybody away, but we’re constantly making more room for them and giving more parking,” said Thomas. “We have parking at Bill Monroe’s Campground and then we have access to the track from Bill Monroe’s property. We are at capacity parking wise at Brown County Dragway, so we have a bunch of land over there and we also lease some adjoining land to park spectators in.”
Thomas said they have EMTs, a rescue crew and an ambulance on site for the event to ensure safety for racers and spectators. While rumors have spiraled online, Thomas set them straight by saying that since he has taken over, there have always been lights on the track. In the past they would rent lights for the event and are currently installing permanent fixtures.
“War in the Woods has the best racers from all over the country, spectators from all over the world,” said Thomas. “We have spectators flying in from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Great Britain, everywhere. We have racers from all over the country coming in just from War in the Woods including Arizona, California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, you name it. It’s really unbelievable. This coming event right here, Wes Buck that owns Drag Illustrated will be on the property. 1320 video usually comes to the races, it just has a really huge internet following. YouTube is huge with War in the Woods and then a lot of people follow it and have seen all of the videos, and then they travel because they want to come see it.”
In 2023 there were 194 racers among the five classes, small tire, big tire, gangster 26, hard tire and true street.
Thomas estimates between 150 and 200 racers at this year’s event, racers can show up on the day of the event to register and race.
All of the classes have a 100 percent pay back, in which the entry fee is totaled up for the overall prize money which also includes extra money from sponsorships. Thomas said that the buy-in for the small tire class is $300 and he estimates the purse for that class will be between $25,000 and $30,000, but will depend on how many racers participate.
Last year, the big tire class’ prize was $6,000, according to Thomas. All of the other classes range in between.
“Total purse paid out for this event will probably be in the $60,000 to $70,000 range,” said Thomas. “Anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000.”
Ticket sales for the event are cash-only and can be made at the gate. A one-day pass is $25 and a two-day pass is $40. Parking at the Dragway is included in the price, but overflow parking and camping can be done at Bill Monroe’s Campground for $10 per car.
Presale tickets went on sale for the online Monday at www.war-in-the-woods-no-prep.com/ticket-camping-info on a first-come-first-serve basis. The presale tickets are $100 per person and include VIP parking, three free beers, a $10 food voucher and access to the VIP spectator area.
On Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. the Dragway is hosting a party for the race where spectators can meet the racers, buy their tickets early, listen to music, check out the food vendors and get to know the track. The Sept. 12 party is free to attend. According to Thomas, around 1,000 people attended the party alone last year.
“I think the race is a really positive thing for the community and I think it generates a lot of local revenue for local businesses,” said Thomas. “I’d like to see the race track and War in the Woods itself have the people see it as a positive thing for the community.”
War in the Woods is looking for local businesses to sponsor the event, interested parties can contact Thomas via email at [email protected] or phone at (317) 340-1789.
