Track holds annual Sonny McCoy race
By Cariss Trueblood

In honor of the late Sonny McCoy, Northeast Dragway hosts a race every year for his family to come out and enjoy.

Family members came all the way from New York to celebrate the life of the former racer, who passed in 2011 after a crash at Outer Banks Speedway.

The Pasquotank County native had a strong career in the Empire State, setting records at New York National Speedway in the 1970s before returning home in the 1990s.

Due to the heat, gates opened at 5 p.m. and the race began at 7.

There were four different classes for the racers to participate in: Gamblers Mod, Gamblers Top, Stock Block, and 10.5.

Joey Owens took the win in the Gamblers Mod class in his 1985 Ranger. D.J. Jackson took first in the Gamblers Top in his 1987 Daytona.

Jed Drew in his 1984 Camaro won in the Stock Block class while Billy Gordon was tops in 10.5.

“That’s the fastest I have ever been in a car with 10.5-inch radial tires,” Gordon said.

Gordon is the new record holder for Northeast Dragway’s small tire class, marking a speed in excess of 180 mph.

On Friday, Northeast will have a Test and Tune where anyone can come out and try out their vehicle.

A grudge event will be hosted by “Block” Wallace the next day as racers will be able to test and tune or grudge all day.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. and time runs will start at 3. Top ET, Mod, and Bike classes will be available.