The World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and Gleason Dragway have announced a multi-year sanction agreement that will see the newly renovated Gleason Raceway Park join the alliance in 2025 and beyond. The Northup family have been on a tear of improvements since their acquisition of the facility in early 2021, and flying the WDRA flag will give them the opportunity to expand on those improvements.
“There is no better definition of a family owned and operated facility when most of the staff with radios on are part of that family,” said Jon O’Neal with the WDRA. “The essence of providing a safe, attractive, and family oriented experience is alive and well at Gleason.”
Brothers Sam and Rick Northup, alongside Samantha Archabal and the extended Gleason family, have been hard at work with a fresh AccuTime Timing System and wiring, starting line concrete work, extension of the shutdown and return road, and a mass of equipment purchases and repairs to get the facility to their level of operation. Sam and Rick are carrying on the tradition of being in business together for over thirty years.
“I feel that this is the right move for our racers,” said Gleason co-owner Rick Northup. “The professionalism of the WDRA shows in their efforts. Looking forward at the next ten years, we feel the WDRA is the right fit for our facility and is going to be the place to be.”
Co-owner Sam Northup adds, “We see a group that cares about the sport and is not in this for the profit. “We have to feel proud of what we are behind, and we can be proud to be part of the WDRA.”
The racers of Gleason Dragway will now have the opportunity to receive perks from nearly a dozen companies that support WDRA members with discounts and benefits. The track will also take part in the Summit Southern Bracket Finals and the Summit World Championships at Montgomery International Dragway. The racers will have to explain to those from surrounding tracks why Gleason’s signature dishes, “Idaho Nachos” are neither from Idaho nor nachos.
“I am looking forward to the experience we had when we have raced as a family in our past,” said Gleason co-owner Samantha Archabal. “I have seen how the WDRA has shown their experience and how they have built this new organization. They truly embody the essence of “the glory days” of bracket racing by being for the racers, for the community and for the track.
Their organization and confidence in decision making will help us move forward. We understand that there are racers that may be apprehensive about this change, but we are here to assure them that this will benefit our community, and the transition will be smooth.”
This story was originally published on December 12, 2024. 
