Texas Motorplex track owners Billy Meyer and Christie Meyer Johnson welcomed media members, social media influencers, sponsors, along with city and county officials to a specialty event at the historic track located south of Dallas. The event featured Funny Car driver Buddy Hull executing a ceremonial race-opening burnout in a special 40th anniversary-themed Funny Car, the unveiling of the throwback Stampede of Speed event logo, the introduction of the specialty “Burnout Bun” signature dessert, and thoughts and insight from six NHRA personalities, including world champions and Texas-based drivers.
“The Stampede of Speed is officially off the starting line,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, following Hull’s burnout and launch to start the event. “We are thrilled to have so many significant drivers join us to share their stories leading up to the 40th NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. We are excited for people to see the new-look Stampede of Speed logo as well as the special Funny Car, which will go on tour across the Metroplex to promote the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals.”
Drivers from across the spectrum joined the Meyers, including Texas Motorplex Legends eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher and six-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson. Four Texas-strong drivers were also in attendance, including six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders, four-time Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence, Hull, and Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey, who grew up racing at Texas Motorplex.
“It was a real thrill to make the ceremonial burnout to get the Stampede of Speed and NHRA Texas Fall Nationals started,” said Hull, who races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series for famed Jim Dunn Racing. “To be able to have a Stampede of Speed themed Funny Car do a burnout and then go on tour is cool, and I don’t think any other track has done anything like this. I have a ton of memories from racing at Texas Motorplex in my Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car. I have raced in the Texas Invitational and the Street Car Shootout as well as the Texas Fall Nationals as part of the Stampede of Speed.”
The 40th annual Texas Fall Nationals will be the fourth race of the Countdown to the Championship once again. Mission Foods World Championships will be on the line, and for four-time Top Fuel world champion Torrence, being a part of today’s event was a special opportunity.
“I have been racing at Texas Motorplex my whole life,” said Torrence, who lives in Kilgore, Texas. “I have won championships and lost championships at the Texas Fall Nationals. I remember racing Super Comp and seeing drivers like Erica Enders, Spencer Massey coming up through the ranks with me. Being a part of a day like today with Greg and Tony is great. These guys are the real legends, and I want to thank Billy and Christie for everything they do for NHRA and this track.”
As part of the Stampede of Speed, the track announced a signature dessert will be offered, the Burnout Bun. The tasty treat is a baked and then deep-fried cinnamon roll drizzled with glaze and Nutella, then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and pecans. The Burnout Bun is served in a tire-shaped bowl and will only be available during the Stampede of Speed events.
“We wanted to offer the fans a special treat that would be delicious and also have a racing vibe,” said Meyer Johnson. “The staff came up with several ideas, but we all thought the Burnout Bun was the best and tastiest option. We served them today along with Jambo’s BBQ and everyone loved them. We are hoping more tracks will follow our lead and come up with signature food items for their races.”
The Stampede of Speed will run October 3-12 and will once again start with the cattle drive through historic downtown Waxahachie on Friday, October 3. Throughout the ten days of racing, concerts, family-friendly events, Texas themes and traditions will be celebrated. Fans can purchase tickets now for all the events at www.stampedeofspeed.com.
This story was originally published on July 9, 2025. 
