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Dragway expected to close Sunday

Racetrack owner to retire after 45 years

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005

Click here to enlarge this photo Gazette file photo Race cars of all types take off from the starting line at the 75⁄80 Dragway, in this file photo. The racetrack, which has entertained area racing enthusiasts for 45 years, is expected to close Sunday.

The employee of Pro Start in Monrovia who lead the points races wanted more than just a trophy when the final checkered flag dropped.

‘‘I first went to the track when I was 6 years old. I’ve been racing since I was 13, and I’m 26 years old now,” he said. ‘‘So that’s 13 years of racing at 75-80. I’ll be sad to see it go.”

Bodmer is one of many local drag racers who are itching to get in a few last runs on Sunday, weather permitting.

For the last 45 years, Camaros, GTOs, Mustangs, Novas, Yamahas and a myriad of other cars and bikes have raced down the quarter-mile blacktop in Monrovia.

The track has been family owned and operated by the Wilcom brothers for just about every year of its existence.

‘‘It’s got a real family atmosphere compared to other tracks,” Bodmer said.

Bill Wilcom said it was simply time for him to retire. Wilcom is in talks with a developer to buy the land, and he said, most likely, the track will be demolished to make way for new homes.

Wilcom said having the whole family involved with running the track helped to create a friendly atmosphere over the years.

‘‘We treated everyone like family, didn’t brush ’em off. A lot of people won’t take time to correct simple problems, they’d just brush ’em off, but we always took the time to work out problems with people,” he said.

Wilcom’s wife, Betty, and her sisters have managed the food stand for years.

‘‘It’s always been a part of the program,” he said. ‘‘Good food goes along well with whatever you’re doing.”

Wilcom said it’s easy to see why so many people will miss the track.

‘‘It’s to be expected, there’s been countless people over the years. Now that it’s closing their families come and their families’ families come,” he said.

‘‘I’ve never seen so many old people in one place in all my life,” he said with a laugh.

Ed Zimmerman is a drag racer from New Market whose family has been going to the track for many years.

‘‘My father took me when I was real young, probably 6 years old,” he said. ‘‘I started racing when I was 18 in the 1955 Chevy I still have today.”

The final weekend holds a special meaning for Zimmerman, a member of the Heart of Maryland Classic Chevy Club.

‘‘A final run means a lot. I lost my dad last year and I have the car he took me in my first time at the track, an unrestored 1935 Chevy Master,” he said.

Say goodbye The 75-80 Dragway in Monrovia is scheduled to close after a full day of racing Sunday. The track opens at 9 a.m. for all vehicles. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 6. The dragway is located at 11508C Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. For information call 301-865-5102 or visit www.7580dragway.com.

Earlier this month, Zimmerman took his daughter out to the track in the car to continue the tradition.

‘‘The years went by, but it’s the same group of people that have sat underneath a big old tree at the end of the track,” he said.

So this Sunday, Zimmerman, his friends and family expect to be out there one last time.

‘‘My friend and I were wondering about ways to take it with us,” he said.

Wilcom has been collecting similar stories from long-time racers and has plans to put together a book of 75-80 memories, many of which will be posted on the track’s Web site.

‘‘That’s going to be real special on the Web site,” Wilcom said. ‘‘There are so many good stories, it’s hard to choose the best ones, but we’ll turn it over after the thank-you banquet on Dec. 1.”