The Strip at WIR

06/07/2026

The 2026 Ghost Rods Vintage Drags was a beautiful blessed day. Can't wait to do it again in June 2027.

Ghost Rod Members in attendance today left to right.

Aaron Boeder, Edward Boeder, Wayne Dunbar, Ray Bies, Gerald Hutchinson, Harvey Boeder, Gary Schwalenberg, Janet Schwalenberg

06/06/2026

06/01/2026

GHOST RODS KAUKAUNA – Who are they and why are they important to Wisconsin International Raceway’s Drag Strip

The Ghost Rods Car Club was formed in March of 1958 by “car guys” in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. In August, of 1960 the twelve original members applied for and were recognized as an affiliate chapter of the National Hot Rod Association Charter Club program.

The Ghost Rods were also part of the now defunct Wisconsin Timing Association. Old records showed that at least 19 clubs belonged to the WTA. Members organized inter-club events and had a long-term goal of building a drag strip in the northern half of Wisconsin. Union Grove Dragway near the Illinois border was the closest track at that time.

Ghost Rod members worked with local businessmen Joe Van Daalwyk and Connie DeLeeuw to help with the construction of what is now the Wisconsin International Raceway, then known as KK Sports Arena. The drag strip opened in 1966 when drag racing was a grassroots hobby using everyday street cars. Racers largely competed in modified coupes, sedans, and roadsters often called “gassers” or “hot rods”. Speeds hovered around 100 – 140 mph, with the quarter-mile distance taking roughly 9 – 11 seconds for the fastest modified cars. Today, quarter-mile is largely obsolete for premier classes due to safety. Drag racing was a localized, blue-collar “do-it-yourself” subculture designed to keep youths from street racing. This is what the Strip at WIR was built for 60 years ago and the focus today.

Ghost Rod Members worked in various capacities at the drag strip for many years. Charter Member Dave Lindemuth was the track announcer for 49 years. Sadly, Dave passed in 2018. Today less than 20 members of the club remain active.

We hope to see you at the Vintage Drags Race this Saturday, June 6, 2026 celebrating grassroots drag racing and the Ghost Rods in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

05/08/2026

Friday Night Street Drags and Test & Tune Tonight!

Grudge race, call out, participate in the Street Car QUIK 8, hang out, eat a snack, have a drink. Make it whatever you want it to be.
- Gates & Tech Open at 4 PM
- Unlimited Open Runs 5 PM - 10 PM ~Available to any vehicle passing general tech inspection
- Spectators $15, ages 12 and younger FREE
- Drivers $35

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The Gertrude's Ice Cream Summer Nationals Jet Show Door Car QUIK 8 is back on Friday, July 24 and qualifying opportunities begin tonight! Yes, Jet Shows have moved to Friday Nights in 2026.

Qualifying is as easy as attending a Test & Tune event at WIR before July 24 and turning in your paid Test & Tune time slip at the track.

The quickest 8 times, plus two alternates, as of 10 PM on Friday, July 10th qualify to race at the Summer Nationals Jet Show on Friday, July 24 at 6:30 PM

Eligible 2026 Qualifying Dates - May 8, June 5, June 19, July 10

Once qualified you show up on Friday, July 24 to race!
- Winner $1,000
- Runner Up $250
- Positions 3 - 8 receive $100 for showing up and running 1st round. Alternates receive $50 show up money if they don't end up running.

Race will be Heads UP, Pro Tree, 1,000 feet.

05/04/2026

Friday Night Street Drags Are Back This Friday, May 8!

The historic ¼‑mile drag strip comes alive again, and you’re invited to be part of it. Bring your daily driver, motorcycle, project car, or anything that passes tech and enjoy unlimited open runs all evening. Or just come hang out, grab a burger, and soak in the scene.

What’s Happening
- Friday Night Street Drags: Test & Tune, grudge runs, call‑outs, flash‑light starts
- Spectator Happy Hour at the Across the Track Bar
- A relaxed, social, motorsports friendly atmosphere perfect for newcomers and regulars alike.
- BONUS Street Car QUIK 8 Race

Admission
Spectators: $15
Ages 12 & under: FREE
Drivers: $35
Tickets available at the gate on event day.

Schedule
Gates & Tech Inspection: 4 PM
Unlimited Runs & Racing: 5 PM – 10 PM

04/25/2026

Drag Strip gates open at 11 AM today, April 25, for the 60th year of drag racing in Kaukauna.

This event is brought to you by Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia, open to all vehicles and brings the heat with Dragon's Fyre Jet Truck.

Tickets $15, ages 12 and younger FREE.

04/22/2026

Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia is kicking off 60 years of Drag Racing at WIR on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This event is open to all vehicles passing a general tech inspection. Spectators welcome.

You can expect a little bit of everything at WIR Test & Tunes.

~ On the track - Open runs for tuning and practicing, Grudge Matches, Call Outs and fun racing.
~ Off the track - Food, drinks, and pit access to check out cars up close and personal.

This event includes an all run Gamblers Race. Buy In and track length to be determined at drivers meeting. Test & Tune entry is required to participate in the Gamblers Race.

Gates & Tech Inspection Open 11 AM - 4 PM

Concessions Open 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Open Runs ~ Noon - 5 PM
Gamblers Race at 2 PM

$50 per Driver
Spectator $15, includes pit pass, ages 12 and younger FREE.

04/18/2026

Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia kicking off 60 years of Drag Racing at WIR on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This event is open to all vehicles passing a general tech inspection. Spectators welcome.

You can expect a little bit of everything at WIR Test & Tunes.

~ On the track - Open runs for tuning and practicing, Grudge Matches, Call Outs and fun racing.
~ Off the track - Food, drinks, and pit access to check out cars up close and personal.

This event includes an all run Gamblers Race. Buy In and track length to be determined at drivers meeting. Test & Tune entry is required to participate in the Gamblers Race.

Gates & Tech Inspection Open 11 AM - 4 PM
Tech Inspection only available to paid Test & Tune entries.
Concessions Open 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Open Runs ~ Noon - 5 PM
Gamblers Race at 2 PM
$50 per Driver
Spectator $15, includes pit pass, ages 12 and younger FREE.

04/08/2026

🎉 SPRING CLASSIC RACE WEEKEND RETURNS IN 2026! 🎉
Two days. Full throttle. Non‑stop action.-

🏁 May 14–16 at WIR
From Super Late Models to Figure‑8s and Crown Vics, the best divisions in the Midwest are going head‑to‑head for a weekend you won’t forget.

🔥 Thursday, May 14 — FREE Preseason Pit Party
Meet the drivers, grab autographs, walk the track, hit concessions, and jump into Electric Scooter Racing for adults and kids.

🏎️ Friday, May 15 — 1/4 Mile Showcase
Race time 6:30 PM. WIR 1/4 Mile Late Models, Street Stocks, Sport Trucks, 4 Cylinders, Figure‑8s & Crown Vics.
General Admission just $15 — kids 12 & under FREE.

🏆 Saturday, May 16 — TUNDRA Super Late Models
Race time 2 PM
Featuring TUNDRA Super Late Models, Pro Late Models & Mid-Am.
General Admission $20 — kids 12 & under FREE.

👉 Mark your calendars. Fuel your excitement. Spring Classic 2026 is coming in HOT.