Santa Pod Raceway

Published 22 March 2017

Burn rubber at Santa Pod Raceway

If you enjoy motor sport and drag racing, then head to Santa Pod Raceway in Northwest Bedfordshire. There you’ll find the most famous drag racing track outside America. The drag strip attracts Europe’s top drivers and race teams and showcases the world’s most powerful cars and bikes.

Santa Pod hosts over 50 events over the year providing all-round family entertainment. These events cover everything from stunt displays, monster trucks and modified car shows, to VW festivals, retro and classic car events and public track days.

History of drag racing

Drag racing started in the U.S. in the 1920’s during prohibition. At that time, the Moonshine Boys were illegally selling alcohol. So they could escape the authorities, they made their cars as fast and powerful as possible with huge, well-tuned engines. This eventually led to the hot rod. Despite prohibition ending, the Hot Rodders grew and American roads became the place for people to settle disputes by racing. The main road through most towns became the place for Hot Rodders to race down from one set of lights to the other. This became the start of drag racing.

Drag racing in the UK

Drag racing became popular in the UK in the 1960’s, which saw many disused airstrips converted into drag strips. Podington airfield was once a Second World War airbase.  In 1966, permission was granted for the airfield to be used as a drag racing venue and the three-quarter mile runway converted to a drag strip.  The track was named after America’s Santa Ana strip and Podington village.

Santa Pod events

Santa Pod hosts a vast array of events throughout the year. Here are just a few to look forward to in 2017.

The 2 seater Thrill ride at Santa Pod

I have to hold my hands up here, I love going to Santa Pod.  It is great value for money, and you are able to wonder around the pit area talking to drivers, who generally love what they do and are happy to talk to you about it.  If you get the opportunity to have a go in the 2 seater drag ride ‘Thrill Ride’ DO IT, its like nothing else you will ever experience!

Santa Pod is an excellent location for the family, and Kids go in for free on may of the events so affordable to all.  Personally I am looking forward to the Festival of speed which takes place over the Easter weekend.  Its worth every penny, all you have to do is pray to the weather gods, because if there is a slight droplet of rain in the air, nothing is going down the strip!

Run What Ya Brung

The Raceway’s public track allows people to take their own cars or motorbikes and test their performance safely and legally. People don’t need a race licence or own a supercar, although many people take their modified cars along to test them out. To participate, people just need a valid driving licencing and the admission and sign-on fee and you can have unlimited runs and even receive a personal performance report.  Unfortunately we do not allow our customers to take their lease cars down the Santa Pod strip, but if you need a reliable family car to get you to Bedfordshire take a look at our leasing cars here.

Truxx Factor 2017

This weekend festival showcases everything related to trucking. With a full programme of activities, it’s a chance to experience trucking in a whole new way.

Japshow Finale

Flame & Thunder 2017

This action-packed family day, features drag racing and motorsport stunts. There’s always a huge collection of jet vehicles, offering a rare taste of what a 300mph boosted dragster feels like. There’s also a huge array of bikes and cars used for drag racing and stunt displays such as monster trucks, driving and stunt riders. The day comes to a spectacular end with a firework display and bonfire.

For more information about events and entry prices, visit the Santa Pod Raceway website www.santapod.co.uk

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