Drag racing.  We have all heard or seen it happening on our streets and sometimes those passengers end up hurt or worse yet death. That is why Henry Roberson doesn’t drag race on the streets, but at the track.  He and 35,000 thousand other licensed competitors. Earlier in May of this year, Henry won first place) at the NHRA National Open Drags, in his 1981 Buick Regal and received the coveted Wally Parks Trophy. (Wally Parks established Drag Racing into a legitimate professional motor sport.) It is this trophy that racers live their whole lives for. Henry is a native North Highlander and graduated from Center High school and besides playing basketball and baseball has always loved Drag Racing  Actually, he was born into it, he grew up around cars and his Pops raced the streets of San Francisco years ago. In fact his pops not only encouraged Henry, but his friends also.   “It helps keeps kids out of trouble.”  It also allowed Henry to race without getting hurt or putting other’s lives in danger on the streets. Henry has raced throughout California, Las Vegas and Arizona. When asked how far do you want to go with this?   His response is simply "When you have the passion, its hard to walk away”. That is why his goal is to win and travel the country racing. The winnings are nice.  The most he has walked away with is two grand, and while most racers have sponsors to fund their cars Henry is getting his money the old fashioned way:  Work and of course his Pops is hanging out at the Pick-n-Pulls with him.

Drag Racing is not just for guys, though.  Several girls are down on the track these days, too; including Jennifer, a friend of Henry’s who just had a baby.

You can watch Drag Racing right here in town at Sacramento Raceway.  Kids under twelve are free, and it’s a family-friendly atmosphere. The season starts big on January 1st and Henry will be there to try and win some more; or you can just check out “Pinks all out” on November 26th on the speed channel. Henry was at those races, too.

Hey, just take Henry’s advice “Stay off the street, and take it to the track.” Go down and enjoy a day at the tracks. Log onto www.sacramentoraceway.com, or call the 24-hour info line 916.363.2653. See you at the track.