WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Mo-Kan Dragway, the oldest continuously-operated drag strip in Missouri, has agreed to a multi-year sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Ass’n.

The track in Asbury, Mo., has been in operation at the same location since 1962, but has seen plenty of upgrades over the years with new timing system, new track surface, new tower, improved bleachers and other fan and racer amenities. Sunoco Race Fuels are offered at track.

Carl Blanton purchased the track from original owners, Jim and Ron Wilbert, in 1999. Blanton operates the quarter-mile track with his son Craig as they have events from February through November. The Sunday Fun Drags are scheduled through Nov. 24 which includes test and tune, grudge racing and fun runs.

It’s a diversified schedule of events with the Spring Hot Rod Reunion, brand-specific races for Mopar and Ford, the Midwest Motorcycle Drags and Funny Car Chaos among the highlights.

Their bracket racing program provides a strong foundation for the track. They have embraced the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment SuperSeries and the IHRA Summit Team Finals. It is the home track of IHRA Summit SuperSeries Mod World Champion Dustin Avondet.

To show how tough the competition is at Mo-Kan Dragway, Avondet didn’t win the track championship until a week before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Other Mo-Kan qualifiers for the IHRA Summit World Finals were: Michael Johnson (Top), John Dost (Sportsman) and Andrew Goss (Junior).

“Carl Blanton and his crew do a wonderful job providing a great facility for the racers in that area,” IHRA Division Director Frank Kohutek said. “They’ve been huge supporters of the IHRA Summit SuperSeries and IHRA Summit Team Finals programs. We are grateful for their passion for the racers, the programs and their support of the IHRA.”

Mo-Kan Dragway happens to be in a great location less than 30 minutes from Joplin, Mo., 90 minutes from Springfield and two hours south of Kansas City. Obviously near the Missouri-Kansas border, there are plenty of racers from the neighboring states of Arkansas and Oklahoma who also enjoy the facility.