The US41 Dragstrip in Morocco, Indiana, is a historic venue that’s become a hotbed for old-school muscle car drag racing, capturing the raw spirit of American automotive culture. Since its opening in 1994, the track has hosted events like the IHRA Snap-on Summer Nationals and, after a period of decline, has seen a resurgence under new ownership by brothers Bill and Jim Hupke, with racer Steve Keys rebuilding the bracket program. Known for its gritty, no-frills atmosphere, US41 is a haven for classic muscle cars—think ‘60s and ‘70s Camaros, Mustangs, Chevelles, and Mopars—roaring down the quarter-mile or eighth-mile strip, often powered by big-block V8s and screaming carburetors.
Events like the Nostalgia Drags and Nostalgia Muscle Car Reunion showcase these vintage beasts, with gassers, hot rods, and pro E85 racers battling it out in bracket and no-prep races. The track’s surface, revamped with a regrind by Brandon Mass of Mass Traction in 2021, offers solid grip for high-horsepower machines, though most races stick to the eighth-mile for safety and tradition. Car counts have climbed steadily, with over 260 entries reported at some bracket events, reflecting the track’s growing popularity among Midwest gearheads.
Videos from YouTube highlight the visceral thrill: brightly painted classics with open headers thunder off the line, tires smoking, as crowds soak in the nostalgia of an era when Detroit iron ruled. The track operates Friday through Sunday, with private rentals midweek, and hosts a mix of test-and-tune nights and competitive events like the Street Car Brawl. Despite a tragic accident in July 2023 that briefly closed the strip, safety upgrades, including extended concrete walls and repaired guardrails, have kept US41 on an upward trajectory.
For muscle car purists, US41 is more than a dragstrip—it’s a time capsule where the rumble of a 426 Hemi or a 454 big block still reigns supreme, fueled by passion and a community that lives for the smell of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel. Check the official schedule at us41dragstrip.org for upcoming events.
