Where will you join us in 2024?

While we still have a few seats left in our December 2023 classes, we’re excited to let everyone know all the 2024 dates we have confirmed so far!

We’ll continue to run our 2-day SC/SG Competition License Class, along with our fun Dragster Adventure at Gainesville Raceway and most of our travel stops.  The Adventure program is a great idea for corporate groups too!  And for those wanting to move up, additional alcohol funny car and dragster dates will still be available on request at our home track in Gainesville, FL.

Gainesville Raceway  – currently scheduled – January 16-17, 2024; January 23-24, 2024;  February 6-7, 2024;  March 12-13, 2024 (after Gatornationals);  March 19-20, 2024 or March 26-27;  Dragster Adventure Dates are March 14, 2024 or March 22, 2024 – more 2024 dates coming soon!

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – April 22-23, 2024 and April 24-25, 2024 – SC/SG Competition License Classes

Tucson Dragway – April 30, 2024 Dragster Adventure and May 1-2, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

WWT Raceway – June 7, 2024 Dragster Adventure and June 8-9, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Summit Motorsports Park – July 8, 2024 Dragster Adventure and July 10-11, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

zMax Dragway – July 24, 2024 Dragster Adventure and July 25-26, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Maple Grove Raceway – August 19, 2024 Dragster Adventure and August 20-21, 2024 SC/SG Competition License Class

Call us at 866-480-7223 and talk to Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 with any questions you have about any of our programs! 

Alcohol dates on request, although we do have some confirmed already at www.frankhawley.com 

You can also purchase the Dragster Adventure online at https://frankhawley.com/booking-dates/

We look forward to seeing you at a class soon!

www.frankhawley.co

866-480-7223

Mickey Thompson Celebrates Staff and Customers with Dragster Adventure at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

For more than twenty years, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels has been the official tire supplier of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. In addition to knowing the importance of providing the best racing rubber to its customers, M/T knows the importance of appreciating its hardworking employees. Every year, the company honors a select group by sending them to the School to participate in the popular Dragster Adventure Challenge.

Frank Hawley’s Dragster Adventure Challenge was specifically designed as a fun course to give enthusiasts the chance to drive a dragster – and also compete in a side-by-side race – without the stringent requirements of becoming a licensed racer. Available to the general public and to corporations at various dragstrips across the country, it’s an incredible opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The full-sized, competition-style cars are capable of running 0-60 mph in 3-seconds at speeds upwards of 130 mph in the quarter-mile. Like all of the cars at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, each one depends on Mickey Thompson’s American-made rubber to get them down the track safely, consistently, and quickly.

On July 12, 2022, Mickey Thompson brought sixteen of its lucky staff and customers to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, for a special day of excitement. Additionally, since Goodyear acquired Mickey Thompson when it purchased its parent company, Cooper Tire & Rubber, in 2021, several Goodyear engineers were invited to attend so that they could experience the M/T performance drag racing side of things.

“We’ve had a lot of discussions on how we can improve our products, both for our racers and Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. Getting the Goodyear team out to race gave them a different perspective on things,” noted Jason Moulton, Director of Motorsports at Mickey Thompson. Moulton believes that perspective is the key to helping people understand the importance of their role in every process, whether it’s manufacturing or drag racing. “For our customers, we enjoy showing them why we work so hard to deliver the best performance with our race tires.”

Owner and founder of the School, Frank Hawley, has also enjoyed the longstanding relationship with Mickey Thompson. “In addition to the fantastic products that they manufacture, Mickey Thompson has assembled a great group of people,” shared Hawley. “Jason [Moulton] and his team consistently produce for us and our students, and we’re looking forward to many more years with M/T’s tires performing so well for our customers.”

Moulton wasn’t scheduled to participate in this outing, however, when another driver had to cancel at the last minute, he eagerly stepped in. “It was a great experience and helped me better understand what it’s like to drive from the customer’s perspective,” noted the man who also got an updated, firsthand look at M/T’s tire performance and consistency. “Plus, who doesn’t want to get in a car and go ripping down the track? It’s always a thrill, and the School’s instruction and equipment are top-notch!”

For Moulton, his favorite moments from the day weren’t centered around his time behind the wheel – instead, he loves seeing the sheer joy on a new racer’s face after making their first run. “Participating in a program like this is something that everyone absolutely needs to try,” he affirmed.

Of the group, which included seasoned racers like Moulton as well as rookies, it was Saiyd Drake, a 22-year-old M/T warehouse associate and first-time racer, who went on to win the Dragster Adventure Challenge race outright.

“It caught me a little off-guard since I wasn’t used to going that fast,” laughed Drake, who appreciated using the same tires he handles daily. “Frank and his team told me to focus on my reaction time, not to be nervous, and to go for it when I saw the lights [on the tree] change.”

Drake showed true natural talent and the School’s program helped him turn on several win lights in a row as he progressed through the friendly competition. Although the unexpected final round win itself “felt great and was amazing,” Drake especially enjoyed talking with the other racers and the School’s staff. “I loved it and would like to race more,” he added happily.

Whether it’s beginners like Drake or frequent competitors, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers tons of amazing opportunities to strap into the driver’s seat and blast down the track. From the NHRA and IHRA licensing courses to the no-experience-required Dragster Adventure Challenge, everyone who attends will get the bonus of rolling on a set of Mikey Thompson’s iconic tires.

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

Drive at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

In drag racing, there’s perhaps no greater glory than capturing a win at the legendary Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The famed facility has hosted countless success stories over the years, and those who want to experience the same thrill on the hallowed grounds will have the opportunity to do so in early June of 2022 thanks to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.

With no experience needed to participate, both rookie racers and veteran drivers alike can obtain their NHRA competition license during the School’s 2-day course to be held on June 20-21, followed by the School’s popular Dragster Adventure on June 22.

Participants in the immersive 2-day licensing course will enjoy both classroom and on-track segments. Once the groundwork is covered, students will make longer and longer passes down the historic Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park 1,320-foot surface under the careful guidance of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School staff with important, personalized post-run feedback and coaching.

“One of my most exciting victories came at Indy in 1982 when we defeated Don Prudhomme at the first-ever Big Bud Shootout which was, at the time, the richest drag race in history,” reminisced Frank Hawley who attended his first national event, the US Nationals in Indianapolis, at the track in 1969. “It’s great to return to Indy to teach students to race on one of my favorite tracks.”

On June 22, the focus shifts to flat-out fun as the Dragster Adventure allows participants the chance to race in a side-by-side matchup while clocking speeds nearing 130 mph in the quarter-mile. A great gift for family, friends, employees, customers, or anyone wanting to relish the rush of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, no prior racing experience is needed to join the School’s Dragster Adventure and seats in the program can be reserved online.

“Whether it’s local bracket racers or national champions, everyone can learn from Frank Hawley and we appreciate the School spending time with our racers,” said NHRA’s Kasey Coler, Vice-President Track Management & Operations at Indy. “We love seeing accomplished racers sharpen their skills or novices take things to the next level. Frank is a fantastic teacher and does everything with safety in mind.”

Racing at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park can be a dream come true for those who register with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 20-22, 2022.

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.

Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103

Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102

Written by Ainsley Jacobs

Conveniently situated in the center of the country to be easily accessible for racers from many surrounding regions as possible, Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, will open its doors to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022, to give racers the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.

Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving a drag car will be able to do so with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2-day NHRA licensing course, held on June 6-7. While no prior experience is needed, seasoned competitors will also be able to hone their skills and brush up on techniques. Participants can choose from either a Super Gas car a Super Comp dragster, and the class includes both classroom lectures as well as plenty of on-track seat time with personalized feedback and guidance after each pass.

“Having Heartland Motorsports Park back on our schedule is exciting,” exclaimed Frank Hawley, School owner. “I raced Top Fuel Dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars at Topeka. We are really looking forward to getting back to America’s Heartland to make some noise and have some fun.”

For those wanting to feel the incredible thrill of driving a dragster in a side-by-side drag race while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds but who don’t necessarily need or want a competition license, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making its awesome Dragster Adventure available to the public on June 8. No past driving experience is needed, and participants will be able to feel what it’s like to speed through the traps at roughly 130 mph.

“I raced for over thirty years, but I was astonished at how much I learned from taking Frank’s classes – even after having already driven Pro Mods,” noted Chris Payne, Owner of Heartland Motorsports Park. “I was a self-taught racer and Frank could have helped me exponentially if I had taken his courses earlier. Having Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at our facility is hugely beneficial to our racers and we’re happy to be able to give people in the area access to it.”

Located in the heart of the United States, Heartland Motorsports Park will host Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on June 6-8, 2022. Frank Hawley and his team will share a tremendous wealth of information and knowledge with speed-hungry participants of all skill levels, and this is surely an opportunity not to be missed.

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations

Contact Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

Contact Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com 

Located just outside of Houston in Baytown, Texas, Houston Raceway Park will host the School’s 2-day licensing classes in Super Comp or Super Gas on April 4-5 as well as its Dragster Adventure program on April 6, and no previous racing experience is needed to participate in any of the programs.

The two-day license course keeps a steady pace with plenty of action. Beginners are taught basic techniques and procedures for drag racing, while experienced racers focus on refining the mental aspect of the sport and honing their skills to bolster their win rates.

Classroom instruction is combined with in-car and on-track instruction in a safe, controlled environment, and drivers make progressively quicker runs down the dragstrip with video review afterward. Frank Hawley’s valuable insights and personalized coaching highlight the experience while encouraging personal improvement.

“I’ve got lots of great memories of Houston Raceway Park, both from our School and my years racing fuel cars,” said School owner Frank Hawley. “Houston has always been one of the fastest tracks in the country, and we’re looking forward to licensing many new NHRA drivers there.”

The famous and fun Dragster Adventure lets drivers compete in a thrilling side-by-side race. Perfect for friends, family, employees, customers, or anyone who’s ever wanted to wheel a full-sized, competition-style dragster that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds and clock speeds of 130 mph in the quarter-mile, participation in the program can be purchased online at the following link – (Dragster Adventure).

“Frank’s is the only school we have come through the Park and we value that relationship and partnership,” said Seth Angel, Vice President and General Manager of Houston Raceway Park. “As an NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile facility, we want Frank’s students to get their licenses and start their journeys in the sport of drag racing here with us in Houston.”

Houston Raceway Park is the only Texas stop on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2022 season schedule, so don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime chance to drive with Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School on April 4-6, 2022.

Seats are limited and courses sell out quickly. To reserve, please call 866-480-7223! Visit www.FrankHawley.com for all upcoming class dates and locations.

Contact Jeff Arend, 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com or Paul Shields, 866-480-7223 x102, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com

It’s been 5 years since Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School has been at Bandimere Speedway! 

“We absolutely love the Bandimere facility and the staff and are looking forward to returning to the Mile High Raceway July 27, 28 and 29th,” said school owner Frank Hawley. ” Our drivers get to drive on one of the best prepared race tracks in the country while also enjoying one of the most scenic areas of any place we visit.  On one side of the track are the mountains and on the other a skyline view of the city of Denver.  It’s a great place for the drivers, their families and friends to visit.” said Hawley .

“I am a graduate of the Hawley School and can tell you it’s a first class operation with excellent instructors and equipment,” said ‘Sporty’ Bandimere.  “I think everyone could benefit from Hawley’s instruction.  We’re excited to have the Frank Hawley School back.”

The School will offer two programs.  On July 27th we will offer the Dragster Adventure program.  “In this class we let drivers train in 10 second dragsters.  They’re equipped with a gas pedal, a brake pedal and an automatic transmission similar to a regular car,” said Hawley.  “And the drivers can also choose to compete in ‘side-by-side’ competition.  It’s the only place in the country where almost anyone can learn to drive a dragster in the morning and race for a trophy in the afternoon.  It’s the perfect program for someone that wants to give driving a try without committing the resources needed for our competition course,” added Hawley.

The other program is one of most popular, the 2-day NHRA competition licensing program in which many of today’s current Pro drivers started their careers.  It is also the course that many JR Dragster drivers have chosen to begin their transition into bigger cars. The class is a comprehensive course that combines racetrack and classroom time (Frank’s Personal Performance seminar) to get drivers started in the right direction.  Students can drive our SC or SG cars or bring their own car to class.  Additionally it gives drivers that may already be racing an opportunity to get certified to 7:50 ET.

So if you, a spouse or a friend find this interesting please contact Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School at 866-480-7223 for information and to register!

Seats are limited in all programs and pre-registration is required.

Call our knowledgeable guys with your questions or to book a seat! 

You can also buy the Dragster Adventure program on-line at www.frankhawley.com 

Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 c

Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 c

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

We have confirmed a number of 2020 class dates!  Next year we’ll be returning to some of our favorite tracks – Tucson Dragway, Auto Club Dragway, Houston Raceway, Route 66 Raceway, Summit Motorsports Park, Bandimere Speedway, Woodburn Dragstrip, and of course running classes all throughout the year at our home base of Gainesville Raceway!  We’re still waiting to confirm dates at Las Vegas and Maple Grove Raceway.

Gainesville Raceway – January 21-22, February 4-5, February 18-19, March 17-18, March 24-25 Two-day competition license class; Dragster Adventure – March 27, 2020.   These are just the spring dates – we run here ALL YEAR!

Tucson Dragway – April 5 Dragster Adventure; April 6-7 Two-day competition license class

Auto Club Dragway – April 15-16 Two-day competition license class, April 17 Dragster Adventure

Houston Raceway – June 3-4 Two-day competition license class, June 5 Dragster Adventure

Route 66 Raceway – June 24-25 Two-day competition license class, June 26 Dragster Adventure

Summit Motorsports Park – July 13-14 Two-day competition license class, June 16 Dragster Adventure

Bandimere Speedway – July 27 Dragster Adventure; July 28-29 Two-day competition license class

Woodburn Dragstrip – August 2 Dragster Adventure; August 3-4 Two-day competition license class

You can earn your competition license to 7.50 in the two-day competition license class in our car or yours, so please contact us and we can answer all your questions about this program.  This is a great foundation if you’re building a car, moving up to a faster car or making the move up from Juniors.  Or maybe it’s on your bucket list to take the class.  You’ll learn so much more than how to drive the race car! Frank’s renowned “Personal Performance Development” classroom sessions cover the physiology of how your mind and body work together.  Participants will learn how to mentally prepare, perform at the highest level, improve focus and block out distractions.  Frank teaches how to practice more effectively whether at the track, at the shop or at home.  He’ll share techniques on how to remove the emotional baggage (everybody has some) that can often disrupt good performance .

If you’re looking for a fun day driving a dragster, the dragster adventure is for you, friends, customers and employees.  The Dragster Adventure is a fun course specifically designed for drivers that want to “DRIVE A DRAGSTER” and you can even compete in “SIDE-BY-SIDE” racing.  This program does not have the in-depth classroom sessions that our competition course does, but is great for team building and group events too!  Group dates are available on request.

If you’re currently racing and are ready to move up to a faster car, check out the 200 mph class!  These upgrade courses are designed not only for those seeking to compete in Nostalgia Funny Car, Pro Mod, Top Dragster, A-Fuel Dragster, Top Alcohol Dragster, but also numerous other types of programs such as Super Quick, Quick 16 Shootouts, Super Pro, Big Money Bracket Races or anywhere a competition license to run quicker than 7.49 in a quarter mile is required.  You can earn  your license to 6.00 in these classes. Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School offers drivers who are looking to upgrade their current NHRA competition license to 3A or 3B or 2A or 2B in this unique one day course.  Participation in this course requires a strong drag race history or successful completion of the Super Comp or Super Gas Course.

Call us with your questions or to book.  Seats are limited in all programs and pre-registration is required.

Please call Jeff Arend or Paul Shields at the numbers below with your questions!

Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 c

Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 c

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

Busy times at FHDRS!  We have been running lots of classes and helping new racers earn their NHRA competition licenses this year!  Our annual class after the 50th Gatornationals is always a melting pot of drivers, and this year we had people attending from all over the US, Canada, Norway and England.   We followed up with a Funny Car class, hosted another Super Comp/Super Gas Competition License Class and the one-day Dragster Adventure.  Then while we were getting ready to head west, we added another 2-day competition license class and Alcohol Dragster class to help more people earn their licenses to go racing.

When you receive this we’ll be running classes at Tucson Dragway.  Following Tucson, we head to Auto Club Dragway and then on to Las Vegas.  While our classes in Vegas have been sold out for some time, we have a few seats left at the Fontana class on April 24-25.  There are also a couple seats in the Dragster Adventures on April 19 and April 26 at Auto Club Dragway.  Class dates coming up: Gainesville Raceway May 14-15 (license class); Route 66 Raceway May 23-24 (license class); Houston Raceway June 5-6 (license class) and Houston Raceway June 7 (dragster adventure); Woodburn Dragstrip June 26-27 (license class with only SC Dragster seats left) and Woodburn Dragstrip June 28 or June 29 (dragster adventures); Summit Motorsports Park July 15-16 (license class); Heartland Motorsports Park July 30-31 (license class); and Maple Grove Raceway August 12-13 (license class).  More fall dates on our calendar, too!

Many of our dragster adventure days are already sold out, so we thank you for your support of this program and please know we’ll try to increase the dates for these next year!

All the competition license classes include the lectures on how to “Improve your Personal Performance”.  The classroom sessions cover the physiology of how your mind and body work together.  You’ll learn how to mentally prepare, perform at the highest level, improve focus and block out distractions.  Frank teaches how to practice more effectively whether at the track, at the shop or at home.  He’ll share techniques on how to remove the emotional baggage (everybody has some) that can often disrupt good performance.  People share with us they find this classroom time extremely useful in their work, at home and of course on the track!

Remember, our Alcohol class dates are scheduled on demand, so give us a call if you’re ready to take that next step in your career.

Paul Shields and Jeff Arend can answer all your questions about our programs and their contact information is below.  We look forward to seeing you at a class soon!

Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 909-973-8279 cell

Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 904-472-6312 cell

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

The Mickey Thompson Dragster Challenge days are always exciting, but this time we were fortunate to introduce some special celebrity guests to the thrill and excitement of drag racing!  With Mickey Thompson distributors from Freedom Tire, Les Schwab Tire Centers and Keystone Automotive competing against special celebrity guests Doug and Brad DeBerti from the Discovery Show “Twin Turbos“, and Eric Barron who drives the Mickey Thompson Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series truck, you just knew it was going to be a fun and special day!

In the celebrity guest final Brad DeBerti had an almost perfect .001 reaction time to take out a red lighting Eric Barron.  In the distributors final, Frank Hernandez had a great light to take out Scott Borden to win the trophy and bragging rights of the drivers from Les Schwab Tire Centers.

All in all, it was a great day of team building and drag racing.  “Frank Hawley and his team of professionals have done it again! Said Kirk Fenn, National Accounts and Business Development from Mickey Thompson.  Our guests were treated to an amazing day of learning how to drive these dragsters.”

The School has been relying on the high quality and consistent performance of Mickey Thompson drag slicks for all our race cars for many years now.”  “As the premiere drag racing school in the country we travel to a lot of different locations and we see all types of track surfaces and temperatures.”  “We know we can rely on Mickey Thompson slicks to give us the traction, durability and performance for all our students,” said Frank Hawley.

Contact us about a fun day for your group! The Dragster Adventure Challenge is great for team building, employee reward, customer promotion, sponsor day, etc.  Call Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 at 866-480-7223 to discuss providing a most memorable day for

your group.  Private group events are scheduled on demand, as are the 200 mph class dates in the Funny Car or Dragster.  Information on all the programs offered by the School, class dates & locations can be found on our website at www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

We’ll be heading west soon for classes at Tucson Dragway, Auto Club Dragway and the The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!

The school will be offering both the Super Comp and Super Gas Licensing courses as well as their fun Dragster Adventure Program.  The Dragster Adventure Program offers drivers a chance to get behind the wheel of a dragster for as little as $399 and also give folks a chance to do some ‘side-by-side racing!

You can earn your license to 7.50 in the 2-day competition license program and classes are filling up quickly at all the venues, so don’t delay in contacting Jeff Arend x103 or Paul Shields x102 to register at 866-480-7223.  During the 2-day license program novice and veteran races alike will benefit from Frank’s renowned lectures on Personal Performance.

Tucson Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 12-13;  Dragster Adventure April 15

Auto Club Dragway – SC/SG/BYOC April 18-19; Dragster Adventure April 20 or 27

The Strip at LVMS – SC/SG/BYOC April 30-May 1

And of course there are lots more dates & locations on our website at www.frankhawley.com!  Please contact our guys for information on any of our programs!  Jeff Arend, jarend@frankhawley.com, 866-480-7223 x103 or Paul Shields, paul.fhdrs@gmail.com, 866-480-7223 x102.

www.frankhawley.com

866-480-7223