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 

Drag Racing Classes Coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Sin City has always had the ability to turn big dreams into reality, and for those who have always wanted to learn how to drag race, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School is making it happen with awesome instructional opportunities. Two-day NHRA competition licensing classes will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 25-26 and April 27-28, 2022 as well as on September 12-13 and September 14-15, 2022.

Suitable for both beginners with no prior racing experience as well as experienced racers, the School’s 2-day licensing programs in either Super Comp or Super Gas offer a stimulating curriculum consisting of classroom lectures and on-track coaching. Upon completion, students will be eligible for their NHRA competition licenses.

The perfect blend of lecture-based education and plenty of seat time for students to implement and practice what they’ve learned, Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School teaches procedures necessary for success in drag racing to beginners while seasoned veterans focus on perfecting their techniques and mastering their competition-day focus.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a storied landmark of motorsports excellence where many of drag racing’s biggest names have competed, allows racers to push their skills and experience new levels of performance in a safe and controlled environment with expert guidance and supervision. The Hawley team of talented instructors offers personalized feedback and valuable insights to further solidify the concepts that are taught during the 2-day courses.

“Las Vegas is known for its great hotels, food, entertainment, and one of the finest dragstrips ever built. Vegas is one of our most popular destinations and we can’t wait to get back to ‘The Strip,’” affirmed Hawley of the desert hot spot for racing. “You don’t want to miss it!”

“The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic dragways in the world. We hold drag racing at every level from pros to juniors,” added Chris Powell, LVMS President. “We take great pride in hosting race fans from around the world and students of Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.”

Other than a stop in Tucson, Arizona, in May, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s April and September dates are the only chances that West Coast-based racers will have to easily obtain an NHRA or IHRA license on Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School’s 2022 schedule. Don’t miss the opportunity to get certified on April 25-26, April 27-28, September 12-13, and September 14-15, 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 – 866-480-7223 x103, jarend@frankhawley.com

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 several years since students have roared down the quarter-mile at Virginia Motorsports Park. “We always loved running classes at Virginia Motorsports Park” said Frank Hawley. “It’s a great track and good location for all of our customers on the East Coast.  Scheduling classes this year has been challenging, to say the least.  But things are getting better. We’ve run classes this summer in Gainesville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, Denver, Woodburn and now we’re adding Richmond.” continued Hawley.

The School plans to offer the 2-day NHRA licensing program on September 24 & 25. You can earn your competition license in our Super Comp Dragster, Super Gas Door Car or bring your own race car to class.  This class includes Frank’s Personal Performance lectures, too.  The popular Dragster Adventure program will be held on September 26.  This is an incredibly fun program for everyone where drivers get to race side-by-side in 130 mph dragsters in the Dragster Challenge.  If you’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a real drag race car, the Dragster Adventure/Challenge program is for you!

Contact Jeff Arend or Paul Shields with any questions or to register.  You can also purchase the Dragster Adventure/Challenge on-line at www.frankhawley.com.  Seats are limited in all programs and pre-registration is required.

We’ll be working on 2021 dates soon, but check out all the dates/locations coming up this fall.  *Remember dates for the Alcohol Funny Car & Dragster are scheduled on request.

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com

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

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

Back in 1987 Terry Rodgers, a financial advisor and drag racing fan, attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School as a gift for his birthday, and drove one of the School’s Super Comp Dragsters.  “Those 2 days with Frank Hawley was like a re-charge for my long-term career goals!  Learning how to focus, block out the enormous noise right behind your head, stay calm and most of all make correct decisions in tenths of a second, was an incredible experience,” said Terry.  The experience at Hawley’s School so impressed him that Terry enrolled his son Richard in the School as a graduation present from Law School.

“I was able to complete the Super Comp course 25 years ago, as a college graduation gift from my parents and I still have pictures from the school hanging on my office wall today.  So, when our son Kevin recently graduated from college, my wife and I thought it would be a great idea to pass down the tradition and we were proud to be able to give the same course to our son for his graduation gift.  It is an experience that creates a memory for a lifetime,” said Richard.

“When my parents told me I was getting to go to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School I was super excited.  I knew getting to drive a dragster and continue the tradition would be a special experience.  Being able to listen to Frank’s knowledge and experience during the class was a great opportunity itself.  Not only do his lessons apply to driving a race car, but they can also be applied to everyday life,” said Kevin, the youngest member of the family.

“We’ve had many second-generation drivers attend the School but this is a milestone, 3 generations!” said Hawley.  “It’s quite a compliment to have Mother’s and Father’s believe in our programs so much to keep sending their kids.  We feel very blessed to have earned their trust.” Said Hawley.

Many thanks to the Rodgers Family for letting us help you make these lifelong memories!

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.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

Hello Everyone!  Who’s ready to get back on the track?

We know everyone is ready to get back to their regular lives soon and we are sure ready to get back to running classes!  So whether you’re new to racing, moving up from Jr Dragster, or need to improve your skills, there are lots of class dates coming to a track near you!  We also added a class following the rescheduled Gatornationals in June!  And did you see we added Bandimere Speedway to the schedule this year? In addition to the popular Super Comp/Super Gas or Bring Your Own Car classes offered, the fun Dragster Adventure will be offered at many of the locations.  Plus, we added a fall Dragster Adventure date in Florida!

If you’re looking to upgrade your license in the Alcohol classes, give us a call as those dates are scheduled on request at our home base at Gainesville Raceway.

Updated schedule:

Gainesville Raceway — May 12-13, June 9-10 (following the new Gators date), October 1-2, November 10-11, December 8-9, December 29-30 SC/SG or BYOC

Gainesville Raceway — November 20 – Dragster Adventure

Tucson Dragway — May 29-30 SC/SG or BYOC

Houston Raceway — June 3-4 SC/SG or BYOC;  June 5 Dragster Adventure

Route 66 Raceway — June 24-25 SC/SG or BYOC;  June 26 Dragster Adventure

Summit Motorsports Park — July 13-14 SC/SG or BYOC;  July 16 Dragster Adventure

Bandimere Speedway — July 28-29 SC/SG or BYOC; July 27 Dragster Adventure

Woodburn Dragstrip — August 3-4 SC/SG or BYOC;  August 2 Dragster Adventure

Maple Grove Raceway — August 26-27 SC/SG or BYOC;  August 28 Dragster Adventure

The Strip at LVMS — October 12-13 SC/SG or BYOC

Auto Club Dragway — October 21-22 SC/SG or BYOC;  October 23 Dragster Adventure

Stay up to date with any changes to our schedule through the “Class Dates & Locations” on our website at www.frankhawley.com…

Class Dates & Locations

Call our knowledgeable guys with your questions or to book a seat in one of the upcoming competition license classes. 

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

West coast classes are coming up soon, so don’t miss out!  The 2-day competition license class will be coming to you from Tucson Dragway on April 15-16; Auto Club Dragway on April 24-25 and The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on May 1-2 (the LVMS class is SOLD OUT)!  This 2-day course includes classroom, in-car and on-track instruction.  Drivers will make progressively faster runs down the strip, enjoy video review of all runs and learn from Frank Hawley’s lectures on improving personal performance.  Those new to drag racing will learn basic techniques and procedures.  Experienced racers will master the mental challenges that separate winners from losers.  Contact us for more information or to register for this course.

Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA will also offer the fun, one-day Dragster Adventure and Dragster Challenge on April 19 or April 26.  This course is for drivers that want to “drive a dragster” and compete in “side-by-Side” racing without committing the time and resources required to become a licensed race car driver in one of our licensing courses.  This is a great program for you and your friends, your customers or your employees. Adventure grads tell us this is the most memorable day of their year!  Click here to book this course on-line!

So whether you want to earn your license, improve your skills, check something off your “Bucket List”, or try the Dragster Adventure with Side-by-Side Racing, give us a call with your questions or to register!  Lots of class dates & locations on our website at www.frankhawley.com!

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

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

866-480-7223

www.frankhawley.com