New blacktop, new location, and a lot of burning rubber. It was the first year the Kingman Street Drags had been hosted in eight years, and the very first time to be physically held on Route 66.

Event organizers, Rt. 66 Street Drags Corp., planned for 300 entries not knowing how many to expect, but many more racers showed interest and not all who inquired about participating could be accommodated this year.

“We had teams haul in their cars from all over Arizona, California, Utah, Montana, and even a couple as far away as Florida and Michigan,” Rt. 66 Street Drags director Brian Devincenzi stated in a release.

The town was alive with excitement and revved engines could be heard around town. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed one of the largest legal street drags in the world that is hosted on a city street, as opposed to purpose built track.

“We were so excited to hear that Route 66 Drag Races were coming to Kingman” stated Jordan Perry, general manager of Best Western Plus Kings Inn in Kingman, who anticipated a good turnout.

Mr. Perry’s sense was well founded. Occupancy in Kingman hotels increased 21% for the nights of the Street Drags, resulting in some $80,000 in additional hotel revenue, a release states. After learning about the hotel performance, Tina Moline, finance director for Kingman, said “that’s great news, and this information doesn’t include the restauranteurs or retailers revenue increase.”

The Rt. 66 Street Drags Corporation expresses its appreciation to the community, to the citizens, all of their great sponsors, all of the volunteers that worked so hard to make this happen, and to their Title Sponsor NAPA/NAPA Auto Parts and local NAPA store owners Tammy and Dan Green.

For anyone who missed out — as well as those who attended and have been anticipating the announcement — mark your calendars for Oct. 23-25, 2020, for the 2nd Annual Kingman Route 66 Street Drags.

Visit www.kingmanrt66streetdrags.com for future updates.

Editor's Note: Information from the city of Kingman.