Racers ready to burn rubber at Kingdon 3

More than 100 cars have already pre-registered and more than 6,000 spectators are expected to attend the "Return to Kingdon 3" drag races this Saturday at Kingdon Airport, event organizers said on Thursday.

The airport is home to the old Kingdon Drag Strip, which hosted NHRA-sanctioned races from 1954-78.

Gates open at 6 a.m. on Saturday, qualifying begins at 9 a.m. and finals start at 5 p.m.

Race cars will be split into three classifications (dragster, classic street and import) and the winner of each division will receive a trophy. Last year's times are posted at www.kingdondrags.com.

In addition to racing, there will be a car show with judging at 10:30 a.m. and Mike Irwin's Top Alcohol Dragster and Bob Sanguino's Top Alcohol Funny Car will each be on display.

As many as 25 to 30 vendors are also expected and local and state law enforcement agencies will sit up booths in an effort to promote a safer alternative to illegal street racing.

Kingdon Airport is located at 12145 N. DeVries Road.

General admission for Saturday's event is $7. Admission for seniors 55 and over and children 10 and under is $5. Admission prices were incorrectly reported in Wednesday's News-Sentinel.

For more information go online at www.kingdondrags.com.