Community Projects

The historic SRCA Dragstrip facility overhaul was officially completed in May 2026. The $5.9 million project was the most significant investment in the history of the track and reflects the City of Great Bend’s commitment to supporting recreation, tourism, economic growth and quality-of-life amenities. Improvements included a fully reconstructed drag racing surface and new timing tower.

The old track surface was demolished and rebuilt with pavement installed by slip-form paving by Emery Sapp & Sons. Bartlett & West played an integral role in the design and construction of the project, helping bring the SRCA Dragstrip reconstruction to fruition. Kurt Johnson with Total Value Concepts completed the final track texturing, resulting in one of the flattest drag racing surfaces in the nation while also providing the long-term durability necessary to withstand ongoing track preparation and racing operations.

In addition to the track surface, the project also included construction of a two-story timing tower and installation of a new timing system. The timing tower was designed to modernize race options, enhance timing capabilities, improve race management and increase media visibility.

A historical landmark in the racing community, the SRCA Dragstrip hosted the first ever National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) National Event in 1955. That inaugural event drew 219 cars and approximately 15,000 spectators to Great Bend where it continued to be hosted for the next four years. Today, it continues to serve as an important Midwest designation for motorsports and brings thousands of visitors across Kansas and neighboring states to Great Bend.

A $361,260 undertaking, renovations to Heizer Park were completed last in the fall of 2025, upgrading the park with new bathrooms, signage, netting behind the soccer goals, and a Musco mini pitch, along with a shade structure provided by the Kiwanis Club and improved lighting. This project was made possible through a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Outdoors, the generosity of local organizations, and city contributions.