2017 Meltdown Drags at Byron, Illinois

Even though this is called the Meltdown Drags, it could also be called the Straight Axle Nationals.

The name “Meltdown” comes from the nuclear cooling towers that are at the end of the track. These cooling towers have held the local developers at bay for the last 50 years. As a result, Byron Dragway has successfully been in operation all of those years, unlike so many other tracks that have gone out of business.

The assortment of straight axle dragsters, altered, gassers & AFX cars is second to none. The Meltdown Drags have become one of the “bucket list events” for many fans and racers in the USA and Canada.

In the 8th year the race, swap meet, car show, pin up contest & overnight camping have become the highlight of many people. Approximately 14,000 spectators paid the ticket fees to see around over 500 racers take the drag cars down the track. We did not get a count on how many cars attended the car show and swap meet but the many acres of grass were over flowing.

Photographers and news media people came from around the world to record the event for printed magazines and internet sites. Portions of the race were broadcast live via the internet. Spectators came from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Europe and from most U.S. states. It is truly an international event.

The Meltdown Association works 365 days a year to make it all work. They do this for the love of the sport. They take zero pay and dedicate most every day of the year to making the next event better. They give away door prizes, sell t-shirts, decals and other memorabilia to help pay the phone bills. The printing costs, banners and special trophies are mostly donated. They honor the American flag and the members of the military at each and every event.

Check out the photos and hope to see you at the 2018 event -- and bring some friends with!