Alaska News

Jets roar at raceway

The Secret Weapon and the Peacekeeper will take center stage on the drag strip this weekend.

The two jet tanks -- drag-racers painted like tanks and propelled by jet engines -- highlight the Fourth of July weekend at Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer.

Capable of flying down the quarter-mile drag strip in about 5.7 seconds, the tanks will run exhibition races several times Sunday and Monday.

The tanks will highlight three days of action at the park. Gates open Saturday at 2 p.m., and race organizer Dani Winter said people are welcome to camp out all weekend.

A pair of nitro funny cars -- the Alaskan Grizzly and Spare Parts -- will also race, as will fully street legal cars in the final King of the Street competition.

At the Northstar Speedway in Palmer, race days are Saturday and Sunday, with the 49th State Street Rodders Car Show and Burnout competition scheduled for Saturday. There will also be racing in the legends and baby grands divisions, a beer and wine garden, and a chance to win tickets to a Charlie Daniels concert.

Alaska Raceway Park

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Saturday

Gates open 2 p.m.

Time Trials 4 p.m.

Eliminations 6 p.m.

Sunday and Monday

Gates open 9 a.m.

Time trials 10 a.m.

Eliminations 1 p.m.

Tickets --$15 adults, $10 ages 11-15, under 11 free.

North Star Speedway

Saturday and Sunday

Qualifying at 4:30 p.m.

Racing at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets -- $10 adults, $8 seniors and military, $5 ages 10-15, under 10 free.

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