From Runway to Dragway

Hell, Ralph Nestor is the fast lane.

Nestor's business, unconventional as it may seem, has transformed an unused landing strip at Immokalee Regional Airport into a two-lane dragstrip, complete with side crash barriers, an observation booth, timing sensors, audience bleachers and --of course -- the beloved signal light.

For under $10, auto enthusiasts can come and watch their favorite vehicles stick it into gear and high tail it down the dragstrip. Drivers use the runway to test their vehicles against the wits of another car/driver combination. A "run what you brung" policy makes the track equally accessible to souped-up hotrods, European sports cars, even everyday cars -- all are welcome.

A little more than a year ago, Nestor became inspired by a TV news story about illegal teenage drag racing in Cape Coral. He then approached Collier Airport Authority Director John Drury with the idea, suggesting that the airport would be an ideal location.

The green light is on. Since May, the track has been running every weekend and occasionally during weekdays, about 100 cars per day. The International Hotrod Association recently sanctioned the drag strip, opening the door to more racing circles.

Why is drag racing so popular? Drury explains it is a very "meat and potatoes" type of activity, a low-cost way to enjoy an afternoon yet still watch some exciting competition. Some of the state's bigger race competitions, for example the Winston Cup in Homestead and the Gator Nationals in Gainesville, have the potential to pump millions directly into a local economy, selling out hotels for miles around.

Nestor says he hopes that the same can happen in Immokalee. "This town's been good to me," he says.