July 4, 2019 630 PM
PRESIDIO – The International Presidio Dragstrip will host its first race of the season––after being closed for more than 10 years––on July 6 at 16343 FM 170. A shared love of cars and racing led Presidio High School coach Robert Ramirez and AEP electrical serviceman and Alex Automotive owner Alex Jimenez to take the lead in re-opening the track. “If you can get the track, we’ll help you build it,” Jimenez told Ramirez who worked with the Presidio Municipal Development District [PMDD] to secure the land.
PMDD provided a $15,000 one-time, start-up grant, paid by receipt of expenses, to help with the effort. The city also stepped-up, providing use of heavy equipment like an asphalt spreader and roller. “They’ve done a great job of stretching $15,000 into $150,000 so to speak,” said PMDD Executive Director Brad Newton who sees the value in having recreational activities to bring more tourism to Presidio.
Ramirez and Jimenez were joined by Alan Ramirez, Geral McCall and Eric Campos in building out the track through volunteer time and labor. The concrete race strip was expanded from 40 ft to 300 ft. “I’ve never worked for free for so many hours in my life,” said Ramiro who was working on the track until 11pm last night.
Ramiro says his goal is to bring in enough money to help fund scholarships for students at Presidio High School interested in attending trade school after graduation.
Gates will open Saturday at 2:30 P.M. and races are set to begin at 7 P.M. The fee for racers is $40 and the winner will receive 75 percent of the total amount received from entry fees. Spectator entry fee is $10.
