Take It To The Strip - Mandy Mae

I miss the days gone by that I never knew. Days where every vehicle was a work of art. In this fast pace self-centered world, I was craving a different kind of speed and a different kind of people. I ventured out into my own backyard and found I had gone back in time. I finally found where I belonged.

On an old Wold War ll airfield in cozy Prince Edward County Ontario, cars of the past were alive and well. I knew I had to be in the thick of it, there was no way I sitting on the sidelines. I promptly tracked down Glen Conway as he along with his wife Heather Conway are the masterminds behind the scenes. I requested to flag a few races as you see this was no ordinary drag race. This was honest to goodness ol' school Armdrop drag racing. With my yes I made my way out onto the blacktop never to return until the last race of the day had been won. I was hooked and Armdrop has become apart of who I am.

Armdrop Drag racing all started so street racers could have a safe place to let their rides sail to the limits. There are 3 events held each season at the historic airfield with the first Armdrop event being held in the summer of 2008 With 300 cars 2000 spectators in attendance. To date, the largest event included 600 specialty vehicles with 350 registered to race and 4000 spectators in attendance.

Dash plaques are handed to the first 200 vehicles through the gates.

When I'm out on the track the racers are lined up to the right of me awaiting their chance to rip at the blacktop. The drivers are motioned it's their time to run. As they warm their tires the friction against the blacktop creates a cloud of smoke that covers the very thing that made it. The wind gently carries the smoke away to reveal the beast in all its glory. The drivers are now staged and I meet their eyes with mine to see our anticipation for the race is matched. I can feel the rumble of the engine beating like a drum in my chest and I know I'm alive. I signal the first driver by pointing to let them know it's about to begin, and the same with the second. My arms are up, and they're dropped to my side with a swift motion and they're off. A noise so loud you can feel it as well as you can hear it. The vibrations of cars is felt throughout my body as the beasts fly past ripping shreds of rubber in every direction I would later be picking from my hair and clothing to see who will be the first at the finish line.

The spirit of Armdrop is like no other. I have seen racers help repair another's vehicle just shortly after losing to them. If you forgot a tool and need a quick fix not to worry, ask around and you will always find a helping hand. This isn't only about competing but about a group of people, all gathered together in the same spot for one afternoon to forget about all the worries the world has to offer. Where strangers are friends and friends become family. All makes and models are welcome at Armdrop.

You don't have a race car but have that itch to run? Not to worry, borrow your mother's minivan and give it a go. Just don't tell her what you've been doing to her grocery getter, it'll be our little secret.

If shining up and showing off is more your bag you can enter your car or bike in our show n shine. Everyone will appreciate a little eye candy to sweeten the day. There is an abundance of trophies to be had one include is the Miss Mandy Mae Choice Award. It may be a machine that is a beautiful work of art, or it may be one of the mean machines that sail down the strip that is the lucky recipient. It all depends on what tickles my fancy.

Come step back in time with me and experience Armdrop for yourself.

Armdrop, Take It To The Strip.